No American Idol season finale would be complete without a performance from one of the show’s greatest success stories: Carrie Underwood. The country star returned to the stage that launched her record-breaking career Sunday night for the reboot’s second season finale.

Carrie Underwood was crowned the American Idol winner in 2005 during the original show’s fourth season. Underwood’s unprecedented success has given hope to the many contestants who have passed through the Idol show in the years since. With 7 Grammy Awards wins, and 64 million records sold worldwide, Carrie Underwood is what all Idol hopefuls strive to be.

Almost immediately upon earning the Idol crown, Carrie found herself at the top of the country music charts with her debut single “Inside Your Heaven.” Her debut album, Some Hearts, became the best-selling solo female debut album in country music history, the fastest-selling debut country album in SoundScan history and the best-selling country album of the last 16 years.

Underwood has managed to maintain her Idol success for the past 14 years and brought her latest single, “Southbound,” to the finale Sunday night. The third single from her Cry Pretty album, “Southbound” brings a new sound from Underwood. The catchy, dance-worthy tune lent a party vibe to the show as Underwood danced across the stage looking stunning in a multi-colored sequin dress that put us all in the mood for summer.

Underwood took to Twitter following her performance to thank the show for inviting her back, and left well-wishes for the remaining contestants.

Watch Carrie Underwood perform “Southbound” live at the American Idol season finale in the video below.