Sometimes even the strongest voices can’t hold back tears. This week, Carrie Underwood broke down while recording her SiriusXM show. She tried to hold it together as she paid tribute to her late friend and longtime songwriting partner, Brett James. The country world was left heartbroken after hearing that Brett, his wife, and his stepdaughter had died in a plane crash.
For Carrie, it wasn’t just the loss of a coworker but of a friend who helped shape her music and her faith, and she honoured him through music. Carrie credited her fame to Brett, who has the heart behind her biggest hits, including “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” “Cowboy Casanova,” and “Something in the Water.” Fans could feel her pain through every word because they grew up listening to those songs too.
Carrie Underwood Breaks Down After Tragic Loss
Carrie’s fans have commented with love and prayers for the tribute she pays to her writer. “It’s rough losing friends. Especially the ones that helped you along the way.” Another said, “Such a huge loss to country radio – he definitely will be missed”. Fans support shows that Brett’s music brought comfort to millions, and now fans are sending that same comfort back to Carrie.
What makes this moment even deeper is how it ties into her songs. Brett co-wrote music that spoke about faith and letting go, the side of Carrie that looked toward hope and grace. But that’s only one part of her story. Because behind the same voice that sang “Jesus, Take the Wheel” is also the woman who once sang about smashing headlights with a baseball bat.
Carrie Underwood – Before He Cheats (Official Video)
If you want to see the other side of Carrie; bold, fearless, and a little wild , her song “Before He Cheats” is worth a look. It is one of her most significant crossover hits, and the surprising truth is that it was almost never meant to be hers to sing when Brett wrote it. All the songs Carrie sang showcased the range and versatility of Brett’s writing, which she truly values because it makes her who she is as an artist.
From her American Idol days to sold-out tours around the world, she’s never been afraid to show her true self. Fans can follow her on Instagram and YouTube, where she keeps sharing her life, her music, and the moments that remind everyone why she’s country music’s unstoppable voice.