"Living my best rockstar life!" the country star said of the performance.
The 43-year-old "Before He Cheats" singer joined Mötley Crüe for a duet during the American Idol 2026 season finale. The Grammy winner, who is now a judge on the reality show, won the fourth season of the hit competition series in 2005.
The performance began with the heavy metal band — which consists of Vince Neil, Nikki Sixx, Tommy Lee and John 5 — featuring Underwood in a rendition of "Home Sweet Home."
Lionel Richie was seen dancing from his judge’s seat as the ballad intensified, with sparks raining down from the stage’s ceiling and the guitar and drums growing louder.
Carrie Underwood with Motley Crue
The group transitioned into "Kickstart My Heart," fully rocking out in front of the audience.
As the music mashup came to an end, flames shot up from the stage as strobe lights and images of two skeletons decorated their background. They received a standing ovation from the "Hello" hitmaker, 76, who was positioned beside host Ryan Seacrest and Underwood's fellow judge Luke Bryan.
Last April, Underwood surprised fans when she performed with Papa Roach for a set of songs at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas.
For the concert, the band — Jacoby Shaddix, Jerry Horton, Tobin Esperance and Tony Palermo — started with their collaboration "Leave a Light on (Talk Away the Dark)." They also performed "Last Resort" for the song’s 25th anniversary.
