Sunday Night Football (SNF) is more than just a game; it’s a weekly ritual for millions of fans. As viewers tune into NBC or stream on Peacock, there’s an undeniable sense of anticipation that builds, largely thanks to the iconic Sunday Night Football Song. This anthem has become synonymous with the excitement of primetime NFL action. But who exactly is behind this beloved tune, and how has it evolved over the years?
Carrie Underwood: The Voice of Sunday Night Football Today
Currently, the powerhouse vocalist behind the Sunday Night Football theme song is none other than Carrie Underwood. The “American Idol” season 4 winner and country-pop superstar lends her voice to “Waiting All Day for Sunday Night.” This catchy and energetic track is actually a rework of Joan Jett’s rock anthem, “I Hate Myself for Loving You.”
Interestingly, “Waiting All Day for Sunday Night” has a deeper history with SNF. It was initially considered as the theme song when NBC acquired the rights to Sunday Night Football in 2006. After experimenting with other options, NBC circled back to this Joan Jett remake in 2019, and it has been the consistent fan favorite ever since.
Carrie Underwood performing the Sunday Night Football theme song, 'Waiting All Day for Sunday Night'.
For the 2024 season, listeners might notice a slight tweak to Underwood’s rendition. The song now opens directly with the chorus and the iconic lyric “Waiting All Day for Sunday Night,” creating an immediate and impactful start. Previously, the song began with the first verse, but this year’s change emphasizes the most recognizable and energetic part of the theme.
A Decade of Carrie Underwood and the SNF Theme
Carrie Underwood’s reign as the voice of Sunday Night Football spans an impressive decade. She was first announced as the theme song vocalist back in May 2013 and has been belting out the SNF anthem ever since, becoming a staple of the broadcast and a familiar voice to millions of viewers each Sunday night.
Past Voices of Sunday Night Football
Before Carrie Underwood took the reins, other prominent female vocalists graced the Sunday Night Football theme song. When NBC first launched SNF in 2006, the theme song was performed by pop icon Pink. Just a year later, in 2007, country music star Faith Hill stepped in, bringing her own rendition of the “I Hate Myself for Loving You” remake to the SNF stage.
Faith Hill’s version of “Waiting All Day for Sunday Night” resonated deeply with audiences and became a cultural touchstone during her tenure from 2007 to 2013. The song’s popularity even led to parodies on “Saturday Night Live” in 2010 and references in popular TV shows like “30 Rock” and “South Park,” solidifying its place in pop culture.
Evolution of the SNF Theme Song
While “Waiting All Day for Sunday Night” is now firmly associated with Sunday Night Football, the theme song has seen some changes over the years. In 2016, Carrie Underwood introduced “Oh, Sunday Night,” which incorporated elements from her hit duet with Miranda Lambert, “Somethin’ Bad.” Then, in 2018, she debuted “Game On.”
However, fan reaction to these newer themes was mixed, with many viewers expressing a preference for the original “Waiting All Day for Sunday Night.” Responding to audience sentiment, NBC and Carrie Underwood brought back the beloved classic in 2019. Adding to the excitement, Joan Jett herself joined Underwood for the 2019 performance, celebrating the song’s return and its enduring appeal.
Tune into Sunday Night Football
To experience the Sunday Night Football song and all the primetime NFL action, tune in to NBC every Sunday. The pregame show, “Football Night in America,” kicks off at 7 p.m. ET, followed by game kickoff at 8:20 p.m. ET. You can also stream Sunday Night Football live on Peacock, ensuring you don’t miss a moment of the game or the iconic theme song that sets the stage for an exciting night of football.
