Carrie Underwood is once again the voice that kicks off NFL Sunday nights. NBC confirmed this week that the eight-time Grammy winner will return to star in the "Sunday Night Football" show open for her 14th consecutive season, extending one of the longest-running partnerships between a musical artist and a major weekly broadcast.
The new opener debuts September 13 ahead of the season-opening matchup between the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants, with a first preview airing during the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game on August 6. This year's production leans further into Underwood's love of rock music, moving viewers through three settings - a recording studio, an intimate music venue, and a packed stadium - for a reworked version of her signature anthem "Waiting All Day for Sunday Night," itself built on Joan Jett and the Blackhearts' "I Hate Myself for Loving You."
"This year's show open welcomes Sunday Night Football into my ongoing rock star fever dream," Underwood said of the new version, calling it one of her favorite openers yet. Creative director Tripp Dixon, who has helmed the segment for all 14 years, said the team leaned into "Carrie's deep, well-documented love of rock music" as the natural next step for the anthem.
Underwood first took over SNF hosting duties in 2013, succeeding fellow country star Faith Hill. Since then, "Sunday Night Football" has held the title of primetime television's top-rated program for 15 consecutive years. Underwood, a longtime member of the Grand Ole Opry, has also built out a broader media presence, including her SiriusXM channel lineup, which features a dedicated faith-based Sunday programming block alongside her country and fitness channels - a reminder that even amid a packed entertainment schedule, her faith remains part of how she shows up publicly, on and off the field.
"Sunday Night Football" returns September 13 on NBC and Peacock.
