YEAR 13 — AND SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL STILL BELONGS TO CARRIE
When the lights hit, the beat kicked in, and glitter caught the camera just right, it was clear—Carrie Underwood was back. In an unforgettable moment, she proved that, after 13 years, Sunday Night Football still belongs to her. As the 2025 NFL season opener unfolded, Waiting All Day for Sunday Night filled the screen just as it always does: with fireworks, fast cuts, and that familiar rush of anticipation that has become synonymous with Carrie’s opening performance. It didn’t feel new—it felt right.
Year 13. Thirteen years of delivering that electrifying performance. Thirteen years of kicking off the NFL season with a sense of unity, excitement, and undeniable energy. Carrie Underwood, with her powerhouse voice and dynamic stage presence, has cemented herself as the signature face of Sunday Night Football in a way few artists ever have for any event. This moment, one that has become as much a part of the NFL tradition as the game itself, is not just about nostalgia—it’s about knowing exactly when something begins. And for millions of fans, it isn’t football season until Carrie sings.
In this article, we’ll break down Carrie Underwood’s enduring role in Sunday Night Football, the power of her iconic opener, and how she has continued to be the one constant in a football landscape that constantly evolves. From the start of the season to the final whistle, Carrie has become an integral part of the NFL experience, and her performance in 2025 reminded us why that is. We’ll explore how her presence continues to bring excitement, how her connection to the fans has only deepened over the years, and why her opening performance remains one of the most iconic traditions in sports entertainment.
The Power of Tradition: Carrie Underwood and Sunday Night Football’s Opening
It’s no secret that tradition is an important aspect of sports culture. Whether it’s the first pitch at a baseball game or the national anthem before a basketball final, certain moments set the tone for the events that follow. In the world of the NFL, Sunday Night Football has carved out its own special tradition, and that tradition begins with Carrie Underwood. The performance of “Waiting All Day for Sunday Night” is more than just an opening song—it’s the perfect representation of the excitement, anticipation, and energy that NFL fans feel as the game kicks off.
When Carrie first started singing the iconic theme song in 2013, no one knew exactly how it would evolve, but over time, it became clear that she wasn’t just performing for fans—she was creating a ritual. The beat, the fireworks, the electric energy—it all worked in perfect harmony, pulling fans into the world of the NFL before they even saw the first play.
But what has made this opening so effective is not just its grand production. It’s Carrie Underwood’s unparalleled ability to channel excitement and passion through every note. Over the years, fans have become so accustomed to her presence as part of the opening routine that it’s now impossible to imagine the NFL without her.
This year, in particular, Carrie’s 13th season with Sunday Night Football reminded everyone that tradition is not about looking back; it’s about knowing when something begins, and when it begins, it feels like an event in itself.
A Moment of Familiarity: The Anthem That Never Gets Old
For the 2025 season opener, Carrie’s performance wasn’t just a replay of past routines—it was a reinforcement of everything fans love about the tradition she’s helped create. The stage setup, the fireworks, the flashes of glitter—all of it was as familiar as it was exciting. The combination of high-energy visuals, Carrie’s dynamic performance, and the overwhelming sense of anticipation has become synonymous with the beginning of football season.
And yet, despite the fact that we’ve seen this moment year after year, it didn’t feel stale. The fact that Carrie Underwood has been able to maintain the excitement and freshness of this opener year after year is a testament to her enduring presence. It’s no easy feat to deliver the same high-level performance every year without it feeling like a rehash of the same thing, but Carrie has managed to do just that.
It’s not about novelty; it’s about consistency. Carrie’s performance has become a ritual for fans, and the moment she steps onto the stage, singing “Waiting All Day for Sunday Night,” it’s as though the season officially begins. It’s not just the song—it’s the tradition, the energy, and the sense of connection that fans feel when they hear those first notes. It’s a moment that signifies the start of something bigger, the beginning of the NFL season, and that in itself is powerful.
Why Carrie Underwood’s Sunday Night Football Performance Resonates
Over the years, fans have come to recognize that Carrie Underwood’s Sunday Night Football opener isn’t just a performance—it’s a celebration of the sport, of tradition, and of the unshakable bond between fans and the game. And that’s why it resonates so deeply.
