One of Carrie Underwood's strongest statements of self-belief and independence, "So Small," carries a deeper and more special meaning for country singer and philanthropist Ty Herndon. That's why a new version appears on Herndon's album Got It Covered, out Aug. 23.

Per a press release, Herndon fell in love with Underwood's original at a time when he was actually considering leaving the music business. The singer says "So Small"'s message lent him much-needed strength at a time when he was at a crossroads with his career and his public image as a gay man.

"After I moved back home from Los Angeles to Nashville, I had not made a record for almost a decade," Herndon explains. "I was having a tough time deciding whether or not I wanted to stay in a business that I loved so much. I was in my truck on my way to a real estate class when I heard Carrie underwood sing a song that changed the game for me. The message was incredibly strong and it was something I needed to hear. I had quite a few tears that morning in my truck. I let go of my fear and decided to stay in the music business. And it also gave me the courage to start the conversation about my own coming out process."

Herndon's album includes a new version of his own signature hit "What Mattered Most," with pronouns changed to reflect his identity. Herndon came out of the closet in 2014, following the 2010 lead of Chely Wright. Other songs covered include Marc Cohn's "Walking in Memphis."

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