Carrie Underwood SNF Return Sparks Fan Backlash

Carrie Underwood is returning for her 14th consecutive season as the voice of NBC’s “Sunday Night Football” opening anthem, but the announcement has ignited a fierce debate among fans, with some celebrating the country superstar’s comeback and others demanding NBC find someone new. The new rock-inspired opener debuts September 13 ahead of the Dallas Cowboys vs. New York Giants matchup on NBC and Peacock, with a preview airing during the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game on August 6.

A Decade-Plus Tradition

Underwood first took over the SNF opening in 2013, following Faith Hill’s departure after six seasons. The “Waiting All Day for Sunday Night” anthem, a reworked version of Joan Jett and the Blackhearts’ “I Hate Myself for Loving You,” has become synonymous with NFL Sunday nights. SNF has been primetime television’s No. 1 program for an unprecedented 15 consecutive years, according to NBC’s official press release.

The eight-time Grammy winner initially declined the role when SNF launched in 2006, with Pink performing that first season. NBC executive producer Fred Gaudelli, who originally pitched Underwood, recalled that she was too busy after winning American Idol Season 4. But when the network approached her again in 2013, Gaudelli showed her the show’s demographic breakdown, and she agreed, as Yahoo Entertainment detailed in an exclusive interview.

A Rock-Inspired Reinvention

This year’s opening features a more rock-focused production, with scenes filmed in three distinct locations: a recording studio, an intimate music venue, and a packed stadium. Tripp Dixon, the SNF creative director who has worked on the show open for all 14 years of Underwood’s tenure, explained the creative direction.

“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 in the official announcement. “We’ve worked to match these two rock frequencies of past and present as they come together in Carrie’s high-energy performance.”

Underwood herself expressed enthusiasm for the new version. “This year’s show open welcomes Sunday Night Football into my ongoing rock star fever dream,” she said. “It’s one of my most favorite opens yet!”

Divided Fan Reactions

The announcement has generated significant social media reaction, with supporters and critics clashing over Underwood’s continued tenure. Many fans celebrated the news on Instagram, with one commenter writing, “YAYYY!!! Now when will she perform the halftime show!?!? She deserves it and would have the BEST show!” Another added, “One of my Favorite parts of SNF!!!”

But others are calling for a change, with several fans campaigning for rising country singer Ella Langley to take over the role. “Can We get a @ellalangleymusic Sunday Night Football Anthem Just a thought,” one follower wrote. Another commented, “Time to pass it on. Let Ella sing it.” Some suggested Lainey Wilson as an alternative, with one user declaring, “Time for someone new. I nominate Lainey Wilson.”

As Fox News reported, the backlash also carries a political dimension. Some critics cited Underwood’s performance at President Donald Trump’s inauguration in January 2025 as a reason for wanting a change. The Blast noted that “the renewed criticism comes months after Underwood became part of a national political debate by performing at President Donald Trump’s inauguration.” One Fox News commenter countered: “The ones saying pass the torch are just pissed that she sang at Trump’s Presidential Inauguration.”

NBC’s Commitment and the Road Ahead

Despite the divided reaction, NBC has maintained its commitment to Underwood, who has denied rumors of a $1 million-per-week salary. On “The Howard Stern Show” in May 2023, she called the figure “pretty pro bono,” as Sporting News fact-checked.

The 2026 SNF season opener features Dak Prescott and the Dallas Cowboys visiting Jaxson Dart and the New York Giants, marking John Harbaugh’s head coaching debut with New York. It will be the 15th time the Cowboys face the Giants in NBC’s SNF package.

As the September 13 debut approaches, the question remains whether the rock-inspired makeover will win over skeptical viewers. NBC’s decision to stick with Underwood through the backlash signals confidence in the established brand she brings to the broadcast. Whether fans who are calling for change will warm to the new production, or whether the calls for Ella Langley and others will grow louder, remains to be seen.

For now, Underwood’s voice will once again welcome football fans to Sunday nights, with the full new opening set to premiere when the Cowboys and Giants kick off the 2026 NFL season on NBC and Peacock.