Honestly, New Year’s Eve in Times Square is usually a hot mess of shivering tourists and expensive permit fees. But this past December 31, 2024, felt different. When Carrie Underwood stepped onto that stage for Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2025, it wasn't just another gig. It was a massive, full-circle moment.
Think about it. 2025 marks exactly twenty years since she won American Idol. Twenty. That’s a lifetime in the music industry. She basically grew up on our TV screens, and there she was, headlining the biggest party on the planet right as the clock hit midnight.
She didn't just sing; she put on a clinic.
Why Carrie Underwood New Year’s Eve 2024 Was a Career Milestone
People keep asking why this specific performance mattered so much. It’s simple: the "Idol" connection. Ryan Seacrest was celebrating his 20th anniversary hosting the show, and Carrie was celebrating 20 years since he called her name on that stage. It was a total nostalgia trip for anyone who remembers the "Chebaunsee, Oklahoma" days.
The pressure was on. Times Square is notorious for bad acoustics and freezing winds that can wreck a singer's vocal cords. Carrie didn't care. She showed up to remind everyone why she’s the most successful alum the show has ever produced.
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The Setlist: A 20-Year Journey
She didn't just stick to the new stuff from Denim & Rhinestones. She went deep. The medley was a masterclass in pacing.
- "Church Bells": She started strong, even playing guitar in a massive black and gold fringed robe.
- "Pink Champagne": This was the "moment." She actually sang while perched in a giant, oversized champagne glass. Talk about on-brand for NYE.
- "Before He Cheats": You can’t play a Carrie set without this. The crowd in NYC was basically screaming the lyrics back at her.
The Wardrobe: Three Looks in Ten Minutes
Let’s talk about the clothes. Carrie is known for her legs and her sequins, and she didn't disappoint. She managed three distinct outfit changes without even leaving the stage area. It was basically a magic trick with zippers.
First, she had that heavy, dramatic black and gold robe. It looked warm, which was smart. Then, she ditched it to reveal a hot pink, feathered tinsel jacket. It was loud, bright, and perfect for the 11:50 PM energy. Finally, for the big finale, she stripped down to a sleek, silver sequined pantsuit.
She looked like a human disco ball. In the best way possible.
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Facing the "Unrecognizable" Rumors
Look, we have to address the elephant in the room. Social media was buzzing during the broadcast, and not all of it was about her high notes. Some fans started claiming she looked "unrecognizable" or had too much work done.
It’s kind of an old story at this point. Back in 2017, Carrie had that nasty fall at her home in Nashville—the one where she broke her wrist and needed 40-plus stitches in her face. She’s been open about feeling "a little different" ever since.
People are always going to talk. But if you watch the footage, she’s still got the same powerhouse vocals and the same stage presence. Whether it’s aging, lighting, or just the brutal New York cold, she still looks like Carrie to me.
The "Idol" Judge Era Begins
This performance served a dual purpose. Beyond the anniversary, it was a massive promo for her new role as a judge on American Idol Season 23. She’s replacing Katy Perry, which is a huge shift for the show.
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Seeing her on that ABC stage, right next to Seacrest, made the transition feel official. She isn't just a contestant anymore. She’s the veteran. The expert. The one the new kids have to impress.
Who Else Was There?
The night wasn't just the Carrie show, though she definitely stole it. The lineup was actually pretty diverse:
- Megan Moroney: Bringing that "Am I Okay?" energy.
- Lenny Kravitz: Because you need some rock and roll.
- Sophie Ellis-Bextor: Riding the Saltburn wave with "Murder on the Dancefloor."
- Teddy Swims: Providing those soulful vibes.
How to Catch the Replay
If you missed it live because you were busy trying to open a bottle of Prosecco, you can still find the highlights. ABC usually keeps the performances on their site for a bit, and Hulu has the full special streaming.
If you want the raw experience, check out the fan-shot videos on YouTube. There's something about hearing the crowd's reaction to "Before He Cheats" that the professional cameras sometimes miss.
Actionable Takeaways for Fans
If you're inspired by Carrie's 20-year milestone, here’s how to keep up with her in 2026:
- Watch the Residency: Her REFLECTION residency in Las Vegas is wrapping up its final dates this spring. If you want to see that champagne glass stunt in person, get to Resorts World.
- Tune into Idol: The new season premieres March 9 on ABC. It'll be interesting to see if she’s the "nice judge" or the "tough love" judge.
- Stream the Special: Her REFLECTION concert special is hitting Hulu. It’s the perfect way to see the full production value without the Times Square crowds.
Carrie Underwood's New Year's Eve 2024 performance wasn't just a countdown. It was a victory lap. She’s survived twenty years in an industry that eats people alive, and she’s still standing—sequins and all.