Carrie Underwood knows how to make a statement—especially when it comes to fashion and performances. The country music sensation kicked off 2025 in spectacular style, dazzling audiences during Dick Clark’s Rockin’ New Year’s Eve with Ryan Seacrest on December 31. The 41-year-old singer proved herself a master of the “quick change” by unveiling not one, but three stunning, sparkly outfits throughout her performance.
Underwood, who was a highlight of the evening, serenaded the crowd with a medley of her chart-topping hits, each look more eye-catching than the last. The outfit changes were seamless, matching the energy of the songs and adding an extra layer of glam to her already spectacular stage presence. From fringed robes to feathered jackets and shimmering pantsuits, Underwood’s New Year’s Eve performance was nothing short of a fashion feast.
Underwood opened the performance with an eye-catching black and gold robe that was draped in shimmering fringe, giving off the kind of glimmer you’d expect from a New Year’s Eve spectacle. As she strummed her matching guitar and belted out “Church Bells”, her robe twinkled with every movement, sending flashes of gold and black into the spotlight. The dramatic piece set the tone for the evening, with the singer proving early on that her outfit choices would be as electrifying as her performance.
The robe had all the elegance of a Hollywood starlet but with a touch of country music glamour. Underwood’s trademark blend of class and sass was front and center, making it clear that her New Year’s Eve performance wouldn’t be just about the music—it would be a full-fledged visual experience.
But Underwood wasn’t finished there. As the crowd settled in for the next song, she shed her robe to reveal a feathered, hot pink jacket worn over a shimmering silver pantsuit. The jacket, which resembled tinsel, sparkled brightly under the Times Square lights, adding an extra level of flair.
The pink ensemble was a perfect fit for “Pink Champagne”, Underwood’s bubbly, upbeat track. The singer performed the song perched inside a massive champagne glass, a literal nod to the drink that symbolizes the New Year’s celebration. The playful moment was one of the evening’s highlights, with Underwood effortlessly balancing the festive mood with her usual powerful vocal performance.
The grand finale of Underwood’s performance came when she stripped away the feathered jacket, revealing a sleek, full-length silver sequined pantsuit that caught every glint of light. This dazzling look was the perfect choice for “Before He Cheats”, a song that has become one of Underwood’s most iconic anthems. As she belted out the track, her silver suit shimmered under the lights, making her a true vision of confidence and glamour.
The transformation from one outfit to the next was flawless, allowing Underwood to showcase not only her vocal prowess but also her impeccable sense of style. By the time the performance ended, she had delivered both a musical and visual experience that viewers would remember long after the clock struck midnight.
Though Underwood’s performance was nothing short of spectacular, she admitted that stepping into a new role was a bit nerve-wracking. As she prepares to return to American Idol as a judge 20 years after winning the competition herself, Underwood shared her mixed emotions with host Ryan Seacrest.
When Seacrest asked her whether she preferred being a contestant or a judge on American Idol, Underwood admitted that she felt nervous on both sides of the stage. “I mean, nerves with both,” she said, adding that while she once lived out her dream as a contestant, she’s now on the other side, rooting for the new talent. “I’m nervous for them, but I’m also really excited,” she confessed. The singer-turned-judge is looking forward to the next chapter of her American Idol journey when the 23rd season premieres on March 9, 2025.
Underwood’s return to American Idol marks a full circle moment for the star who first captured hearts in 2005 as the winner of season 4.
Carrie Underwood’s New Year’s Eve special wasn’t just a musical performance—it was a dazzling display of fashion, talent, and showmanship. With three unique, sparkling outfits, Underwood proved why she’s a force to be reckoned with both on and off the stage. Fans of the country legend are sure to be counting down the days until her American Idol return, but for now, her unforgettable performance on Dick Clark’s Rockin’ New Year’s Eve will be the talk of the town.
Read more: