Forget the Blonde Bombshell Image—Carrie Underwood Just Stepped Into a Look No One Saw Coming. ML
Carrie Underwood has once again proven that she can dazzle both on and off the stage. The country superstar, 42, turned heads during the Grand Ole Opry’s 100th Birthday Show on October 25, not just for her powerhouse performance but for her bold new look that fans can’t stop talking about.
The “Before He Cheats” singer shared several photos from the night on Instagram, and fans immediately flooded her page with praise — especially over her darker hair color. Carrie, who’s long been known for her signature blonde locks, has gone noticeably deeper in tone, letting her brunette hues flow loosely over her shoulders.
“This hair color is everything!” one fan gushed. Another commented, “I love her natural hair.”
Carrie first hinted at returning to her natural shade this past summer, admitting in August that she hadn’t seen her true hair color since she was “about 12 years old.” Now, it appears she’s taken it even further — embracing a rich, earthy tone that fans say makes her look “more radiant than ever.”
But Carrie’s evening wasn’t just about glamour — it was about grace.
A Touching Tribute to a Friend Gone Too Soon
During the Opry celebration, Carrie delivered an emotional rendition of “Jesus, Take the Wheel” in honor of her late friend and longtime songwriter Brett James, who tragically died in a recent plane crash that also claimed the lives of his wife and daughter.
On Instagram, she reflected on the night, writing:
“Such a sweet Friday at the @opry! Tonight I got to honor my friend, @brettjamessongs … I’m blessed to have known him and I get the gift of singing his words and melodies for the rest of my life.”
Brett and his family perished when their single-engine Cirrus SR22T aircraft crashed near Franklin, North Carolina. He is survived by his ex-wife, Sandra Cornelius, and their four children.
The moment brought tears to many in attendance, including fellow performers Junior Brown, Shaun Cassidy, John Foster, and Mark Willis, who all joined Carrie in celebrating the Opry’s century-long legacy.
A Career of Faith, Beauty, and Strength
Carrie’s career continues to evolve — much like her look. Before becoming a global music icon, she studied Broadcast Journalism at Northeastern State University and even competed in beauty pageants, once earning first runner-up in the 2003 Miss NSU pageant.
Since winning American Idol, she’s built one of country music’s most successful careers, amassing over 85 Billboard number-one hits and countless awards.
Still, her journey hasn’t been without hardship. In 2018, a freak fall left her with a broken wrist and more than 40 stitches above her lip — but her comeback proved her resilience and faith stronger than ever.
Now, with her dark new look and a renewed sense of purpose, Carrie Underwood continues to embody what fans love most about her: authenticity, grace, and heart.
