Carrie Underwood’s Rock Revelation at Velocity Festival

Carrie Underwood, widely recognized as a country music superstar, has long harbored a passion for rock music. This was on full display during her electrifying performance at the Velocity Festival in Dyersville, Iowa, on Saturday, September 5. The crowd was pleasantly surprised as she delivered a rock-heavy set, featuring tracks from iconic bands such as Limp Bizkit, Papa Roach, Collective Soul, and Linkin Park.

The Rock-Filled Setlist

In addition to her beloved country hits like “Before He Cheats” and “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” Underwood unleashed a series of nu-metal anthems. Among the standout performances were Limp Bizkit’s “Break Stuff,” Papa Roach’s “Scars,” Collective Soul’s “Shine,” and Linkin Park’s “One Step Closer.”

Underwood fully embraced the rock vibe during “Break Stuff,” energetically jumping around the stage and donning a backward red baseball cap, a playful homage to Limp Bizkit’s frontman, Fred Durst. Fan-captured videos showed her enthusiastically headbanging while belting out “One Step Closer,” further highlighting her commitment to the genre.

Following the event, Underwood took to Instagram to express her joy, stating, “Had the BEST time last night in Dyersville, IA at the @velocitymusicfest !!! Everything about it was [three fire emojis]!!! Thanks to all who came out to party! Y’all were crazy!”

Inspiration from Rock Legends

This rock-infused performance was not entirely unexpected. Underwood had flown into Iowa a day early to catch Shinedown’s headlining act, which sparked her desire to experiment with her own setlist. She later remarked that she felt “inspired to try some new stuff” during her performance.

Carrie Underwood’s Rock Collaborations

Underwood’s love for rock music isn’t a new revelation. Over the years, she has shared the stage with legendary rock acts, including Guns N’ Roses, Mötley Crüe, Papa Roach, and Billy Idol. In 2022, she performed with Axl Rose at Stagecoach and has collaborated with Guns N’ Roses on multiple occasions. She also teamed up with Mötley Crüe for performances of “Home Sweet Home” and “Kickstart My Heart” on American Idol in May, and joined Papa Roach for “Leave a Light On (Talk Away the Dark)” in 2025. Additionally, she showcased her rock chops by performing “Rebel Yell” with Billy Idol on the same show in April.

The Possibility of a Rock Album

While there is currently no confirmed rock album in the works for Carrie Underwood, her recent performance at the Velocity Festival, combined with her comments on being inspired by Shinedown, has sparked speculation among fans. Given her history of collaborations with rock artists and her evident enthusiasm for the genre, the idea of Underwood venturing into rock music does not seem far-fetched.

For now, she continues to reveal a different dimension of her musical interests. Should she choose to pursue a rock record, it’s clear she’d have the talent and experience to pull it off successfully.

Conclusion

Carrie Underwood’s recent foray into rock music has opened up exciting possibilities for her career. As she continues to blend her country roots with rock influences, fans are left wondering what the future holds. Whether or not she decides to create a rock album, one thing is certain: Underwood has proven she can effortlessly cross genres and captivate audiences with her dynamic performances.

FAQs

1. Has Carrie Underwood ever released a rock album?

No, Carrie Underwood has not released a rock album to date. However, she has expressed interest in rock music and has performed rock songs live.

2. What rock songs did Carrie Underwood perform at the Velocity Festival?

At the Velocity Festival, she performed rock songs including Limp Bizkit’s “Break Stuff,” Papa Roach’s “Scars,” Collective Soul’s “Shine,” and Linkin Park’s “One Step Closer.”

3. Has Carrie Underwood collaborated with any rock artists?

Yes, Carrie Underwood has collaborated with several rock artists, including Axl Rose from Guns N’ Roses, Mötley Crüe, Papa Roach, and Billy Idol.

4. What inspired Carrie Underwood’s rock performance at the festival?

Underwood was inspired by her experience watching Shinedown’s headlining performance, which motivated her to experiment with her own setlist at the festival.

5. Is there a chance Carrie Underwood will make a rock album in the future?

While there is no confirmed rock album in the works, her recent performances and collaborations suggest that it’s a possibility fans can hope for.