Carrie Underwood’s Greatest Rock Covers
Carrie Underwood's Greatest Rock Covers
Carrie Underwood might rule the country charts now, but back in her teen years, she was all about big riffs and loud guitars. Before her rise to country stardom, the Oklahoma native was a full-on metalhead with a soft spot for hair metal bands like Guns N’ Roses. Yep, she had Axl Rose on repeat and loved that gritty, rebellious sound. That early love for rock still shows up in her music today, especially through her powerful covers that prove she’s way more than just a country girl with a killer voice.
“Sweet Child O’ Mine” (Guns N’ Roses)
Axl Rose joined Carrie Underwood on stage at the 2022 Stagecoach Festival, fulfilling her rock ‘n’ roll dream. Carrie put on a powerful and stylish rendition of “Sweet Child O’ Mine” with the two of them. Her affection for the vocalist of Guns N’ Roses was evident, and the moment delivered fans an unforgettable blend of rock star intensity and country charm.
“Patience” (Guns N’ Roses)
Carrie Underwood surprised fans in 2006 by performing a stripped-down version of “Patience” by Guns N’ Roses. With just her band and acoustic guitar, she gave the traditional rock ballad a new country twist. Her ability to effortlessly cross genres and engage with followers outside of the country audience was demonstrated by this audacious move. Carrie was not afraid to experiment and make it her own, as seen by her performance.
“I Remember You” (Skid Row)
Carrie Underwood gave an amazing performing of Skid Row’s “I Remember You” in 2007. She gave the song a daring new edge with her powerful vocals and a burst of ’80s hair metal energy. It was how she paid tribute to the original while bringing something new and distinctively her own to it. Carrie’s talent for reworking rock standards demonstrates that she is more than simply a country music icon; she has a wide range.
“Alone” (Heart)
Carrie Underwood brought serious emotion to Heart’s classic “Alone” while opening for Guns N’ Roses. Her powerful take on the iconic ballad proved she could handle rock just as effortlessly as country. With each performance, she didn’t just sing the song—she made it her own. By mixing rock favorites into her setlist, Carrie showed the world she’s more than a country queen—she’s a true musical chameleon with a real passion for rock.
“November Rain” (Guns N’ Roses)
“November Rain” got a new sound when Carrie Underwood added it to her set list and switched out Axl Rose’s signature piano for an acoustic guitar. There wasn’t as much drama in her version as there was in the original, but it was still very moving. She turned the epic ballad into a hauntingly beautiful moment with her strong singing and a simple set-up. It showed how well rock and country can go together.
“Home Sweet Home” (Motley Crue)
Another unforgettable take on a classic track, Carrie gave her own spin on Mötley Crüe’s “Home Sweet Home,” bringing out its grit and heart with a powerhouse vocal performance. Her version hit all the right notes—emotional, edgy, and totally convincing. By taking on a rock anthem and making it her own, she showed once again that her voice knows no boundaries, effortlessly connecting with fans of both country and rock.
“I Hate Myself for Loving You” (Joan Jett)
Carrie Underwood brought serious rock vibes to the 2019 CMA Fest when she teamed up with Joan Jett for a fiery performance of “I Hate Myself for Loving You.” Belting out the high-energy anthem—famous as the Sunday Night Football theme—Underwood proved she could channel rock’s rebellious edge just as well as her country roots. With Jett by her side, it was a powerhouse moment that lit up the stage and thrilled fans of every generation.
“Ace of Spades” (Motörhead)
Underwood turned up the heat in Montreal with her fierce cover of “Ace of Spades” by Motörhead. She brought the raw power of the original song to the stage with her grit and high-octane energy, showing she wasn’t afraid to get wild and loud. In honor of the legendary Lemmy Kilmister, Underwood’s show was a strong reminder that her rock skills are just as sharp as her country ones.
“Paradise City” (Guns N’ Roses)
The country music icon wrapped up her 2013 CMA Fest set with a fiery cover of Guns N’ Roses’ “Paradise City,” and she didn’t hold back. From her playful snake dance to her high-energy take on the legendary intro, she proved she could rock just as hard as anyone. Taking on a rock anthem that big is no small feat—but Underwood owned it, showing fans she’s a fearless performer who always gives it everything she’s got.
“Summer of ’69” (Bryan Adams)
When Carrie Underwood sang Bryan Adams’ “Summer of ’69” at a show at the University of Massachusetts, it got people really excited. Her powerful vocals gave the old rock song a new spark and made it feel like something completely different. This new take on an old favorite showed that she’s more than just a country queen—she can also rock a crowd.
“Never Tear Us Apart” (INXS)
At the Sydney Opera House, Carrie Underwood sang “Never Tear Us Apart” by INXS in her own unique way. She did a great job honoring the Australian rock legends with her soulful grit and powerful vocals. Her performance was honest and brave, showing that she’s more than ready to join the rock world. It was yet another reminder of how versatile she is and how much she loves the genre.
“Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around” (Stevie Nicks)
Carrie Underwood teamed up with Keith Urban for a fiery duet of “Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around,” the Stevie Nicks and Tom Petty classic. Their chemistry on stage brought a fresh energy to the rock staple, with Underwood’s powerful vocals blending effortlessly with Urban’s gritty edge. The performance highlighted her ability to shine in a duet while paying tribute to rock legends—showing once again that she’s right at home outside the country lane.
“Voices Carry” (‘Til Tuesday)
Carrie Underwood showcased her ability to switch genres at the 2008 Delaware State Fair by performing a daring rendition of “Voices Carry” by “Til Tuesday.” With her trademark high notes, she turned the chorus into a soaring moment, transforming the 1980s alt-rock song into a full-throttle vocal display. It had the feel of a glam-country update to an indie classic. The performance demonstrated her willingness to explore uncharted rock ground and fully make her own.
