Carrie Underwood’s Super Bowl 60 Halftime Show: Leaked Rock-Country Setlist Sends Fans Wild

In a moment country music fans have dreamed of for decades, Carrie Underwood has been officially confirmed as the headliner for the Apple Music Super Bowl 60 Halftime Show, set to electrify Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on February 8, 2026. The announcement, dropped by the NFL and Roc Nation on September 15, 2025, sent millions of “Care Bears” into a frenzy, with social media exploding under the hashtag #CUsuperbowl—a campaign that began nearly a year ago to demand the American Idol icon take the stage. But it’s the leaked setlist, blending Underwood’s chart-topping country anthems with a bold rock crossover, that has fans losing their minds and promising a performance for the ages.

Underwood, 42, who first stole hearts as the Season 4 American Idol winner in 2005, is no stranger to high-stakes stages. From singing the National Anthem at Super Bowl XLIV in 2010 to her powerhouse “Sunday Night Football” performances since 2013, she’s been a staple of NFL culture. Yet, the halftime show—a slot untouched by a country headliner since Clint Black, Tanya Tucker, and The Judds in 1994—marks her biggest moment yet. “I’m honored, terrified, and ready to give it everything,” Underwood said in a statement, her Oklahoma roots shining through. “This is for the fans, for country music, and for everyone who’s ever believed in a dream.”

The excitement hit fever pitch when an alleged setlist leaked on X, reportedly from a rehearsal insider, revealing a 12-minute spectacle that fuses Underwood’s country soul with a gritty rock edge. Fans, already buzzing from her 2025 Denim & Rhinestones Tour, where she blended covers of Joan Jett and Pat Benatar with hits like “Before He Cheats,” are calling it the ultimate crossover event. The rumored setlist includes:

• “Before He Cheats” (Rock Remix): A revamped version with electric guitar riffs and a guest appearance by Joan Jett, whose “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll” Underwood covered in 2024.

• “Jesus, Take The Wheel”: A gospel-infused opener, backed by a choir, showcasing her vocal range.

• “Blown Away”: A dramatic, wind-swept performance with pyrotechnics and a nod to her tornado-inspired anthem.

• “Sweet Child O’ Mine” (Guns N’ Roses Cover): A surprise rock classic, with Underwood channeling Axl Rose’s energy.

• “Something In The Water”: A soaring closer, with a full orchestra and a message of hope.

The leak, unconfirmed by Underwood’s team, sparked a wildfire on X, with fans posting, “Carrie doing Guns N’ Roses?! I’m SCREAMING!” and “This is the country-rock Super Bowl we’ve been waiting for!” Some speculate surprise guests like Miranda Lambert or Chris Stapleton could join her, given her history of duets. “If Joan Jett shows up, I’ll lose it,” tweeted one fan, while another declared, “Carrie’s about to make history.”

The announcement comes after a relentless fan campaign, sparked by American Country Music Chatter in February 2025, urging the NFL to capitalize on country music’s surge in popularity. Petitions on Change.org and the #CUsuperbowl hashtag gained traction, especially after Kendrick Lamar’s polarizing Super Bowl 59 performance. Underwood’s 2025, though, wasn’t without challenges—she faced technical glitches singing “America the Beautiful” at Donald Trump’s inauguration, leaving her “furious,” per Daily Mail. Yet, her resilience and vocal prowess, honed through nine albums and seven tours, make her a perfect fit for the global stage.

The Texas Hill Country floods of July 2025, which claimed over 120 lives, including young campers at Camp Mystic, added a poignant layer to Underwood’s performance. A source close to the star told Daily Mail, “Carrie’s dedicating a moment in the show to the flood victims. It’s personal—she’s a Southern girl who knows loss and healing.” Fans expect her to honor the tragedy, possibly with a tribute to heroes like Camp Mystic director Dick Eastland.

As Levi’s Stadium prepares to host Super Bowl 60, broadcast by NBC, anticipation is sky-high. “Carrie’s voice is a force of nature,” said Roc Nation’s Jay-Z, who oversees halftime production. “She’s bringing heart, grit, and a little bit of Nashville to the world.” With 133.5 million viewers tuning into last year’s halftime show, Underwood’s performance could break records, especially with her rock-country fusion. “This is our moment,” posted a fan on X. “Carrie’s gonna blow the roof off!”

From her Oklahoma roots to the Super Bowl stage, Underwood’s journey is a testament to dreams that don’t quit. As one fan put it, “She’s not just singing—she’s telling our stories.” Get ready, America: Carrie Underwood is about to take the wheel and drive Super Bowl 60 into history.