Carrie Underwood may be best known for her powerful country music hits like “Before He Cheats” and “Cowboy Casanova,” but the “American Idol” judge has never been shy about sharing her love for other genres, including rock and heavy metal.
While some fans may be surprised by her diverse musical tastes, Underwood has earned the nickname “Jukebox Carrie” for her impressive music knowledge and ability to sing songs from just about any artist or genre.
Recently, Underwood showed fans that eclectic taste in music when she took the stage at the Velocity Festival in Dyersville, Iowa, and performed not one, but several songs from rock and metal artists ranging from Limp Bizkit to Linkin Park.
Carrie Underwood Performs Rock & Metal Covers During Festival in Iowa
GettyCarrie Underwood shocked fans at a recent concert when she performed hits from rock bands like Limp Bizkit, Linkin Park, and more.
According to People, while performing at the Velocity Festival in Dyersville, Iowa, on Saturday, September 5, Underwood not only sang some of her best-known hits like “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” “Something in the Water,” and “Before He Cheats,” but in between, covered songs like Papa Roach’s “Scar,” Linkin Park’s “One Step Closer,” and Limp Bizkit’s “Break Stuff.”
In fact, a video clip circulating online shows Underwood covering “Break Stuff,” Limp Bizkit’s massive hit song, and doing so wearing a backwards red baseball cap, the trademark look lead singer Fred Durst is famously known for. However, she did make sure to leave out any profanity in the song’s lyrics.
Underwood took to Instagram to share photos from the event, sharing that she had the “BEST time” performing at the festival.
“Had the BEST time last night in Dyersville, IA at the @velocitymusicfest !!! Everything about it was 🔥🔥🔥!!! Thanks to all who came out to party! Y’all were crazy!” She captioned her series of images.
According to Just Jared, the “American Idol” judge also covered rock hits like Collective Soul’s “Shine” and Guns N’ Roses’ “Sweet Child O’Mine.”
Underwood Shares She Was Inspired by Shinedown to Include Rock Covers at Her Concert
Before taking the stage in Iowa, Underwood shared on Instagram that she got to see Shinedown perform backstage before taking to the stage herself. She shared photos and videos of the band singing some of their biggest hits, including “A Symptom of Being Human” and their 2026 tune “Three Six Five.”
“Flew in early to the @velocitymusicfest to catch @shinedown . Totally worth it and I even got this cool hat! I feel inspired to try some new stuff in our set tomorrow. 😉 Let’s goooo!!” Underwood captioned her post.
Underwood has become well known for teaming up with rock legends. Most recently, she performed alongside Mötley Crüe during the “American Idol” season 24 finale, singing their biggest hits “Home Sweet Home” and “Kickstart My Heart.”
The songstress has also rocked out with Guns N’ Roses for several collaborations, including 2022’s Stagecoach Festival. During her “The Denim & Rhinestones Tour” in 2023, she welcomed lead singer Axl Rose as a surprise guest, and they both sang “Welcome to the Jungle.”
