Who Sings Sunday Night Football Theme 2025?

By Sarah Miller · December 5, 2037

Carrie Underwood is the current Sunday Night Football singer, performing the opening theme song ‘Sunday Night Football’ since the 2013 NFL season. She took over from Faith Hill and has become a staple of the broadcast, bringing high-energy performances that blend country music with the excitement of primetime football.

Who Performs the Sunday Night Football Theme Song?

Since 2013, multiple-time Grammy Award winner Carrie Underwood has been the voice behind the SNF opening theme. Her powerful vocals and dynamic stage presence have made the weekly performance a fan favorite. The current version of the theme song, titled “Waiting All Day for Sunday Night,” is a reworked adaptation of Joan Jett’s “I Hate Myself for Loving You,” tailored to celebrate the NFL’s marquee weekly game.

History of the Sunday Night Football Anthem

The tradition of having a prominent musical artist perform the Sunday Night Football intro began in 2006 when NBC acquired the broadcasting rights. Over the years, the network has selected top-tier artists to energize viewers ahead of kickoff.

2006–2008: Pink delivered rock-infused renditions of the theme.
2008–2012: Country star Faith Hill performed a more melodic version titled “Somethin’ Bad” (later revised).
2013–present: Carrie Underwood revitalized the anthem with a harder rock edge and consistent seasonal updates.

Why Carrie Underwood Was Chosen for SNF

NBC sought an artist who could embody both the intensity of professional football and broad audience appeal. Underwood, already a national icon from her American Idol win and country music success, fit perfectly.

Key Factors in Her Selection

Proven live performance excellence
Cross-genre appeal bridging pop, rock, and country audiences
Strong television presence and brand reliability
Ability to deliver consistent, high-energy weekly broadcasts

Her involvement goes beyond singing; she often participates in promotional content and collaborates with NBC Sports on special segments during key games like the playoffs or Thanksgiving night matchups.

Carrie Underwood’s Impact on SNF Viewership and Branding

Underwood’s tenure has coincided with increased primetime ratings and stronger engagement among younger demographics. Her integration of visual effects, themed costumes, and stadium performances adds production value unmatched in sports broadcasting.

Artist	Tenure (Years)	Seasons Covered	Avg. Viewership (Millions)	Notable Contributions
Pink	3	2006–2008	17.2	Introduced rock energy to SNF; filmed stadium-based intros
Faith Hill	5	2008–2012	19.1	Brought mainstream appeal; softer vocal tone
Carrie Underwood	12+	2013–2025	21.8	Revamped anthem; enhanced visuals; consistent branding

Table data source:1, 2

The data shows a steady increase in average viewership since Underwood took over as lead performer. Her ability to maintain freshness through updated choreography, seasonal themes, and guest collaborations contributes significantly to viewer retention week after week.

Additionally, her social media reach amplifies NBC’s promotional efforts, with clips of her performances regularly trending across platforms during the NFL season.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Sunday Night Football Singer

Who is the singer for Sunday Night Football in 2025?

As of the 2025 NFL season, Carrie Underwood remains the official singer of the Sunday Night Football theme song. She continues to perform a revamped version of “Waiting All Day for Sunday Night” each week.

Has the Sunday Night Football theme song changed over time?

Yes, the theme song has evolved significantly. It originated as a cover of Joan Jett’s “I Hate Myself for Loving You.” Each artist has added their own flair, with Carrie Underwood introducing a more aggressive rock arrangement and updated lyrics reflecting current NFL storylines.

Did Carrie Underwood write the Sunday Night Football song?

No, Carrie Underwood did not write the original song. However, she co-wrote revised lyrics and adaptations each season to keep the anthem fresh and relevant. The core melody remains based on Joan Jett’s classic track.

How long has Carrie Underwood been singing the SNF theme?

Carrie Underwood has been the voice of Sunday Night Football since the 2013 season, making her tenure over 12 consecutive seasons as of 2025—the longest of any artist in the program’s history.

Where is the Sunday Night Football intro filmed?

The intro is typically filmed at various NFL stadiums throughout the season, often rotating locations to reflect different host cities. Some years feature studio shoots with augmented reality elements, while others include live crowd interactions and pyrotechnics.