Who Sang SNF Theme Before Carrie Underwood?

By Sarah Miller · August 11, 2029

Before Carrie Underwood took over in 2013, the Sunday Night Football opening theme was performed by country music superstar Faith Hill. She sang the iconic theme song ‘Waiting All Day for Sunday Night’ from 2007 to 2012, adapting the melody from Joan Jett’s ‘I Hate Myself for Loving You’. Her energetic performance became a staple of primetime NFL broadcasts and helped set the tone for NBC’s flagship football coverage.

Faith Hill: The Original Voice of Sunday Night Football

Faith Hill was the first artist to bring a consistent, high-energy musical identity to Sunday Night Football after NBC acquired the broadcast rights in 2006. Her role marked a shift in how sports themes were produced—moving from instrumental intros to full vocal performances featuring top-tier artists.

Why Faith Hill Was Chosen

NBC wanted a recognizable star with broad appeal.
Hill already had a strong relationship with the network through previous NFL promotions.
Her country-pop crossover success made her ideal for reaching diverse audiences.
The network aimed to create a signature entertainment experience around the game.

Evolution of the SNF Theme Song

The Sunday Night Football theme has evolved significantly since its debut. Below is a timeline showing key performers and changes:

Year	Performer	Song Title	Notes
2006	Toni Braxton	“Almost Doesn’t Count” (adapted)	One-off opener; not a recurring theme
2007–2012	Faith Hill	“Waiting All Day for Sunday Night”	Adapted from Joan Jett’s hit; became official theme
2013–2015	Carrie Underwood	“Sunday Night Football” (original)	New original composition introduced
2016–2018	Carrie Underwood	“God Bless the U.S.A.” + SNF theme	Incorporated patriotic elements
2019–2021	Carrie Underwood	“Game On” (collab with Thomas Rhett & Florida Georgia Line)	Country-pop fusion version
2022–2025	Carrie Underwood	“Somethin' Bad” / Reimagined Themes	Rotating arrangements with guest artists

Table data source:NBC, SB Nation, Billboard

The data shows a clear transition from Faith Hill’s six-year tenure to Carrie Underwood’s long-standing role that continues into 2025. Hill’s version laid the foundation for integrating major music stars into live sports broadcasting, while Underwood expanded it with evolving arrangements and collaborations.

Comparison of Performers’ Impact on SNF

While both artists brought star power, their contributions differed in scope and longevity.

Key Differences Between Hill and Underwood

Faith Hill: Introduced the concept of a recurring celebrity-led theme; used an adapted rock melody.
Carrie Underwood: Commissioned original music; expanded the theme’s production value over time.
Underwood has remained in the role longer and updated the song more frequently.
Hill’s version was praised for its consistency; Underwood’s for innovation.

About the Song ‘Waiting All Day for Sunday Night’

Faith Hill’s theme was a reworked version of Joan Jett & the Blackhearts’ 1988 rock anthem ‘I Hate Myself for Loving You’. The lyrics were rewritten to reflect football excitement, with lines like “I’ve been waiting all day for Sunday night” becoming instantly recognizable.

Notable Features of the Theme

Recorded specifically for NBC Sports.
Opened nearly every SNF broadcast during her tenure.
Featured pyrotechnics and dramatic camera work during the intro sequence.
Helped boost viewership perception as a “sports entertainment” event.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sunday Night Football Singers

Who sang the Sunday Night Football theme before Carrie Underwood?

Faith Hill performed the Sunday Night Football theme song from 2007 to 2012, immediately before Carrie Underwood took over in 2013.

Did Carrie Underwood replace Faith Hill as the SNF singer?

Yes, Carrie Underwood replaced Faith Hill as the primary performer of the Sunday Night Football opening theme starting in the 2013 NFL season.

What song did Faith Hill sing for Sunday Night Football?

Faith Hill sang “Waiting All Day for Sunday Night,” a lyrical adaptation of Joan Jett’s “I Hate Myself for Loving You,” using the same melody but with football-themed lyrics.

How long did Faith Hill perform the SNF theme?

Faith Hill performed the Sunday Night Football theme for six seasons, from 2007 to 2012.

Why did Faith Hill stop singing the SNF theme?

NBC chose to refresh the brand in 2013 by bringing in Carrie Underwood, signaling a new era for the show with a younger generation country star and original music.

Has anyone else performed the Sunday Night Football theme besides Faith Hill and Carrie Underwood?

Toni Braxton performed a one-time opening in 2006, and various artists have appeared in promotional spots, but Hill and Underwood are the only main recurring vocalists for the official theme.