Singer and songwriter Carrie Underwood (Image Credit: Getty Images)
When you think about Sunday Night Football, Carrie Underwood’s voice is probably one of the first things that comes to mind. Her iconic theme song has become a weekly tradition for football fans, setting the tone for prime-time action. It’s catchy and energetic and gets everyone pumped up for game night. But have you ever wondered how much Underwood earns for belting out that tune? Spoiler alert: it’s a lot! Let’s dive into how much Carrie Underwood takes home each week for her brief but powerful Sunday Night Football performances.

What Are Carrie Underwood’s Sunday Night Football Earnings?

Carrie Underwood earns $1 million each time her theme song airs on Sunday Night Football. With the NFL season spanning 18 weeks, this totals an impressive $18 million annually for just this gig. Every week, as fans gear up for kick-off, Underwood’s performance introduces the game—and she takes home a million dollars for each appearance.

For 12 seasons, Underwood has been the voice behind the SNF theme, making this partnership incredibly profitable for the country music star. Her role has become more than just a catchy tune—she’s now a key part of the NFL’s brand identity.

Turn us up @carrieunderwood! 🎶 pic.twitter.com/blJ14RaxSH

— Sunday Night Football on NBC (@SNFonNBC)

October 14, 2024

Since winning the fourth season of American Idol, Underwood has made a name for herself in country music and the NFL. Millions of viewers tune in every Sunday night, not just for the football, but also for her iconic one-minute performance that sets the tone.

Earning $1 million for just one minute of singing, Underwood rakes in $18 million over the 18-week season. This massive payday has raised eyebrows, especially when compared to NFL players. For instance, Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce, one of the league’s top tight ends, makes slightly less—his contract averages $17.125 million annually, which is still below Underwood’s earnings for her weekly SNF performance.

Who Is Carrie Underwood?

American Idol Winner Carrie Underwood (Image Credit: Getty Images)
Carrie Underwood shot to fame in 2005 after winning American Idol. She quickly became a country music sensation, and her debut album, Some Hearts, made history with singles like “Before He Cheats” and “Jesus, Take the Wheel.” Since then, Underwood has sold over 85 million records worldwide and racked up a slew of prestigious awards, including eight Grammy Awards, 12 Billboard Music Awards, and 17 American Music Awards.

Underwood’s voice has earned her more than just a loyal fanbase—it’s solidified her as one of the greatest female artists of all time. Beyond her musical accomplishments, she cemented her place in pop culture through her ongoing collaboration with the NFL.

What Endorsements Does Carrie Underwood Have?

Carrie Underwood’s income extends beyond just music and football. She also boasts a portfolio of high-profile endorsement deals. She has partnered with brands like Nintendo, Skechers, OLAY, Target, Almay, Hershey’s, Nicole by OPI, and Dick’s Sporting Goods over the years. These partnerships have only added to her impressive fortune.

Billboard has named her one of the top-grossing country stars, largely due to her successful tours, which have grossed over $273.1 million. It’s clear that Underwood’s influence extends far beyond the world of music and sports.

Is Carrie Underwood Married?

Carrie Underwood and Mike Fisher attend the 2022 CMT Music Awards (Image Credit: Getty Images)
Carrie Underwood’s personal life is just as noteworthy. She married NHL star Mike Fisher, who played for the Ottawa Senators and Nashville Predators. The couple met at one of Underwood’s concerts, got engaged a year later, and tied the knot two years after that. Together, they have two children, born in 2015 and 2019.

Underwood and Fisher have been a powerhouse couple, with Underwood continuing her music career while Fisher excelled in the NHL. Their love for sports and entertainment makes them one of the most beloved couples in the celebrity world.

What Are Underwood’s Hobbies and Interests?

Singer Carrie Underwood (Image Credit: Getty Images)
It’s no surprise that Carrie Underwood is a massive sports fan. She has performed at major sporting events, including the NBA Finals and World Series, and even sang the National Anthem at the Super Bowl. Her love for sports is what makes her the perfect fit for the Sunday Night Football theme song.

Underwood’s ability to mix her passion for sports with her musical talent has allowed her to blend into the NFL world seamlessly. Her involvement with Sunday Night Football isn’t just about the paycheck—it reflects her genuine love for sports and entertainment.

Other Notable NFL Stars Missed Out

Carrie Underwood’s earnings for her SNF performances have sparked some debates, especially when compared to the salaries of NFL players. Star athletes like Travis Kelce, Christian McCaffrey, and Mike Evans earn less annually than Underwood for her 18 performances per season. Even rising stars like CJ Stroud earn less than the country singer.

This disparity has fueled conversations about how the NFL values entertainment and athleticism. While players put their bodies on the line week after week, Underwood is cashing in big for her short performances. The debate continues to stir discussion among fans and players alike.

Do NFL Players Deserve to Get Paid More?

Some fans have questioned whether the NFL should pay players more because of Carrie Underwood’s earnings. While there’s no denying that Underwood’s voice is a huge part of Sunday Night Football’s success, some feel that the players—who risk injuries every week—deserve bigger paychecks.

On the flip side, Underwood’s star power and entertainment factor bring a lot of attention and excitement to the NFL. Her contribution to the viewing experience is undeniable, and she receives a handsome payment for it. Ultimately, it comes down to what fans and the NFL value more: the entertainment or the athleticism.

Travis Kelce Used One Word To Describe His Whirlwind Relationship With Taylor Swift

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – FEBRUARY 11: Travis Kelce #87 of the Kansas City Chiefs and Taylor Swift embrace after defeating the San Francisco 49ers in overtime during Super Bowl LVIII at Allegiant Stadium on February 11, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Travis Kelce is proud to have girlfriend Taylor Swift by his side, and he doesn’t mind that the whole world is watching.

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce have been dating since at least September 2023 when she shocked everybody by showing up to Arrowhead Stadium. The move came months after Kelce first publicly expressed interest in Swift, after attending one of her concerts and failing to send a friendship bracelet to her with his number on it.

Travis Kelce knows just how obsessed the world is with his relationship.

“I’m very aware,” Kelce said when asked whether he understands the “impact” his romance with Taylor Swift was having on the NFL.

“Obviously, this is mostly because Taylor’s in my life now and we got her [to be] part of Chiefs Kingdom,” he explained in a resurfaced interview with sports reporter Laura Okmin ahead of the Super Bowl.

“And sure enough, that brought an entire entourage of human beings who just love to support her and love to support everything that she’s about.”

He used an incredible word to describe their relationship.

“With that being said, I do, you know, have a guarded approach to it,” he explained before Super Bowl 58. “But at the same time, I know what me and Taylor have is special, so I get [the interest].”

Taylor Swift was spotted at 13 of Travis Kelce’s Kansas City Chiefs football games this past season, first popping up in a box at Arrowhead Stadium in Missouri on Sept. 24, 2023. The team won 10 of the 13 games at which she’s been in attendance.

That also included the team winning playoff games over the Miami Dolphins, Buffalo Bills, Baltimore Ravens, and then the San Francisco 49ers in the Super Bowl.

Kelce finished the Super Bowl with nine receptions for 93 yards, including a crucial catch in overtime.

The 34-year-old slowed down slightly in 2023, finishing with 93 catches for 984 yards and five touchdowns. It should be noted he did miss two games, Week 1 due to injury and Week 17 as he chose to sit out with the Chiefs not playing for anything.