Carrie Underwood is back for another season of Sunday Night Football, but this time, she is giving the iconic opening anthem a major rock makeover.
After 13 years as the voice of NBC’s football broadcasts, Underwood is returning for another season and promising fans a version of the song they have never heard before.
Carrie Underwood gives Sunday Night Football a rock makeover
NBC recently announced that Underwood will return to perform the Sunday Night Football anthem once again.
The announcement featured the country superstar wearing a sparkling outfit with dramatic black-and-silver boots, giving fans an early hint that this year’s performance would look and sound different.
That change became even clearer when Underwood shared a preview of the new version online.
Instead of sticking closely to the familiar country-pop sound, the latest arrangement leans heavily into rock. The new performance has a louder, harder edge that could make the opening feel more like a concert than a traditional football intro.
Underwood is clearly excited about the change.
“This year’s show open welcomes Sunday Night Football into my ongoing rock star fever dream,” she said in a statement.
She also praised creative director Tripp Dixon and the team behind the production, saying the new version captures both the spirit of the famous song and the energy of rock and roll.
For Underwood, the change is not just a fun experiment. Rock music has been part of her career for years.
Carrie has always had a love for rock music
Underwood may be best known as a country superstar, but she has never been afraid to show her rock side.
The American Idol winner has performed rock covers throughout her career, including a version of Ozzy Osbourne’s “Mama, I’m Coming Home” for Apple Music in 2022.
She also opened for Guns N’ Roses during their 2023 tour, giving her the chance to share the stage with one of rock’s biggest bands.
That history makes her latest Sunday Night Football makeover feel like a natural move.
The show’s creative team also sees a strong connection between Underwood’s musical taste and the origins of the anthem itself.
The Sunday Night Football theme is based on Joan Jett and the Blackhearts’ “I Hate Myself for Loving You,” meaning the song already has deep roots in rock music.
Dixon explained that this season’s production was inspired by Underwood’s well-known love of the genre.
With that in mind, the new arrangement could be one of the biggest changes the opening has received during Underwood’s long run.
When will fans hear the full version?
The 2026 NFL season officially begins on September 13, when the Dallas Cowboys face the New York Giants on NBC and Peacock.
That game will also give fans their first full look at Underwood’s latest Sunday Night Football opening.
After more than a decade with the franchise, Underwood could have simply continued with the familiar formula.
Instead, she is turning up the guitars and embracing her rock-star side.
Whether longtime viewers love the new sound or prefer the classic version, one thing is certain: Carrie Underwood is not ready to give up her Sunday Night Football spotlight just yet.