Carrie Underwood Brings the House Down as She Recreates the Performance That Made Simon Cowell Predict She’d Be a Superstar—20 Years Later, She Proves Him Right in Jaw-Dropping Return

Two decades after capturing America’s heart, Carrie Underwood made a stunning return to the “American Idol” stage Sunday night, reliving the moment that first set her on the path to superstardom. Performing “Alone”—the same powerhouse ballad that led Simon Cowell to predict she would become one of the biggest stars in the world—Carrie left the audience in awe once again. Her voice, stronger and even more breathtaking than before, proved that some dreams don’t just come true; they exceed all expectations.

Watch Carrie’s unforgettable full-circle moment unfold—catch the performance everyone’s talking about! 🎤👇

Carrie Underwood recreates her “Alone” performance 20 years after she first sang it on “American Idol” (Photo credit: American Idol/YouTube)

During Sunday night’s episode of American Idol, former contestant and now judge Carrie Underwood revisited one of her most iconic Idol moments from 2005. The performance was part of the show’s “Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Night” and paid homage to Carrie’s own journey as she performed “Alone” by Heart.

Carrie first sang the song during the Top 11 round of American Idol‘s 4th season. Underwood felt at the time that the song was a risk since she had established herself as the season’s country singer.

“This week I’m just gonna throw caution to the wind,” Carrie recalled thinking at the time. “I think I even remember writing in my journal how much they were not going to like me singing this song.”

The judges reacted quite the opposite of what Carrie expected. In fact, Simon Cowell, who was known for offering harsh criticism, made a profound prediction.

“Carrie, you’re not just the girl to beat, you’re the person to beat. I will make a prediction – not only will you win this show, you will sell more records than any other previous Idol winner.”

Carrie Underwood did go on to win American Idol Season 4 and has sold more than 85 million albums to date.

Carrie returned to the Idol stage to sing “Alone” Sunday night (April 27).

Carrie Underwood kicked off “Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Night” with an updated cover of a Heart classic.

“Alone” was first recorded and released by the duo i-Ten in 1983, followed by a rendition recorded by Valerie Stevenson and “Full House” actor John Stamos that was used as the theme song for the sitcom “Dreams.”

In 1987, sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson and their band Heart released the song and took it to the top of the charts, getting it mainstream attention for the first time. While the song is a staple on ’80s music lovers’ playlists, Carrie Underwood has brought it to the attention of a new audience…first in 2005 and again in 2025.

Watch Carrie Underwood sing “Alone” on Idol 20 years after her performance of the song wowed America in the video below.