Carrie Underwood kicked off the 2026 season of the NFL on NBC with her latest version of the Sunday Night Football theme song, “Waiting All Day for Sunday Night.” For this year’s opening, Underwood amplified the rock elements of the anthem, which is based on Joan Jett and the Blackhearts’ 1988 hit “I Hate Myself for Loving You.”
The opening video featured Underwood performing in a small club, a stadium, and a recording studio. SNF creative director Tripp Dixon said the 2026 theme was inspired by “Carrie’s deep, well-documented love of rock music.” Underwood stated: “This year’s show open welcomes Sunday Night Football into my ongoing rock star fever dream.”
The first game featured NFC East rivals Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants. Underwood has performed the SNF theme for 14 consecutive seasons and is known for her rock influences, having covered songs by Motörhead and Skid Row at concerts and opened for Guns N’ Roses.
Source: Rolling Stone Music
