Carrie Underwood has been performing the NBC Sunday Night Football theme song for over a decade, recording a new version and accompanying video each year. Initially, when SNF debuted in 2006, Underwood was in the early stages of her music career after winning American Idol the year before. Despite being offered the gig, she turned it down due to other commitments in her life at the time.
After initially turning down the opportunity to perform the SNF theme song, NBC offered the gig to Pink, who sang the adaptation of Joan Jett’s song “I Hate Myself for Loving You” for one football season. Faith Hill took over for six years before deciding to move on, which left an opening for Underwood to be asked for a second time. Underwood was shown the demographic breakdown of the show’s viewers and was persuaded to accept the opportunity, leading to a 12-year run that began in 2013.
During Underwood’s tenure, the opening theme has gone through various changes, with Underwood singing “Waiting All Day for Sunday Night” through 2015 before trying out variations titled “Oh, Sunday Night” and “Game On.” In 2019, Underwood returned to the Jett adaptation. This year’s version of “Waiting All Day for Sunday Night” has been flipped upside down, with the song starting with the chorus instead of building toward it, making it an exciting experience for viewers.
Underwood, who is a Grammy winner and Oklahoma native, always looks forward to her sons’ reaction to the theme song. She shares Isaiah, 9, and Jacob, 5, with her husband, NHL alum Mike Fisher. Her sons enjoy seeing her on TV, and for younger kids who did not see her on American Idol, SNF may be their introduction to her music. The 2024 Sunday Night Football season begins with the Los Angeles Rams playing the Detroit Lions on September 8th at 8:20 pm ET on NBC.
Overall, Underwood’s journey with the NBC Sunday Night Football theme song has been a successful and long-lasting collaboration. Despite initially turning down the opportunity, she was convinced to take on the role and has continued to provide entertaining performances each year. The changes made to the opening theme over the years have kept it fresh and exciting for viewers, with this year’s version being described as a favorite by the show’s coordinating producer. Underwood’s personal connection to the sport as a fan and a mother adds to the significance of her involvement in the popular show.
