Carrie Underwood gave fans a glimpse of her rock ’n’ roll side during a recent performance at the Wildlands Music Festival, where she delivered her own take on Guns N’ Roses’ classic “Sweet Child O’ Mine.”
The country superstar brought plenty of energy to the stage, proving once again that her powerful vocals can stretch well beyond country music. But while many fans were focused on her performance, something else quickly caught their attention: her outfit.
Carrie Underwood surprises fans with her look
Underwood stepped onstage wearing pants, a look that some fans admitted they weren’t used to seeing from the country star.
While a few viewers joked about the unexpected fashion choice, others praised her for switching things up and embracing a different style.
The outfit quickly became part of the online conversation, with some fans saying the look was just as surprising as her decision to tackle a Guns N’ Roses classic.
Still, the biggest reaction came from fans who loved seeing Underwood embrace her rock side.
Fans want more “rocker Carrie”
Many viewers praised the performance and said Underwood has the versatility to tackle almost any genre.
“She definitely has a rock side!” one fan wrote, while another praised her ability to perform across rock, country and gospel.
Others simply celebrated the performance, with one fan writing, “I love rocker Carrie!”
Some fans even took the reaction a step further, calling for Underwood to record an entire rock album.
“I wish she would make a rock album,” one viewer commented.
Of course, the performance wasn’t universally praised. Some viewers criticized her vocals and stage presence, while others remained more interested in her outfit than the song itself.
But the mixed reactions haven’t changed one thing: Underwood’s interest in rock music is nothing new.
Carrie’s rock era is nothing new
Underwood has explored rock music throughout her career, performing songs associated with artists such as Ozzy Osbourne and Guns N’ Roses.
She even opened for Guns N’ Roses in 2023, making her latest performance of “Sweet Child O’ Mine” another example of her long-standing connection to the genre.
And it appears that her rock influence is becoming an even bigger part of her musical identity.
Underwood is also preparing to return as the voice of NBC’s Sunday Night Football for another season. Her upcoming 2026 opening will feature a revamped, more rock-focused version of the iconic anthem.
The singer has described the new version as part of her “ongoing rock star fever dream,” making it clear that she is enjoying this side of her artistry.
The updated performance is expected to draw even more heavily from rock ’n’ roll, blending the genre’s classic sound with Underwood’s signature powerhouse vocals.
So while fans may continue debating her “Sweet Child O’ Mine” performance—and even her outfit—one thing seems clear: Carrie Underwood is fully embracing her rock side.