Unexpected Rock Covers
Carrie Underwood surprises Iowa festival audience with energetic nu-metal and rock covers.
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Key Points
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Underwood’s performance took place on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, and included Default, Maggie Rose and Danny Worsnop on the day’s lineup.
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Some viewers criticized the choice of Limp Bizkit’s “Break Stuff” because of its explicit lyrics; Underwood largely avoided singing the offensive words and allowed the crowd to fill them in.
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Velocity Festival expanded to a three-day event in 2026 after its 2025 debut, which had featured Tim McGraw and Nickelback as headliners during its initial two-day format.
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The festival is held on the 193-acre Iowa farm made famous by the 1989 film “Field of Dreams,” helping explain the event’s distinctive setting and identity.
Country star Carrie Underwood brought nu-metal to Iowa's Field of Dreams on September 5, performing rock covers that left fans divided online. The 43-year-old singer tackled Collective Soul's "Shine," Papa Roach's "Scars," Linkin Park's "One Step Closer," and Limp Bizkit's "Break Stuff" during her 23-song set at Velocity Festival in Dyersville, according to Rolling Stone India. She wore a backward red cap while performing "Break Stuff," apparently nodding to Limp Bizkit frontman Fred Durst.
The performance showcased Underwood's long-standing passion for rock music. Prime Timer noted this wasn't her first rock venture — she's previously collaborated with Papa Roach, Guns N' Roses' Axl Rose, Joan Jett, and Mötley Crüe. Velocity Festival expanded to three days in 2026, with Underwood headlining the second night alongside Shinedown and Creed on other dates.
Why "Break Stuff" Sparked Online Backlash
Not all fans cheered Underwood's Limp Bizkit cover. The song contains explicit lyrics that drew criticism from some viewers. According to Contact Music, Underwood largely avoided singing the offensive words, instead letting the crowd fill them in. This workaround didn't silence the debate about performing the track at a mainstream festival.
Underwood's Deep Love for Rock and Metal
This Iowa performance wasn't a one-off stunt. Underwood has spent years exploring her rock side through collaborations and live appearances. Just Jared highlighted that she's worked with major rock acts including Papa Roach, Axl Rose, Joan Jett, and Mötley Crüe. Her willingness to perform hard rock and metal reflects a genuine interest beyond her country music roots.
Velocity Festival Expands With Rock Lineup
Velocity Festival grew significantly from its 2025 debut. The inaugural event ran two days and featured Tim McGraw and Nickelback as headliners. According to WDC News 6, the 2026 edition expanded to three days with a heavier rock focus. The festival takes place on the 193-acre Iowa farm famous from the 1989 film "Field of Dreams."
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