1988 Angry Rock Anthem Is One of the 'Best Hard Rock Covers' From This Country Star
She may not be the first artist who comes to mind when we think '80s rockers, but Carrie Underwood has proved she can hang with some of the industry's best rock vocalists.
The country superstar, who is a self-proclaimed "lover of rock music" has a well-documented history of covering her favorite heavy metal and hard rock tracks. From Ozzy Osbourne to Axl Rose, Underwood has taken on hits by some of rock's biggest legends, and according to Rolling Stone, Underwood's take on a Joan Jett classic is one of her best hard rock covers ever.
In 2019, Underwood performed the 1988 classic from Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, "I Hate Myself For Loving You," during her CMA Fest set at Nashville's Nissan Stadium.
Putting her own take on the angry rock anthem, Underwood surprised the crowd by bringing none other than Jett herself on stage. Together they finished performing "I Hate Myself For Loving You," before taking on more of the band's biggest hits, including "Bad Reputation," "Crimson and Clover" "Fresh Start" and "I Love Rock and Roll."
@dansali13 Carrie Underwood with Joan Jett 💥💥 Live CMA #cma#fypシ#fyp#foryou#joanjett#carrieunderwood#livemusic#station13music#collaboration#hits#genx#rocknroll#country#countrymusic
♬ original sound - Station 13
Rolling Stone includes Underwood's version of "I Hate Myself For Loving You" on its list of the country singer's "Best Hard Rock Covers," a roundup published in 2023. The performance is described by the outlet as having been "joyous enough to make even the most dark of Blackhearts swell."
The list also included more notable tracks that Underwood has rocked out to, such as Guns N Roses' "Sweet Child of Mine" and "Paradise City," plus "Alone" by Heart, "Home Sweet Home" by Mötley Crüe, "Summer of '69" by Bryan Adams, Motörhead's "Ace of Spades," and Stevie Nicks' "Stop Draggin' My Heart Around," among a few others.
Related: 1980 New Wave Rock Anthem Became a No. 1 Hit 46 Years Ago Today
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This story was originally published April 23, 2026 at 8:34 PM.