Carrie Underwood and NBC Sports announced Tuesday that she will return for her 14th year performing the Sunday Night Football opening song, “Waiting All Day for Sunday Night,” according to Billboard.
This year’s version will feature a rock-influenced twist. The anthem was originally inspired by Joan Jett and the Blackhearts’ “I Hate Myself for Loving You,” making the updated sound a fitting match.
Underwood said the new show open blends Sunday Night Football with what she called her “ongoing rock star fever dream,” adding that it is one of her favorite versions yet.
Creative director Tripp Dixon said the 2026 update was shaped by Underwood’s well-known love of rock music. Underwood first became the musical face of Sunday Night Football in 2013, following Pink and Faith Hill in the role.
