Carrie Underwood has been the voice of Sunday Night Football for over a decade. But not everyone is thrilled she’s back again this fall.
NBC announced on Wednesday that the Grammy-winning singer will once again perform the SNF anthem, “Waiting All Day for Sunday Night,” for the 12th straight year. Her first performance airs on Sept. 7, during the highly anticipated rematch between the Baltimore Ravens and Buffalo Bills.
Carrie Underwood, who replaced Faith Hill in 2013, has long been a staple of NFL Sundays. NBC executive producer Tripp Dixon promised fans a fresh twist this year. He said the anthem will feature a “reimagined sound” and “a seamless blend of stylized shots and behind-the-scenes moments.”
Carrie Underwood herself hyped up the upcoming opener:
“As always, Tripp and the creative team continue to raise the bar, bringing the high energy and stunning visuals that the Sunday Night Football audience has come to expect year after year. I can’t wait for the world to see it!”
But not all fans share her excitement.
Reactions across social media were mixed at best, with many calling for change.
“Maybe pick someone else,” one user wrote on X.
“Might be time to move on to someone who is actually relevant,” another added.
“Nobody has been waiting all day for Sunday Night Football after watching games all afternoon,” said another frustrated fan.
While NBC clearly believes Carrie Underwood still delivers the big-game vibe, critics argue the song and the concept have run their course. Some are simply ready for a new sound to match the evolving NFL landscape.
Whether you love the anthem or loathe it, one thing’s for sure, NBC isn’t ready to move on just yet.
