Carrie Underwood will once again bring her star power to the NFL stage.
For the 12th consecutive year, the country music superstar will sing the opening theme song for Sunday Night Football on NBC.
Underwood’s return marks more than a decade of setting the tone for football fans every Sunday night, showcasing the popularity of the theme song she has made her own.
This year’s season opener is set for September 8, and both NBC and Underwood are promising a “road show like no other,” featuring her performance on NBC and Peacock.
History of Sunday Night Football Theme Songs
The tradition of a theme song for Sunday Night Football goes back several decades, aiming to hype up viewers before the game and give a sense of occasion to each broadcast.
The concept of using a well-known singer to deliver the NFL theme song started in the 1980s, inspired by the success of Monday Night Football’s opening theme sung by Hank Williams Jr. NBC sought to create a similar iconic experience for its audience.
They introduced a rock-influenced theme with Joan Jett’s 1988 hit “I Hate Myself for Loving You,” reimagined as “Waiting All Day for Sunday Night.”
Pop singer Pink was the first to perform this version for Sunday Night Football in 2006.
Her powerful vocals and rock star energy captured the excitement of football and engaged a wide range of viewers.
The following year, in 2007, country music superstar Faith Hill took over.
Hill’s version of the song became a staple, running for six seasons and helping to cement the theme’s place in the hearts of football fans across the country.
Carrie Underwood: The Perfect Fit
In 2013, Carrie Underwood was selected to take the reins from Faith Hill. Known for her powerful voice and energetic stage presence, Underwood was an ideal choice to bring a fresh yet familiar sound to the Sunday Night Football opening.
Her interpretation of “Waiting All Day for Sunday Night” brought a country flair and new energy that resonated with fans.
Underwood’s continued presence in this role over the years has solidified her as an integral part of the Sunday Night Football experience.
Underwood’s version of the theme song quickly became a fan favorite, earning her praise for the excitement she brings to the performance each week.
The show’s producers have applauded Underwood for her ability to connect with viewers and capture the electric atmosphere of game day.
@thewomenofcountry We’ve been waiting all day for @Carrie Underwood to return to #SundayNightFootball! This is Underwood’s 11th consecutive season performing the show-opening since making her debut in 2012 🏈✨ #carrieunderwood #football #nfl #sundaynight #waitingalldayforsundaynight #thewomenofcountry #countrymusic #womeninmusic #newmusic #nashville #cowboys #giants ♬ original sound – The Women Of Countr
Bringing a Fresh Sound to Football
While Carrie Underwood started with the traditional “Waiting All Day for Sunday Night,” she has also taken the opportunity to mix things up over the years.
Her approach has included a blend of her unique style and the tradition of the theme song, keeping it fresh and engaging for both new viewers and longtime fans.
In 2016, Underwood took a bold step by reworking one of her own hit songs, “Something Bad,” into a football-themed anthem titled “Oh, Sunday Night.”
This innovative twist on her music showcased her creativity and ability to adapt her artistry to different contexts, earning positive reactions from fans and critics alike.
The following year, Underwood debuted “Game On,” an original composition written specifically for Sunday Night Football. Though this song was used for a couple of seasons, she eventually returned to the fan-favorite “Waiting All Day for Sunday Night” in 2019, proving that some classics are timeless.
Credit: (Photo by Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic)FilmMagic
A Special Collaboration with Joan Jett
In 2019, the NFL celebrated its 100th season, and Carrie Underwood marked the occasion with a special collaboration.
She invited Joan Jett, the original artist behind “I Hate Myself for Loving You,” to join her in the Sunday Night Football opening video.
This partnership was a nod to the song’s roots and a celebration of its enduring appeal.
The joint performance highlighted the song’s rock origins while blending Underwood’s signature style, creating a memorable and nostalgic experience for fans.
Get Ready for Anther Bang NFL Year
This year, as Underwood gears up for her 12th season, both she and NBC have hinted at exciting new elements in the show’s opening.
Described as a “road show like no other,” the production promises to bring fresh visuals and energy, aligning with the kickoff of another exhilarating football season.
While specifics about the changes are being kept under wraps, fans can expect Underwood’s performance to be as dynamic and engaging as ever.
Sunday Night Football continues to be the most-watched show on television, and much of its appeal can be attributed to the pre-game entertainment, including Underwood’s opening number.
By constantly evolving and delivering high-energy performances, Underwood has kept the show’s opener feeling new and exciting year after year. Her presence has become synonymous with the start of the football season, making her a beloved figure among football fans.
Underwood’s long-standing role with Sunday Night Football highlights the synergy between music and sports entertainment.
Her consistent presence has created a sense of tradition, making her performances a much-anticipated part of the football season.
The success of Underwood’s partnership with NBC’s Sunday Night Football can also be seen as a reflection of the crossover appeal of country music.
Now gear up to witness what magic Carrie world do this year.
Carrie Underwood and Papa Roach’s Chart-Topping Collaboration
Apart from appearing at Sunday Night Football and American Idol, she is also making waves in the music industry with a new collaboration that has surprised both fans and critics.
Underwood teamed up with the hard rock band Papa Roach for a powerful duet titled “Leave a Light On (Talk Away The Dark).”
The song, originally a solo track by Papa Roach from their album Ego Trip, was re-released as a duet with Underwood to bring more awareness to mental health issues and raise funds for suicide prevention.
This unique pairing has proven successful, not just in raising awareness but also on the charts.
“Leave a Light On (Talk Away The Dark)” made its debut on the Billboard Adult Pop Airplay chart, coming in at No. 37.
This achievement marks Underwood’s return to the Adult Pop Airplay chart after a seven-year hiatus.
Her last entry was in 2017 with “The Fighter,” a duet with fellow country artist Keith Urban, which peaked at No. 40.
The new collaboration with Papa Roach also marks Underwood’s highest position on the chart since her single “Blown Away” reached No. 31 in January 2013.
Carrie Underwood’s history on the Billboard Adult Pop Airplay chart:
| Song Title | Collaboration With | Year | Peak Position on Adult Pop Airplay Chart |
|---|---|---|---|
| “Some Hearts” | – | 2005 | 22 |
| “Before He Cheats” | – | 2006 | 5 |
| “Blown Away” | – | 2013 | 31 |
| “The Fighter” | Keith Urban | 2017 | 40 |
| “Leave a Light On (Talk Away The Dark)” | Papa Roach | 2023 | 37 |
Conclusion
- Carrie Underwood’s role as the voice of Sunday Night Football has become a cherished tradition for many football fans.
- As she embarks on her 12th season, Underwood’s ability to reinvent the opening theme and bring her own flair ensures that the excitement of Sunday Night Football begins even before the first kickoff.
- Her performances have set a high standard for what pre-game entertainment can be, combining musical talent, star power, and the exhilarating spirit of football.
- As the new season approaches, viewers can look forward to another year of Carrie Underwood kicking off Sunday nights with energy, style, and a performance that sets the stage for the thrilling football action to follow.