Carrie Underwood Is Back — But Her Dark New Sunday Night Football Makeover Has Already Stirred The Pot

Carrie Underwood is back for another season of Sunday Night Football, but not everyone is happy to see the country star return.

The “Before He Cheats” singer is set to perform the iconic opening for the 14th straight season. NBC has also given this year’s intro a fresh look, with Underwood embracing a darker, rock-inspired style for the new promo.

Carrie Underwood to Return as 'Sunday Night Football' Opener for 14th Year  With Rock Spin on Iconic Anthem

The 43-year-old singer appears in black leather shorts, a sheer teal mesh top, and a sparkling teal and black blazer. She completes the look with knee-high black boots covered in silver sequins, layered jewelry, and her signature blonde hair styled with a center part.

The new opening will premiere September 13 during the Sunday Night Football season opener between the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants.

Underwood will once again perform “Waiting All Day for Sunday Night,” NBC’s reworked version of Joan Jett’s “I Hate Myself for Lovin’ You.” The network has refreshed the arrangement for the new season, this time putting more focus on its rock and roll sound.

WATCH: Carrie Underwood Teases Rockin' 2026 Rendition Of Iconic 'Sunday  Night Football' Anthem | Whiskey Riff

Underwood is also excited about the updated version.

“I love this new version of the track,” she said, praising the team behind the production and calling it one of her favorite openings yet.

The visuals are getting an upgrade as well. Instead of staying in one location, the new video takes Underwood from a small club setting into a huge football stadium, giving the opening a bigger and more dramatic feel.

However, the changes have not convinced everyone.

After NBC shared a preview of the new opening, some viewers took to social media to ask for a different performer. One fan simply wrote, “I think we need a change,” while another asked, “Can we have other artists pls.”

Others were even more direct, with comments such as “Please replace her!” and “Thank goodness for the mute button.”

Some viewers also said they would rather skip the musical opening altogether and get straight to the game.

Carrie Underwood Debuts New Sunday Night Football Anthem - "The Best Yet"

While the reaction is clearly mixed, Underwood remains one of the longest-running faces of Sunday Night Football. Whether fans embrace the new rock-inspired version or continue calling for a change, her voice will once again be part of the NFL’s biggest weekly broadcast.

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