Carrie Underwood is set to return for her 14th consecutive season as the voice of "Sunday Night Football's" opening anthem, NBC announced this week. The country music star will perform the familiar "Waiting All Day for Sunday Night" to kick off the new season, with the updated opener set to debut on Sept. 13 before the Dallas Cowboys face off against the New York Giants.
Underwood first took over the SNF opening in 2013, following Faith Hill's departure from the role. Over more than a decade, she has become a recognizable figure associated with the NFL's primetime broadcasts.
This year's opener will feature a refreshed production with a more rock-inspired feel. According to NBC, the sequence includes scenes filmed in a recording studio, an intimate music venue, and a packed stadium, described by Underwood as her "rock star fever dream."
The announcement generated a range of reactions from fans on social media. Many expressed excitement and anticipation for her return, with some fans suggesting she should headline the Super Bowl halftime show.
However, a segment of commenters advocated for rising country singer Ella Langley to eventually take over the anthem, with some calling for a change and a more diverse lineup.