Carrie Underwood returned to the American Idol stage on April 27, 2025, with Heart’s “Alone,” a powerful tribute to her breakthrough 20 years earlier. Originally performed in the Top 11 round of season four, the song marked a turning point in her Idol career and proved she could shine beyond country music.
At the time, judge Simon Cowell predicted that she would not only win the show, but also surpass all previous winners – a prediction that came true: Underwood became one of American Idol’s biggest stars, with over 85 million records sold.
Her recent performance of “Alone” as part of the show’s “Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Night” showcased a more experienced and powerful voice that resonated with longtime fans and brought her idol legacy to a new generation.