Country music sensation Carrie Underwood isn't holding back when it comes to her latest single, "Cry Pretty." In this emotional track, the powerhouse singer dives deep into vulnerability, proving that even the strongest among us can break down. The music video showcases Carrie performing the song on stage while wearing the same dazzling tear makeup she sported at the 2018 American Country Music Awards. Yet, when the spotlight fades, and she's left alone, the real tears start to flow.

Even as the waterworks roll down her cheeks, Carrie remains every bit as stunning as we've come to expect. While fans were worried about the facial injury she mentioned might alter her appearance, there's no sign of it here. The song's lyrics, though, remind us that no amount of glitter or glamour can mask the raw emotion we all experience. "Oh no, you can't dress it up in lace or rhinestones," Carrie sings with heartfelt conviction. "It doesn't matter if you're in a crowd or home all alone. Yeah, it's all the same when you're looking in the mirror. A picture of pain, so let it flow like a river." It's a powerful message that resonates with anyone who's ever felt the need to put on a brave face.

The Making of 'Cry Pretty'

Back in April, before the world got a taste of this powerful title track, Carrie took the time to share the story behind "Cry Pretty" with her fans. In a heartfelt letter, she wrote, "The first single is a song I love so much and can't wait to share with you. It's called 'Cry Pretty,' and I wrote it with three incredibly talented women: Hillary Lindsey, Liz Rose, and Lori McKenna, who also write under the name Love Junkies. I joined one of their writing sessions last year, hoping we could create something magical... and let me tell you, we did!"

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The 35-year-old went on to explain, "The title refers to those moments when emotions take over, and you just can't hold them back anymore. This song speaks to so many things that have happened in the past year, and I hope when you hear it, you'll connect with those feelings in your own life. It's emotional. It's real. And it rocks!"

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Critical Acclaim for 'Cry Pretty'

This comeback track has already captured the hearts of critics and fans alike. Ann Powers of NPR's All Songs Considered praised Carrie's performance, saying, "[Carrie's] delivery highlights the injustice of being expected to maintain composure just so the world looks a little better. Women, when they glance in the mirror, don't just see their own pain reflected—they see the toll of concealing it. In Carrie's hands, a song like 'Cry Pretty' transforms into a subtle feminist anthem about how, for women performers, the emphasis on appearance can overshadow their true artistry." It's clear that Carrie's message is resonating with audiences in a meaningful way.

Carrie's album Cry Pretty is set to hit shelves on September 14, but this lead single has already claimed the #1 spot on Billboard's Country Digital Songs chart—the first Carrie Underwood track to do so since 2015. Not only that, but it's also cracked the Hot 100. Carrie, you're unstoppable!