Carrie Underwood Brings "Change" to CNN Heroes
Watching the CNN Heroes special on Thanksgiving night (Nov. 26) was so moving. Not just because of all the heroes or because of Carrie Underwood's voice, but because of the song she chose to sing. When Anderson Cooper introduced her near the end of the show, he said "Change" was an inspirational anthem about how even the smallest gesture can make a huge difference. This song, about fools who believe they can change the world, was so fitting. That's what heroes are all about. They are people who, in the face of hopelessness, have hope. People like a bartender from North Carolina who brings clean water to Sudan, Cambodia and Peru. Or the veteran who helps as many of the 131,000 homeless vets as he can. Or Efren Peñaflorida who won the hero of the year award, for the pushcart classroom he created for Filipino children.
I doubt any of the 10 CNN Heroes had this "Change" on their minds when they were starting their tireless efforts to end injustices. But I bet it's in their heads now, especially the lyrics in the bridge: "The world's so big it could break your heart/And you just wanna help/Not sure where to start/So you close your eyes/Send up a prayer into the dark."
While I was watching Hollywood's brightest stars honor "the best humanity has to offer," that Garth Brooks song, "The Change," kept running through my head. His was all about "I hear them saying you'll never change things/And no matter what you do it's still the same thing." So I had a feeling that Underwood's song would have the same message as Brooks'. But with her own perspective, she is downright inspiring, and her pipes are always powerful, no matter what she's singing
photo credit: John Shearer/WireImage
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Amber says:
This show was so inspirational. It just shows what everyday people can do. We should all try to show a little kindness and make a difference in this world. Carrie performance was superb. She has the most amazing voice and her song Change really touched everyone at my house that night. Carrie is a wonderful person that wants to make the world a better place for all. Country music should be so proud to have this young woman represent them.
Isaiah says:
This was probably one of the best live performances you have ever watched an artist perform. You could easily feel the emotion in the song coming through in her voice and engaging the audience in a superb way! Who cares if she didn’t win FVOTY, this proves she is above that!
wanda says:
You could see how moved carrie was with their stories when you seen her crying during the speech of one of the heroes. Carries song is amazing. She is so talented and has an amazing voice.
Christine says:
She was amazing. I loved this show. So inspirational.
GoCubsGo says:
I was channel surfing late last night and found this special. It’s refreshing to see people get acknowledged for doing good in this world. Some of those ideas were so creative. Buying wine to build wells in impoverished countries? And the kid who set up the foundation for children who need prosthetics after his traumatic boating accident. Awesome. I, too, had Garth’s “The Change” running through my head. That and Brandon Heath’s “Give Me Your Eyes”. Carrie’s performance was amazing, as always. I do need to get her new CD…it’s on my Amazon list.
hotelmotel says:
Carrie clearly has so much talent that she shouldn’t pigeonhole herself as a pop country singer. I think she also has enough talent to succeed in the broader pop world. Nashville is nice and Carrie can make a great career but there are bigger and better things out there. Carrie has the talent to be bigger than country, and I hope she will have the courage to try.
Lolli says:
I saw the entire show and it was so touching and very inspiring. I took the advise of keeping a box of kleenex beside me while watching the show. I seldom see my husband cry and for him to have done it says a lot. Carrie definitely lifted the spirits of everyone, the way she sang the song, the passion she ignites in delivering the message of the song were so amazing and magical. She is a true Talent and a great role model. She knows how and when to use her voice inorder to encourage everyone to do good deeds. Go Carrie…
8charlotte says:
I have not seen this cnn special,yet.But I have read a lot about this special.I have no doubt that Carrie’s song “Change” was so inspirational.I do have Carrie’s new cd and when I heard this song I was in tears.This is what Carrie can do with her voice and performances.Carrie is a very special person and I am so glad she is in country music.
lee says:
Change to make something diffenct then it is right now.
That was 2 yrs ago now it is just a word meaningless.
lee says:
Wait 8charlotte change is song be carrie underwood i thro taylor recorded it?
ouidaw says:
The show was great. And they the best entertainment for last. She was awesome!!! No one sing slive better than Carrie! She meant every word of that song. Some of us, me included, need to learn the words and live by then. Gonna be a great video too! Great show CNN!!
8charlotte says:
lee,am I reading your comment right,you thought Taylor recorded “Change”.Sorry lee Carrie is the singer of “Change”.And by the way it is a song with a very powerful message.Lee if you do not have Carrie’s new cd “Play On”,you need to go out and get it.This new cd of Carrie’s will blow you away.This is an awesome cd.
Filipino Kid says:
proud to be a true blue Filipino..:-)
Mary says:
Carrie Underwood is amazing and her voice is flawless! I always get moved by her songs. Just A Dream was another example of a tear jerker, Temporary Home is also. Thank you Carrie I love you!
Dustin says:
Carrie is AMAZING and is always sweet at heart. She is beautiful - inside and out! This song was a perfect choice! Now that is what I call a vocalist……. excellent performance
okla says:
We still hope that Carrie will save her hometown movie theater
newsok(dot)com/checotah-familys-theater-hopes-turn-sour-with-economy/article/3413557
Netteo says:
I to was moved by the CNN Heroes special. Seeing the creative ways some come up with to help and serve others was amazing. Carrie’s singing Change was flawless and so fitting. She is always so amazing live and the emotion that she gives the audience is inspiring. We should all take something positive from these Heroes and remember to always serve others. Thanks again Carrie for sharing your amazing talent in such a positive and selfless performance.
OldGoat34 says:
All I can say is I watched it made a clip of Carrie’s performance I play over and over.She really sold this song to me.”Change” by her is titled wrong.There are to many Change Songs out there and this should be more distinctive with its Great Message and Carrie the Vocal Virtuoso and Diva.Showed what a Talented Vocalist she really is maybe it should be “Changing The World” as a better title.
Kate says:
Perfect song selection, heartfelt wonderful performance by Carrie and the standing ovation was well deserved.
Sherry says:
PERFECTLY EXECUTED - WELL DONE - “CARRIE ON”!!!!
She just keeps getting better and better.
Marty says:
I taped the show and have watched Carrie’s performance several times. I can tell you that I cry every time. That girl has megatalent and a huge heart. She deserves all the success she has received. For me, there is no singer better on the scene today.
Kenny says:
I am so proud of Carrie and the way she represented both herself and us country music fans! What a class act! This performance was both touching and heartfelt. I love it when she feels the song she’s singing because I feel that emotion right along with her and it lifts me up! Congrats and thank you to all the recognized and nameless heroes out there!
WHO CARES??????? says:
Miss Carrie was AMAZING!!! She has shown the world she doesnt need to win awards to prove herself!! Shes got more talent in her little finger than _____! I wont mention any names, just fill in the blank yourself!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sandman says:
What a voice on that Carrie Underwood. I do have all of her albums. (3) The new album “Play On” is unreal. She is amazing period. She is the real female vocalist of the past four years. and she will continue to be, regardless of who now has that award. It will go back to her next year. I mean lets get real for once.
barb b says:
that standing ovation was the
high lite of the show she was brillant
OuidaW says:
This was a great show. I have seen it more than once. Carrie was great as usual!