Carrie Underwood sets record straight on making $1M weekly from 'Sunday Night Football' anthem

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Country music star Carrie Underwood’s rise to superstardom may have started with 'American Idol', but these days, she’s just as much a part of NFL’s Sunday night tradition as the game itself.

For years, the country icon has hyped millions with her electrifying 'Sunday Night Football' anthem, belting out the theme song that kicks off prime-time matchups. But while Underwood’s presence on screen is undeniable, the rumors about her paycheck? Not so much.

Carrie Underwood reveals whether she makes $1M per week for 'Sunday Night Football' theme

Carrie Underwood, known for her powerhouse vocals and chart-topping hits like 'Before He Cheats,' is now under the scanner for her earnings. With a reported net worth of $140 million, it’s easy to envision the 41-year-old singer receiving hefty paychecks for her work with NBC.

However, recent headlines claiming she earns a cool $1 million per week during the NFL season have taken the speculation a bit too far. Despite the buzz, Underwood herself shut down those claims during a candid interview with Howard Stern in May 2023, clarifying that the seven-figure rumors were wildly off base.

When asked if she truly earned $18 million a year for her 'Sunday Night Football' performances, Underwood laughed it off, responding, “No! It’s pretty pro bono.”

"Is it really? In other words you said, ‘Hey it’s an honor to sing the Sunday Night Football thing?’" Stern counter-questioned, before adding, "Oh I heard you got $18 million a year for that."

However, the 'How Great Thou Art' singer shut down the idea that she was raking in $1 million each time the song airs is simply untrue. "No, I wish. That’d be great! Awesome. The Google steered you wrong there!” Underwood claimed.

Carrie Underwood initially turned down 'Sunday Night Football' theme

So, while Carrie Underwood might not be cashing in $1 million weekly, her association with the NFL keeps her profile high enough that her earnings likely don’t hurt either. 

The NFL's revenue and business have skyrocketed, with the salary cap more than doubling since 2013. Regardless, Underwood’s overall earnings have surely increased by several million dollars thanks to her prominent weekly performances during prime-time NFL broadcasts.

However, this doesn’t come in the form of a direct seven-figure paycheck or deposit from NBC or the NFL each week.

And most people probably don't know, Underwood initially turned down the 'Sunday Night Football' gig, claiming she “wasn’t really interested," feeling it "wasn’t the right time," per US Weekly.

“At that time in my life, there was so much going on,” the 'Two Black Cadillacs' songstress explained. But no regrets now, as the anthem continues to be a fan-favorite in 2024!