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NFL Fans Want Carrie Underwood Fired Ahead Of 2026 Season

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This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.

Carrie Underwood.
Carrie Underwood. Credit: USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Carrie Underwood is coming back for another year. NBC announced the country star will perform a new version of the Sunday Night Football anthem in 2026.

It will mark her 14th consecutive season opening the primetime package. The updated open features a rock-inspired take filmed in a studio, small venue, and stadium setting.

Many fans are not celebrating. Social media filled with calls for NBC to move on and find a new performer.

Carrie Underwood Return Draws Immediate Backlash

Carrie Underwood singing on stage.
Carrie Underwood (Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean-USA TODAY NETWORK)

One user wrote, “Carrie Underwood sucks. Time to move on from her. She’s got that MAGA face now.”

Another suggested a different star. “Taylor Swift should replace Carrie Underwood on SNF.”

“As much as I love Carrie I feel like it’s time to pass the torch to someone else,” one commented.

“A new version of the song is good, but a different performer would be a nice change of pace,” another person added.

The criticism mixes musical fatigue with personal politics. Underwood’s public profile outside football continues to fuel the divide.

Why Fans Keep Asking NBC to Replace Carrie Underwood

Carrie Underwood SNF graphic
Carrie Underwood SNF graphic (Photo via NBC)

Underwood has held the role since 2013. That long run now feels stale to a vocal group of viewers.

NBC is sticking with her and the familiar anthem. The network framed the new version as a fresh rock-driven production.

Underwood called it one of her favorite opens yet. Creative director Tripp Dixon highlighted her love of rock music as the inspiration.

The full open debuts September 13 before the Cowboys-Giants game. A preview airs during the Hall of Fame Game.

Despite the pushback, NBC shows no sign of changing course. Carrie Underwood remains the face of the Sunday Night Football open for at least one more season.

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