Carrie Underwood has once again showcased her enduring commitment as the face of Sunday Night Football on NBC, marking her 13th season with the beloved theme song, “Waiting All Day For Sunday Night.” Since taking on this role in 2013, she has made significant contributions to the show, including the introduction of different variations of the theme song over the years.
In 2016, Underwood unveiled “Oh, Sunday Night,” which was inspired by her duet “Somethin’ Bad” with Miranda Lambert. Two years later, she introduced “Game On,” co-written with Brett James and Chris DeStefano, although this version faced a copyright lawsuit, leading the show to revert back to “Waiting All Day For Sunday Night,” originally adapted from Joan Jett’s hit “I Hate Myself for Loving You.”
This season, the intros are filmed at The Resorts World Theater, aligning with Underwood’s Las Vegas REFLECTION residency. True to tradition, the video content changes each week based on the game’s location and matchups, with the lyrics also being adjusted to reflect the competing teams.
Fans are often left in awe of how Underwood manages to record new intros each week throughout the NFL season, including the playoffs. During a recent appearance on SiriusXM’s Highway Mornings with Cody Alan, she explained the meticulous process behind the scenes. Underwood noted that the initial recording takes place before the season starts, where they lay down the base track and introduce subtle changes each year while keeping the core structure intact.
She elaborated on the filming process, mentioning that the production team spends a day capturing different elements tied to each week’s theme, involving interactions with players and various locations. As the season progresses into the playoffs and unexpected matchups arise, Underwood records alternate versions for every possible scenario, adding another layer of complexity to her already demanding schedule.
Despite speculation that she might earn a million dollars each week for her contributions, Underwood disclosed that her earnings are not as inflated as rumored, emphasizing her passion for the role rather than the financial gain. She expressed contentment in her role as the custodian of Sunday nights for millions of viewers across America, highlighting the joy she derives from being part of such a beloved tradition.
Carrie Underwood’s dedication and hard work exemplify not just her talent as a performer but her willingness to embrace the spirit of the NFL, making Sunday nights a special experience for fans nationwide.