In March 2017, Reba McEntire, Kelly Clarkson, and Trisha Yearwood performed the Christian Hymn “Softly and Tenderly” together at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee. This collaboration highlights how the singers’ different vocal styles and textures perfectly complement each other.

Matching her hair color, McEntire shined that night wearing her shiny, orange tunic under her brown skinny trousers and boots. She sang the first verse with so much power and conviction, which made it captivating to watch. The lyrics “Calling for you and for me; See, on the portals, He’s waiting and watching,” McEntire emphasizes the constant call of Jesus to sinners and believers to enter the gates of heaven for a new life with Christ.

During the chorus, Clarkson and Yearwood harmonized with McEntire to give a soulful delivery of the song. Both in their black outfits, the two singers stood on McEntire’s side with their gentle presence. The crowd cheered as Yearwood sang the second verse while Clarkson sang a powerful adlib before she belted seamlessly with the two. McEntire then ended the song with a heartfelt vocalization of the last verse. Surely, the crowd was lucky enough to witness the three household names in the belting department perform their hearts out that night.

Their striking performance displayed a strong invitation Jesus offers for a gentle and comforting haven for those who are burdened by worries and guilt. The song emphasized the mercy of Christ and the grace extended by the Heavenly Father to all people. It is a soothing melody filled with powerful reminders of His presence and guidance into the right path.

This timeless piece was written by Will Lamartine Thomspon in 1880. Thompson was a Christian hymn songwriter who established his own publishing company after being rejected by other publishers numerous times. At present, his hymn “Softly and Tenderly” remains one of the greatest of all time, with several heavy hitters covering it, including Glen Campbell, Alan Jackson, and Anne Murray. What set the trio’s rendition apart, however, was the combination of three classic voices into one contemporary Christian song.

Lighten up your heavy heart as you listen to Reba McEntire, Kelly Clarkson, and Trisha Yearwood’s cover of the Christian Hymn “Softly and Tenderly.”