Lauren Alaina Reflects On Unforgettable American Idol Moment Performing ‘Before He Cheats’ With Carrie Underwood

Alaina says she will “never forget” this moment.

By

Lauren Jo Black

| Posted on

January 18, 2024

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4:28 pm

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Lauren Alaina, Carrie Underwood; Photo via YouTube

Lauren Alaina first won over the hearts of millions when she appeared on season 10 of American Idol in 2011. At just 15 years old, she instantly gained fans due to her small-town charm and incredible vocal abilities. 

Throughout the season, she put her love for country music on full display with performances of country hits like Faith Hill’s “Like We Never Loved At All,” Reba McEntire’s “Turn On The Radio,” and more. 

Memorable American Idol Finale Performance

During the finale, the budding country star had the opportunity to take the stage with American Idol season four winner, Carrie Underwood. Together, they performed Underwood’s wildly successful hit “Before He Cheats,” showcasing their powerful vocals in a standout performance. 

YouTube video

Lauren Alaina recalled this memorable moment while guest hosting The Kelleigh Bannen Show on Apple Music Country, filling in for Bannen, who is on maternity leave.       

“I will never forget in the very beginning of my career getting to sing [“Before He Cheats”] with [Carrie] on ‘American Idol,’” Alaina confessed. 

Alaina Cried When She Met Underwood

She went on to explain how Underwood was a role model to her and recalled being brought to tears the moment she first saw her. 

Carrie Underwood, Lauren Alaina; Photo Courtesy Lauren Alaina, Facebook
Carrie Underwood, Lauren Alaina; Photo Courtesy Lauren Alaina, Facebook

“All I wanted at that time was to even be a little bit like her, because she was a small town girl who tried out for her favorite TV show and it changed her life. And I cried like a baby when I saw her across the room,” she said. “I didn’t even know then that I was going to get to perform with her, but I literally cried meeting her. One of the few people that I’ve ever really had an emotional response to meeting.” 

They Have Shared The Stage on Multiple Occasions

Since that memorable performance, Alaina has had the opportunity to cross paths with Underwood on several occasions. They reprised their performance of “Before He Cheats” in 2016 during the ACM Party for a Cause in Las Vegas with Bannen, Jana Kramer, and fellow Idol alum, Kellie Pickler. The collaborative performance can be viewed below. 

YouTube video

Alaina has also had the opportunity to open for Underwood on several occasions and is thankful for her support. 

“I probably look up to her more than anyone else, as far as what she’s done in her career and what she stands for,” Lauren told Sounds Like Nashville in 2016. “For her to support me and let me open up for her, I’ve gotten to do quite a few shows with her now…She’s just so sweet. She tweeted me and said that I was a tough act to follow. I’m going to tell you, that made me feel pretty baller. I’ve never felt so cool. I was pumped about that. I was like, a kid on Christmas day. I was jumping.”

They Are Both Members of the Grand Ole Opry

Like Carrie Underwood, Lauren Alaina is also a member of the Grand Ole Opry. The artists often perform on Country music’s most famous stage and have even performed at the Opry on the same night.    

Alaina is next scheduled to perform at the Grand Ole Opry on January 19 for the Opry Goes Dolly celebration. The soon-to-be Mrs. Cameron Arnold will also be getting married sometime soon. 

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Lauren Jo Black

Written by

Lauren Jo Black

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.