Carrie doesn’t just sing the theme song; she embodies everything that the NFL represents: excitement, passion, and the unwavering dedication that fans have for the sport. Her commitment to bringing the same level of energy and emotion to every performance shows that she doesn’t just see this as a gig—it’s a duty to her fans, to the sport, and to herself as an artist. Her openness and consistency in delivering this electrifying performance year after year is a huge part of why her role as the face of Sunday Night Football has endured.
What also makes Carrie’s performances so powerful is the way she connects with her audience. She’s not just delivering a polished show; she’s sharing an experience. For many NFL fans, her song has become the soundtrack to the anticipation that fills their Sunday evenings, and it’s that connection—Carrie and the fans, linked together through this shared moment—that continues to make the performance unforgettable.
Year 13: A Testament to Carrie’s Enduring Legacy
As Carrie Underwood enters her 13th season with Sunday Night Football, her place in the NFL tradition feels more solidified than ever. 13 years of kicking off the season with the same unmatched energy, enthusiasm, and passion is no small feat. In an entertainment world where trends come and go, where even the most beloved stars sometimes fade from the limelight, Carrie has remained a constant—and that consistency is what makes her role in Sunday Night Football so special.
Year after year, she has made it clear that she is not just performing for the moment; she is creating a legacy. The fact that this year’s performance still feels as fresh and exciting as the very first time she sang “Waiting All Day for Sunday Night” speaks volumes about her artistry and dedication. Carrie isn’t just a part of the NFL’s opening ritual—she has become the heartbeat of it.
Her ability to maintain the magic of the performance without ever letting it feel stale is a testament to her creative prowess and her understanding of what it means to be part of something bigger than yourself. Each season she returns, she delivers not just a performance but a cultural moment, a reminder of the anticipation that comes with the NFL’s opening game, and a reassurance that some traditions remain unchanged, no matter how much the world around us evolves.
The Fans Speak: “It’s Not Football Season Until Carrie Sings”
For fans across the country, Carrie Underwood’s performance has become the unofficial start of football season. The ritual of watching her sing “Waiting All Day for Sunday Night” has become so ingrained in the NFL experience that it feels incomplete without it. Her anthem is the signal that the long wait for the football season is finally over, and now it’s time to watch the game.
The impact of Carrie’s presence on the NFL opener can’t be overstated. “It’s not football season until Carrie sings” has become a familiar saying for NFL fans, and it speaks to the deep connection that fans have to the moment. It’s not just a song—it’s the anticipation, the excitement, and the feeling of being part of something larger than life that makes this performance so meaningful. It’s a moment of pure joy, and Carrie’s delivery of the song sets the tone for the entire season, allowing fans to feel united in their love of the game.
The Future: Carrie Underwood and Sunday Night Football
As we look to the future, one thing is clear—Carrie Underwood will continue to be the face of Sunday Night Football. Her legacy with the NFL is far from over, and each year, her performances will only grow in significance. Whether she continues to evolve the performance, bringing in new elements to keep it fresh, or whether she remains the constant energy that fans rely on, Carrie’s role in the NFL’s opening is set to remain an iconic tradition.
For the millions of fans who wait eagerly for the first notes of “Waiting All Day for Sunday Night,” Carrie’s presence isn’t just an exciting moment—it’s a reminder of the magic of the NFL season and the collective excitement that surrounds it. Carrie Underwood has become an integral part of that experience, and no matter how much the NFL grows or changes, her role in that tradition will forever remain untouchable.
Carrie Underwood – A Tradition That Can’t Be Replaced
Carrie Underwood’s 13-year reign as the voice of Sunday Night Football is a testament to her unparalleled talent, dedication, and connection with her fans. The 2025 season opener, with its high-energy performance and unforgettable visuals, proved that the magic she brings to the NFL opener is as strong as ever.
Carrie Underwood is not just a performer; she is a part of the fabric of the NFL season. As she continues to deliver her high-energy performances, uniting millions of fans with every note she sings, she remains an essential part of what makes the NFL season so special. For Carrie, it’s not about the spectacle—it’s about creating a moment that people will remember, a moment that transcends the game and becomes a part of the tradition.
