Twenty years after its release, Carrie Underwood is reflecting on the song that changed her life — and paying tribute to one of its late creators.
On October 18, Underwood posted a moving video to Instagram of herself performing “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” marking the 20th anniversary of the song that launched her post-American Idol career and won her first Grammy.
“Today marks the 20th Anniversary of releasing #JesusTakeTheWheel, written by the most amazingly talented songwriters — @brettjamessongs, Hillary Lindsey, and @gordiesampson and produced by the incredible @markbrightproductions,” Underwood wrote. “This song changed my life and has meant so much to me over the years. I’m truly blessed to be able to continue singing this beautiful song. 🙏🏻 🛞”
The post carried an even deeper resonance this year following the shocking death of songwriter Brett James, who co-wrote the hit alongside Hillary Lindsey and Gordie Sampson. James was killed in a small-plane crash in North Carolina on September 18 — one month ago today. He was 57; his wife and stepdaughter will also killed in the crash.
Remembering a Nashville Legend
James’ loss sent shockwaves through the country community. The Grammy-winning songwriter was behind some of the biggest hits of the past two decades, shaping the sound of modern Nashville through his work with Underwood, Taylor Swift, Kenny Chesney, Tim McGraw, Martina McBride, and Faith Hill.
He penned Underwood’s breakout ballad “Jesus, Take the Wheel” early in her career, helping to cement her as one of country music’s most powerful voices. In a 2025 podcast interview — recorded just one week before his death — James recalled how the song came together “almost by accident” during a casual Thursday writing session at co-writer Lindsey’s house.
“We didn’t know who Carrie Underwood was,” he shared on Now Hear This. “We were just trying to write something we thought was a good song that day. Once in a while, you write a song that becomes bigger than all of you — and that song is one of those.”
James said he had performed “Jesus, Take the Wheel” on five continents, meeting fans who told him how the song had helped them through tragedy and loss. “Every time I play it, someone comes up and says, ‘I had a similar story in my life… I needed to hear that at that time,” he said.
A Song That Still Moves the World
“Jesus, Take the Wheel” earned Underwood two Grammy Awards in 2007 — for Best Female Country Vocal Performance and Best New Artist — and became one of the defining hits of her career.
Now, two decades later, the message of faith and surrender continues to connect with audiences worldwide — and her fans made that clear in the comments on her post.
One fan wrote, “Watching you sing this and ‘How Great Thou Art’ back to back was the only time I’ve ever cried at a concert! So amazing!”
“Man, those years went by so fast!!!!! Still one of my favorites,” added another.
A third follower simply shared, “One of my favorite songs from her,” and a fourth wrote, “One of the best songs ever and beautifully sung! No one else can project the meaning more beautifully.”
Others called it “one of the best songs in country music,” and “monumental,” while a third fan summed it up in one word: “Breathtaking.”
As Underwood’s anniversary performance proves, some songs don’t just define a moment — they transcend it. And for both the singer and the late songwriter who helped craft it, “Jesus, Take the Wheel” remains a testament to the kind of music that can truly change lives.
