Carrie Underwood is back for another season of Sunday Night Football, but this time, she’s giving the iconic opening a bold new sound.
After more than a decade as the voice of NBC’s beloved football opener, Underwood is switching things up for the 2026 NFL season. A new teaser has already given fans a glimpse of what’s coming—and it looks like Carrie is leaning heavily into her love of rock ’n’ roll.
A Brand-New Sound for a Classic Opening
In a recent post shared by Underwood and the official Sunday Night Football account, fans were promised a completely revamped version of the familiar anthem.
“Carrie Underwood RETURNS for another year on Sunday Night Football!” the announcement teased, revealing that a brand-new version of the iconic opening is on the way.
The teaser features Underwood in a striking black-and-silver outfit paired with thigh-high boots, signaling that this year’s opening will have a very different look and feel.
And the music appears to be getting an equally dramatic makeover.
In a special preview, Underwood offered fans a taste of the new arrangement, which brings a much stronger rock influence to the song.
Carrie’s “Rock Star Fever Dream”
Underwood has made no secret of how excited she is about the new direction.
“This year’s show open welcomes Sunday Night Football into my ongoing rock star fever dream,” she said in a recent statement.
She also praised the creative team behind the production, saying the new version captures both the spirit of the iconic song and the energy of rock ’n’ roll.
For Underwood, this isn’t just another annual update. She described the new opening as one of her favorite versions yet.
And judging by the teaser, fans are in for something considerably more energetic and edgy than what they’ve seen in recent years.
Rock Music Has Always Been Part of Carrie’s World
While the new direction may surprise some viewers, Underwood’s love of rock music is hardly a secret.
The country superstar has performed songs from some of rock’s biggest names throughout her career. In 2022, she covered Ozzy Osbourne’s “Mama, I’m Coming Home” during an appearance on Apple Music. The following year, she even joined Guns N’ Roses on tour as an opening act.
So, bringing a heavier rock influence to the Sunday Night Football opening feels like a natural extension of an interest Underwood has had for years.
Tripp Dixon, the show’s creative director, also explained that the team drew inspiration from Underwood’s well-known appreciation for rock music.
The choice makes particular sense because the Sunday Night Football anthem itself has roots in rock. The song originated from Joan Jett and the Blackhearts’ “I Hate Myself for Loving You.”
That connection makes Underwood’s new rock-inspired approach feel like a full-circle moment.
A New Era for Sunday Night Football
The 2026 NFL season is set to kick off on September 13, with the Dallas Cowboys facing the New York Giants on NBC and Peacock.
Before the action gets underway each Sunday night, viewers will get to see Underwood’s latest take on one of television’s most recognizable sports openings.
After 13 years, she’s clearly not looking to simply repeat the formula.
Instead, Carrie Underwood is turning up the volume, embracing her inner rock star and giving Sunday Night Football a fresh new attitude.
And if the teaser is anything to go by, this could be one of her most exciting openings yet. 🎸🏈