Carrie Underwood is now a world-renowned country singer and powerhouse vocalist, but back in 2005, she was an 21-year-old contestant vying to be the next American Idol. Fans were excited to see the “Ghost Story” hitmaker, 39, return to the stage and perform at the 2022 American Idol finale, and were devastated to learn that the fourth winner of the series could no longer do so.
This year’s 20th season marks a milestone occasion, and host Ryan Seacrest revealed to disappointed viewers that Underwood could no longer perform at the finale due to a COVID-19 exposure. “There was a COVID exposure in Carrie Underwood’s group, so following protocol she will no longer be performing tonight,” Seacrest said after a performance from Flo Rida with the Top 10 contestants from this season.
View this post on Instagram
Underwood was supposed to bring the live debut of her new song “Denim & Rhinestones” during the 3-hour finale last week, as she is preparing to release her ninth studio album of the same name on June 10th. The “Before He Cheats” singer shared an emotional post on Instagram this week marking the 17th anniversary of her Idol win and another to promote her upcoming tour for her new record.
Regarding the new album, Underwood said in a press release that it covers “a lot of ground” and that many songs have a “bit of a throwback feel” but sound “super fresh.” She added, “I grew up listening to so many different kinds of music and that is extremely evident in this body of work. […] These are musical influences that are all in me and work their way out, and I just decided this time not to get in their way. I think this whole album ended up being a big reflection of me as a person and as an artist.”
View this post on Instagram
While we’re bummed to have missed her Idol return, many of her fans wrote on her posts that they “can’t wait to hear her new music!”
