Axl Rose Has Mentored Carrie Underwood

The country music star is incorporating rock influences into her performances under the guidance of Axl Rose.

Updated on Sept. 19, 2026 in Rock

Bold vector editorial illustration showing an electric guitar resting against a microphone stand, representing a musical collaboration. — Country star Carrie Underwood is developing new music with guidance from Guns N' Roses frontman Axl Rose as she shifts toward rock-influenced performances. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Carrie Underwood is currently receiving mentorship from rock icon Axl Rose as she works on new music. The country superstar has increasingly integrated rock elements into her performances, including a recent cover of a 1999 Limp Bizkit hit.

Why it matters

Underwood has maintained a well-documented affinity for rock music, and this collaboration signals a creative shift toward the genre. Her professional relationship with the Guns N' Roses frontman marks a pivot in her artistic trajectory.

Underwood recently performed a cover of the 1999 hit Break Stuff on September 5, 2026. This follows years of incorporating rock influences, including her notable 2022 Stagecoach Festival set.

The players

Axl Rose

He is the lead vocalist and primary lyricist of the hard rock band Guns N' Roses.

Carrie Underwood

She is a multi-platinum American country singer and songwriter who rose to fame as the winner of American Idol.

The details

Carrie Underwood is leaning into her long-standing interest in rock, having previously attended Guns N' Roses shows in Las Vegas in 2020. She is now expected to attend, and potentially perform at, a future Guns N' Roses concert in Atlanta.

Underwood attended a Guns N' Roses concert in Las Vegas in 2020.
Underwood performed at the Stagecoach Festival in 2022.
Underwood performed a Limp Bizkit cover in Iowa on September 5, 2026.
Underwood is expected to attend an Atlanta concert on September 19-20, 2026.
Underwood will headline the Barefoot Country Music Fest on June 17-20, 2027.

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Industry Dynamics

The artist's current rock-focused evolution follows the stylistic precedent set by her 2022 Stagecoach Festival performance.

Fans can look forward to a potential performance by Underwood at the upcoming Atlanta concert series. Attendees at her scheduled 2027 festival headline spot may also see the results of this rock-centric musical pivot.

The takeaway

This collaboration highlights the blurring lines between country and rock music as established artists seek to diversify their sound. Fans interested in her upcoming evolution should watch for her next high-profile appearances.