Carrie Underwood has served as one of the voices of NBC’s “Sunday Night Football” for years now. The popular country music star joined NBC’s primetime broadcast in 2013. Underwood replaced Faith Hill, debuting her rendition of “Waiting All Day for Sunday Night.”
NBC Sunday Night Football color commentator Cris Collinsworth talks with recording artist Carrie Underwood before a game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on Sept. 24, 2023, in Las Vegas, Nev. The Steelers defeated the Raiders 23-18. (Getty Images)
But while Underwood has been a fan favorite for many, there’s a growing faction of NFL fans that want to see her gone.
NBC’s 2026 “Sunday Night Football” schedule will begin on Sept. 13, when the New York Giants take on the Dallas Cowboys. Underwood will be featuring a new track this year, too.
“This year’s show open welcomes ‘Sunday Night Football’ into my ongoing rock star fever dream,” Underwood said, per NBC. “I love this new version of the track and, once again, Tripp and the incredible team behind the camera brought it to life in a whole new way that captures the spirit of this iconic song and the heart of rock ‘n’ roll. It’s one of my most favorite opens yet!”
Tripp Dixon explained the changes.
OK, that’s enough produce talk. Let’s get this class started with Carrie Underwood and NBC teasing the new anthem for the upcoming NFL season during last night’s THRILLING Hall of Fame game:
“This season, we’ve drawn inspiration from Carrie’s deep, well-documented love of rock music, a perfect fit since our ‘Sunday Night Football’ anthem was born from pure rock ‘n’ roll: Joan Jett and the Blackhearts’ ‘I Hate Myself for Loving You.'” Dixon said. “We’ve worked to match these two rock frequencies of past and present as they come together in Carrie’s high-energy performance. The greatest players and teams in the NFL will take it from there.”
NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 23: Singer-songwriter Carrie Underwood performs on NBC’s “Today” at the Rockefeller Plaza on October 23, 2015 in New York, New York. (Photo by Gilbert Carrasquillo/FilmMagic)
NFL fans, though, seem ready for a change.
Underwood has faced some scrutiny in recent years, performing for President Trump, among other things. Others, meanwhile, just think it’s time for someone new.
NFL fans pushing for change
“I love Carrie, but it’s time for her to go. Let’s get someone new,” one fan wrote.
“A new version of the song is good, but a different performer would be a nice change of pace,” one person added.
“Just like Carrie replaced Faith, it’s time for someone to replace her. I want a new voice,” one added.
“Time for someone new. I nominate Lainey Wilson,” one fan added.
Another fan had a bold idea: I like Carrie. I do. I just think it’s time to bring in a testosterone-driven music act to match the adrenaline boost of excitement that comes with most NFL hardcore fans getting ready to watch football on Sunday night.”
However, despite fans calling for change, it sounds like NBC will be sticking with Carrie Underwood, like it or not.
Recording artist Carrie Underwood films a promo on the field before a game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on Sept. 24, 2023, in Las Vegas, Nev. (Getty Images)
This story was originally published by The Spun on Aug 5, 2026, where it first appeared in the Sports Media section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
