Carrie Underwood’s powerhouse voice has always been at the heart of her success, but few know that a legendary rock icon played a key role in shaping her musical aspirations. Long before she won American Idol or claimed multiple Grammys, Underwood found inspiration in the unparalleled vocal talent of Freddie Mercury, the late frontman of Queen.
Underwood grew up in Checotah, Oklahoma, surrounded by the sounds of country music legends like Reba McEntire and George Strait. Yet, amidst those influences, she often gravitated toward rock’s larger-than-life voices. In interviews, she’s shared her deep admiration for Mercury’s incredible range and vocal precision, saying, “He could do so many amazing things with his voice. People like that—who had incredible voices—I was always drawn to.”
That draw has been evident throughout her career. While Underwood’s core identity remains rooted in country, her live performances and choice of covers have frequently leaned into rock territory. She’s tackled Guns N’ Roses’ “Paradise City” and performed alongside Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler, channeling a vocal power and style reminiscent of Mercury’s operatic brilliance.
It’s not just about emulation; it’s about the emotional depth and fearless showmanship Mercury embodied. Underwood has often said she learned to sing by challenging herself to match the vocal acrobatics of legendary performers. Mercury’s ability to fuse raw energy with technical mastery gave her a blueprint for exploring her own vocal boundaries—leading her to become one of the most versatile voices in country music today.
For Carrie Underwood, Freddie Mercury was more than a rock icon. He was the “genius singer” who showed her how far a voice could go, inspiring a passion for rock that continues to shape her artistry.
