Carrie Underwoodtook the American Music Awards stage Tuesday night toperforma poignant rendition of “Spinning Bottles.”

On the red carpet pre-show, opened up about the substance abuse-inspired song.

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“I feel like when we wrote this song ‘Spinning Bottles’ we kind of each had people in our heads go through this,” she said of the track. “It’s hard to write, it’s hard to get it out, it’s hard to say it’s gonna go on the album … It’s difficult to sing it to the world, but its life; that’s a part of life. It’s hard to just put yourself out there like that.”

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Carrie Underwood

Underwood added: “Your’e just going into a writing session letting your feelings out and just hope people get it.”

In addition to her performance, the Nashville star, 35, won for favorite female country artist award, for which she was nominated alongsideKelsea BalleriniandMaren Morris.

“Also, I am beyond honored to be in the company of such talented ladies like @marenmorris and @kelseaballerini to represent the women of Country Music tonight. That said, I’m off to peel this dress off and cuddle up to my little man! I shall go to bed with a full and happy heart! ❤️💖❤️💖❤️ And, of course, thank you #AMAs for having me and for letting the fans call the shots!”

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The AMAs are Underwood’s first awards show appearance since revealing in August she’sexpectingher second child with husbandMike Fisher, with whom she already shares 3-year-old son Isaiah Michael.

Check out PEOPLE’sfull AMAs coverageto get the latest news on one of music’s biggest nights.

It’s also only the second awards show Underwood has attended since her November 2017 fall in which she broke her wrist and received 40-50 stitches following an injury to her face. After nearly five months out of the spotlight, sheemerged at the Academy of Country Music Awardsin April, when she delivered an emotional, tear-stained performance of new single “Cry Pretty.”

The news she’s expecting follows years of heartbreak and disappointment: In September, the country singer revealed in an emotional interview withCBS Sunday Morningthat before this pregnancy, shesuffered three miscarriagesin the past two years.

Since announcing her pregnancy, Underwood — who will hit the road for her next tour in May 2019 — has been making the rounds promoting her latest album,Cry Pretty, from appearances onThe Tonight Show with Jimmy FallonandJimmy Kimmel Live!, toreceiving a staron the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

The 2018 American Music Awards are airing live from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles on Tuesday, Oct. 9 at 8 p.m. EST on ABC.

source: people.com