Carrie Underwood is using her platform to deliver a powerful message to aspiring Christian artists: success in the entertainment industry doesn’t have to come at the cost of faith.

More than 20 years after winning “American Idol” and launching a chart-topping career, the Grammy-winning country star returned to the show this week as a judge for its second annual “Songs of Faith” episode — and made it clear that staying grounded in God is still at the center of her journey.

“You don’t have to … sell your soul to make it in the entertainment industry,” Underwood said. “You are going to have to stand strong in your faith and remember who got you here, because it wasn’t you.”

Underwood’s own career has long reflected that conviction. With hits like “Jesus, Take the Wheel” and her gospel album My Savior, she has remained one of the most visible Christians in mainstream music while achieving massive commercial success.

That balance was on full display during the Easter-week episode, which featured open expressions of faith, worship, and prayer on national television. Underwood joined former contestants for a powerful performance of “How Great Thou Art,” while judges Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan opened the night with “Jesus Is Love.”

“I love that we were able to … just be joyful and kind of have some moments of just worship in front of the world,” Underwood said. “It was just no fear.”

The episode included several openly faith-driven performances, with contestants singing songs like “Jireh” and “At the Cross (Love Ran Red),” and even pausing for a prayer led by a young pastor. Underwood described the atmosphere as deeply moving.

“There were a lot of moments,” she said. “I feel like I’m still downloading all that we just experienced.”

She also praised the show for embracing faith in a space where it’s often difficult to do so.

“I respect ABC and ‘American Idol’ so much for being bold in this theme, because it’s not easy,” she said. “In the world of entertainment in general … it’s not easy.”

Still, Underwood noted that the approach was welcoming, allowing contestants to express faith in ways that felt authentic to them while still pointing to something deeper.

Now sitting on the judges’ panel, Underwood hopes her journey — from small-town contestant to global star — encourages others to pursue their calling without compromising their beliefs.

“Remember where your gifts come from, because it’s not from you,” she said. “Everybody kind of has to make their own way, but it is possible.”

For Underwood, the message is simple but powerful: faith and success don’t have to be at odds — and for those willing to stand firm, both are possible.