Every autumn, millions of football fans tune in to Sunday Night Football — not just for the game but also for the iconic theme song, “Waiting All Day for Sunday Night,” performed by Carrie Underwood. Her voice has become part of the NFL’s primetime tradition, sparking one big question season after season: How much does she actually make for this role?
Carrie Underwood and Sunday Night Football
Carrie Underwood has been the voice of Sunday Night Football since 2013, following in the footsteps of Faith Hill. Each week, she delivers the theme song that sets the stage for America’s most-watched primetime broadcast.
The song itself is a reworked version of Joan Jett’s rock anthem, adjusted with fresh lyrics each season to highlight the teams playing. For more than a decade, Underwood’s presence has added both glamour and consistency to the NFL’s Sunday night brand.
Rumors About Her Salary
For years, celebrity and sports outlets have repeated the claim that Carrie Underwood earns about $1 million per week for performing the SNF theme. With 18 regular-season broadcasts, that would total around $18 million per season.
This number has circulated widely and resurfaces at the start of each NFL season. It’s big, bold, and headline-worthy — which explains why it gets so much attention.
What Carrie Underwood Has Actually Said
Despite the flashy rumors, Carrie Underwood herself has pushed back. In a 2023 interview, she described the reported salary figures as untrue and even called her role with Sunday Night Football “pretty pro bono.”
That doesn’t necessarily mean she works for free — but it does suggest that her compensation is nowhere near the rumored million-dollars-a-week level. More likely, her involvement is about prestige, visibility, and her longstanding relationship with the NFL and NBC.
Why the Exact Number Remains a Mystery
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No official disclosure: Neither Carrie Underwood’s team nor NBC has ever published the actual contract details.
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Rumors are recycled: The $18 million figure keeps resurfacing, but it is unverified.
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Value beyond money: Being tied to the NFL’s most-watched weekly broadcast boosts her visibility, reinforces her image, and keeps her connected with a massive audience every fall.
2025 Update
As of the current NFL season, the same rumors about her salary are still in circulation. However, no new confirmed information has been released. The most reliable statement remains Carrie Underwood’s own denial from 2023.
Conclusion
So, how much does Carrie Underwood make for Sunday Night Football? The honest answer is: we don’t know for sure.
While the $1 million per week rumor makes for a catchy headline, Underwood has dismissed it herself. What is certain, though, is that her role has become a staple of the NFL’s biggest weekly game, and her performance continues to be one of the most recognizable moments of Sunday television.
Takeaway: Until official figures are released, it’s best to treat the big salary claims with skepticism. What matters more is the tradition, star power, and excitement Carrie Underwood brings to Sunday Night Football every week.
FAQs
Q: Does Carrie Underwood make $1 million per episode?
No. That’s a rumor with no official confirmation, and she has publicly denied it.
Q: Why do people think she earns $18 million per season?
The math is based on multiplying the rumored $1 million per week by 18 games, but it’s not verified.
Q: Has she ever shared her contract details?
No. She has never disclosed her actual salary.
Q: What does “pro bono” mean in this case?
It suggests that money isn’t her main focus for the role. While she may receive some form of compensation, it’s not on the massive scale people imagine.