The Dove Awards 2025 became an unforgettable night of faith, music, and emotion when Carrie Underwood took the stage in a surprise collaboration that left the audience in awe. Partnering with rising Christian artist Ben Fuller, the country superstar delivered a heartfelt rendition of “If It Was Up To Me,” a performance that instantly became the emotional centerpiece of the evening.
A Night to Remember: Carrie Underwood’s Unexpected Entrance
As the lights dimmed and the first gentle chords filled the auditorium, Ben Fuller stood alone under a single spotlight. His voice carried a quiet conviction, resonating deeply with every soul in the room. Then, halfway through the song, the audience gasped — Carrie Underwood emerged from the shadows, her unmistakable voice joining Fuller’s in perfect harmony.
The reaction was immediate and electric. The crowd rose to its feet, cheers and tears blending into one powerful response. It wasn’t merely a duet; it was a divine moment that transcended genre and expectation. Cameras captured fans wiping tears from their eyes as the two artists sang side by side, their voices intertwined in a moving declaration of faith and surrender.
The Power Behind “If It Was Up To Me”
At the heart of this show-stopping moment was the song “If It Was Up To Me,” a stirring anthem of faith and trust in God’s timing. Ben Fuller, known for his raw honesty and emotional storytelling, wrote the song as a reflection on personal hardship and the peace found in surrendering to divine will.
Carrie Underwood’s involvement elevated the message even further. Her crystalline vocals added depth and grace, transforming the song into a testimony of shared belief. The pair’s chemistry on stage was undeniable — not born of showmanship, but of genuine spiritual connection.
The lyrics, honest and deeply personal, reminded the audience that faith often shines brightest in life’s darkest valleys. Each line carried the weight of lived experience and the promise of hope, making this duet one of the most talked-about moments in Dove Awards history.
A Friendship Rooted in Faith
What made this collaboration even more meaningful was the story behind it. Ben Fuller’s connection to Carrie Underwood traces back to her husband, Mike Fisher, a former NHL star and devout Christian. Fisher and Fuller met through a Bible study group, where Fuller’s music often became a topic of discussion. Moved by Fuller’s sincerity and spiritual message, Fisher introduced his music to Carrie — and the rest unfolded naturally.
When Fuller released “If It Was Up To Me” as the lead single from his album Walk Through Fire, Carrie was instantly drawn to its message. She later revealed that she felt compelled to join him, seeing the song as a reflection of her own journey of faith.
This partnership wasn’t just a professional collaboration — it was a meeting of hearts aligned in belief, purpose, and devotion.
A Performance That Redefined the Dove Awards Stage
The Dove Awards have long celebrated the best in Christian and gospel music, but Carrie and Ben’s duet broke new ground. Their performance blurred the lines between country and contemporary Christian music, reminding everyone that faith knows no boundaries.
As their voices filled the venue, the energy shifted. It was less about celebrity and more about worship. Even those unfamiliar with Fuller’s work felt the authenticity radiating from the stage. The performance ended in thunderous applause, followed by a standing ovation that lasted several minutes — a testament to the power of music rooted in truth and faith.
Critics and fans alike praised the duet as one of the most memorable moments of the night. Though the song didn’t take home an award, it won something far more enduring — the hearts of millions who watched live and later online.
Carrie Underwood’s Continued Impact on Faith-Based Music
While Carrie Underwood is best known for her country chart-toppers and powerhouse anthems, she has consistently intertwined her music with messages of faith and gratitude. From “Jesus, Take the Wheel” to “Something in the Water,” she has never shied away from expressing her spirituality through song.
This Dove Awards performance reaffirmed her place as an artist who bridges worlds — a mainstream superstar who remains deeply grounded in her Christian faith. Her collaboration with Ben Fuller was not a departure from her roots but rather a beautiful continuation of them.
Speaking after the show, Carrie said, “It was an honor to share that stage. Ben’s song speaks truth, and I think we all needed that reminder tonight — that God’s plan is greater than our own.”
Her humility and authenticity resonated just as strongly as her voice.
Ben Fuller: A Rising Star With a Message That Matters
For Ben Fuller, the night marked a defining moment in his blossoming career. Known for his soul-stirring performances and honest songwriting, Fuller has been gaining recognition across the Christian music world. His album Walk Through Fire chronicles his journey from addiction and brokenness to redemption and faith.
Performing alongside Carrie Underwood not only introduced his music to a wider audience but also underscored his commitment to using his platform for something greater than fame.
He later shared, “That night wasn’t about me or Carrie — it was about what God can do when we let go of control. The song says it all. If it was up to us, we’d make a mess of it. But His plan is perfect.”
A Lasting Impression on Fans and the Industry
In the days following the awards, social media buzzed with clips, reactions, and praise for the surprise performance. Fans described it as “heaven-sent,” “the moment of the night,” and “a performance that brought faith back into the spotlight.”
Music blogs and Christian radio stations echoed the sentiment, calling it one of the most genuine and moving collaborations in recent memory. For many, it wasn’t just another awards show duet — it was a worship moment that reminded them why music, at its best, connects heaven and earth.
Conclusion: A Duet That Defined a Moment
Carrie Underwood and Ben Fuller’s surprise performance at the Dove Awards will be remembered not for its spectacle, but for its soul. In a world hungry for authenticity, they delivered a message of faith, humility, and divine purpose.
Their duet on “If It Was Up To Me” wasn’t just a song — it was a prayer in motion, a reminder that when two voices unite in truth, the result is something timeless. For the Dove Awards, for fans of both artists, and for believers everywhere, that moment will echo long after the lights fade.
Faith met artistry — and together, they created magic.