‘Jesus, Take the Wheel’: Carrie Underwood’s Faith-Based Hit

While some called her faith-based track risky, Carrie Underwood never doubted the impact the song’s uplifting message would have on listeners.

Carrie Underwood at the 2007 CMT Music Awards in Nashville. Following Ms. Underwood’s 2007 Grammy award for Best Female Vocal Performance, “Jesus, Take the Wheel” was included in the CMT list of “40 Greatest Songs of the Decade.” Evan Agostini/Getty Images

In 2005, country singer Carrie Underwood won Season 4 of the singing competition “American Idol.” As she set out to make a name for herself in country music, she chose the faith-filled song “Jesus, Take the Wheel” as her first single from her debut album, “Some Hearts.”

Many in the industry, including the song’s writers, had their doubts about the song being the right way to introduce modern country fans to her music. But Underwood’s faith never wavered when it came to the emotive track. What began as a seemingly risky music release ended up launching her career.

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