Published by Cel Manero from Global One Media Inc.
The country singer was concerned that Before He Cheats might be too bold for the “sweet farm girl” persona she had cultivated on American Idol.
One of Carrie Underwood’s most iconic songs almost didn’t become the hit fans know today.
In a recent interview with People, the 42-year-old country star revealed that she nearly passed on Before He Cheats, worried that the track might feel “too aggressive” for the wholesome image she had built as a “sweet farm girl” on American Idol.
“I was like, maybe we don’t do this song,” Underwood admitted. “But everyone loved it, we went for it, and it worked. Even 20 years later, people are still performing it — and it’s a lot of fun.”
The song originally appeared on her 2005 debut album Some Hearts and was later released as a single in 2006. Despite its age, Underwood shared that younger listeners, including her own children, are still discovering and enjoying it.
She recounted a recent moment at home: “I was vacuuming, and I heard music coming from my bedroom. It was Before He Cheats. I walked in, and my 6-year-old was lying on my bed watching the music video. When I asked what he was doing, he said, ‘Nothing.’ Then he started going down the rabbit hole, checking out more of my older videos.”
Underwood and her husband, Mike Fisher, share two sons: Isaiah, 10, and Jacob, 7. She noted that her musical influence has rubbed off on her children — she and Isaiah recorded Little Drummer Boy together for her 2020 Christmas album, My Gift.
“It was so special,” she said. “I was in the booth with him, helping with lyrics and listening to his vocals alongside mine. I laughed, I cried — it was very emotional in a wonderful way.”
Since winning the fourth season of American Idol in 2005, Underwood has released eight albums, including Play On, Storyteller, and Denim & Rhinestones. She’s earned eight Grammy Awards and holds the record for the most wins at the CMT Music Awards.
Years after her initial success on the show, Underwood returned as a judge for its 22nd season, taking over for Katy Perry.
“I do have a big problem … I can’t lie,” she told Good Morning America in August 2024. “I try to be honest but constructive and encouraging.”
Reflecting on her return, she added that the show still “feels like home” and that she hopes to provide guidance and support to contestants, knowing firsthand the pressures they face.
