Carrie Underwood Just Unleashed a Brand-New “Sunday Night Football” Opening And Fans Have Opinions

Carrie Underwood is back where millions of football fans expect to see her — opening Sunday Night Football — but this time, she’s bringing a noticeably different energy to the iconic tradition.

On Sunday, September 13, Carrie officially debuted the latest version of the Sunday Night Football opening ahead of the big game, marking her 14th season as the voice of NBC’s football opener.

And she didn’t simply step in front of the camera and sing.

This year’s production takes Carrie through three completely different settings: an intimate club, a recording studio and a packed stadium. The result feels bigger, louder and more rock-inspired than ever.

The song itself remains the familiar “Waiting All Day for Sunday Night,” the football anthem built around Joan Jett and the Blackhearts’ 1988 hit “I Hate Myself for Loving You.”

But Carrie and the production team gave it a fresh treatment for 2026.

The country superstar previously described the new opening as part of her ongoing “rock star fever dream,” saying she loved the new version and that the team behind the cameras had brought the iconic song to life in a completely new way.

And after more than a decade in the role, Carrie certainly knows how to make the moment her own.

Carrie Has Made the Opening Her Own

Carrie first took over the Sunday Night Football opening in 2013, following Faith Hill, who performed the theme from 2007 through 2012.

Over the years, Carrie has become synonymous with the start of Sunday night football.

That familiar moment — the music kicks in, Carrie appears on screen, and football officially takes over the evening — has become a tradition for millions of viewers.

But even a beloved tradition can spark debate.

And this year’s version did exactly that.

Fans Were Divided

Almost immediately after the new opening aired, football fans took to social media to share their reactions.

Some viewers absolutely loved it, praising Carrie’s energy and the new production.

Others were less impressed with the remix and especially questioned the updated stadium portion.

One fan called the performance “awesome,” while another praised Carrie but said they weren’t a fan of the new remix used during the stadium shots.

So while Carrie herself appears thrilled with the new version, viewers clearly have plenty to say.

Love it or hate it, though, one thing is undeniable:

Carrie Underwood is still the voice welcoming America to Sunday night football.

Fourteen seasons later, she remains at the center of one of television’s most recognizable sports openings — and she’s showing no signs of slowing down