NBC’s Sunday Night Football will usher in its 2026 season with a fresh musical opening that marks a milestone for its longtime collaborator, Carrie Underwood. The country‑pop star is slated to perform the show’s opening number for the fourteenth straight year, extending a partnership that has become a staple of the network’s NFL coverage.
The promotional shoot, filmed across three distinct settings, merges the intimacy of a recording studio, the energy of a live music venue and the spectacle of a stadium performance. Visuals draw on Underwood’s love of rock music, echoing the anthemic spirit of Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, while the production team leans into a high‑octane aesthetic that mirrors the excitement of the upcoming games.
A Rock‑Infused Creative Direction
Tripp Dixon, who has served as the creative director for the SNF show open for the past fourteen years, worked closely with Underwood to shape the new concept. His long‑standing involvement has allowed the team to refine a signature style that blends cinematic storytelling with the pulse of live sport.
NBC’s dominance in the primetime landscape remains unchallenged, as the program has held the No. 1 rating for fifteen consecutive years. The opening segment will lead directly into the season‑opening matchup between the Dallas Cowboys and the New York Giants, while a sneak peek will also be featured during the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game on August 6.
Beyond her musical achievements — boasting more than 95 million RIAA‑certified sales and eight Grammy Awards — Underwood has expanded her brand portfolio to include fitness line CALIA by Carrie Underwood, the music‑focused streaming service HiNote, and a SiriusXM channel named CARRIE’S COUNTRY. Her role as a judge on American Idol since 2025 further cements her presence across multiple platforms.