Carrie Underwood Goes Full Rock Star in Show-Stopping ‘Rebel Yell’ Moment with Billy Idol on ‘American Idol’
Underwood channeled her inner rock star for this performance.
Billy Idol, Carrie Underwood; Photo by Disney/Eric McCandless
Carrie Underwood brought the house down on American Idol Monday night with an electrifying performance of “Rebel Yell,” joining Billy Idol and guitarist Steve Stevens for a high-energy opening number.
Carrie Underwood Teams Up with Billy Idol and Steve Stevens
The country superstar leaned fully into her rock side, stepping on stage with confidence in a studded leather jacket, leather mini shorts with silver cross accents, and tall boots. With her hair teased high, Underwood delivered a commanding performance as she belted out the iconic track.
“Everybody make some noise for the original Idol, Billy Idol!” she shouted during the performance, as she danced alongside him through the chorus.
Judges Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie were seen standing and cheering throughout the set, while the audience erupted as confetti rained down across the stage.
Underwood’s performance with Billy Idol follows her incredible performance of “How Great Thou Art” on Idol’s “Songs of Faith Night” earlier in the season.
Following the show, Underwood took to social media to share her disbelief at the opportunity to share the stage with rock legends.
“What is my life?!?! I got the incredible chance tonight to sing with THE Billy Idol and Steve Stevens as part of our Rock & Roll Hall of Fame night on American Idol. It was an honor for me to get to share the stage with some real legends! Billy was so kind and put up with my nervousness and fangirling…I still can’t believe THAT just happened!”
Fans Praise Carrie Underwood’s Rock Performance and Vocal Versatility
Fans praised her performance of “Rebel Yell,” noting it showcased her versatility as an artist.
“This is what makes Carrie such an amazing artist! She loves all genres and sings them all with passion,” one viewer wrote.
Another shared, “We need Carrie Underwood to release a rock n roll album. She can sing any genre perfect. She’s so amazing.”
The performance kicked off Idol’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame-themed episode, where the Top 11
contestants performed songs from legendary inductees as America voted live to determine the Top 9.
The night also celebrated the announcement of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Class of 2026, which includes Billy Idol, Phil Collins, Iron Maiden, Joy Division/New Order, Oasis, Sade, Luther Vandross, and Wu-Tang Clan.
What’s Next: Disney Night Brings Jennifer Hudson Back as Guest Judge
American Idol will return next week with the highly anticipated Disney Night, and 2004 Idol finalist Jennifer Hudson will return to the show as a guest judge and mentor.
This will mark Hudson’s first return to American Idol in 10 years and her first time mentoring contestants, helping guide the Top 9 as they perform iconic Disney songs with hopes to earn enough votes to earn a spot in the Top 7.
“Disney Night” on American Idol airs live Monday, April 20 from 8–10 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+. Episodes will be available to stream the following day on Disney+ and Hulu.
Lauren Jo Black, a University of Central Florida graduate, has immersed herself in the world of country music for over 15 years. In 2008, she co-founded CountryMusicIsLove, eventually selling it to a major record label in 2015. Following the rebranding of the website to Sounds Like Nashville, Black served as Editor-in-Chief for two and a half years. Currently, she assumes the role of Editor-in-Chief at Country Now and oversees Country Now’s content and digital footprint. Her extensive experience also encompasses her previous role as a Country Music Expert Writer for Answers.com and her work being featured on Forbes.com. She’s been spotlighted among Country Aircheck’s Women of Influence and received the 2012 Rising Star Award from the University of Central Florida. Black also spent time in front of the camera as host of Country Now Live, which brought live music directly to fans in 2021 when the majority of concerts were halted due to the pandemic. During this time, she hosted 24 weeks of live concerts via Country Now Live on Twitch with special guests such as Lady A, Dierks Bentley, Jordan Davis, Brett Young, and Jon Pardi. Over the course of her career, she has had the privilege of conducting interviews with some of the industry’s most prominent stars, including Reba McEntire, Blake Shelton, Luke Combs, Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert, Lainey Wilson, and many others. Lauren Jo Black is a longtime member of the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music.
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