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Carrie Underwood praying for 'Sound of Music' critics

Carrie Underwood, who played Maria on NBC's live production of "The Sound of Music," is responding in a gentle manner to detractors of her portrayal of Maria, the iconic role made famous by Julie Andrews in 1965.Rather than blasting those who didn't fully enjoy her performance as the governess to the von Trapp children, the singer revealed that she prayed for them.The singer had been quite pleased
Image: Carrie Underwood
Carrie Underwood said she was \"honored\" to be in \"Sound of Music Live!\"Today

Carrie Underwood, who played Maria on NBC's live production of "The Sound of Music," is responding in a gentle manner to detractors of her portrayal of Maria, the iconic role made famous by Julie Andrews in 1965.

Rather than blasting those who didn't fully enjoy her performance as the governess to the von Trapp children, the singer revealed that she prayed for them.

Plain+and+simple:+Mean+people+need+Jesus.+They+will+be+in+my+prayers+tonight...+1+Peter+2:1-25

—+Carrie+Underwood+(@carrieunderwood)+December+7,+2013+

The singer had been quite pleased by her performance and the production after the show Thursday.

Glory+to+God+tonight...I+couldn't+be+more+proud.+What+a+tough+thing+to+pull+off+and+we+did+it!+I+am+so+blessed!!!

—+Carrie+Underwood+(@carrieunderwood)+December+6,+2013+

One person who wasn't quite so thrilled was Kym Karath, who played little Gretl von Trapp in the hit 1965 film.

Love+Carrie+Underwood+but+this+role+is+just+not+right+for+her.+She+is+lovely+her+voice+is+beautiful+but+acting+is+wrong.

—+Kym+Karath+(@KymKarath)+December+6,+2013+

To+be+clear+I+love+Carrie+Underwood.+Just+not+as+Maria.+She+was+brave+to+take+it+on.And+this+doesn't+lessen+my+respect+for+her+talent.

—+Kym+Karath+(@KymKarath)+December+6,+2013+

Though Underwood's performance didn't feel quite right to Karath, she tweeted that she was pleased with "True Blood" star Stephen Moyer's performance as Capt. von Trapp and Laura Benanti as Elsa.

The special was a hit, drawing 18.5 million viewers. "The Sound of Music Live!" gave NBC its best Thursday since the "ER" series finale in 2009.

For those who missed the show, it can be viewed on NBC.com.