Carrie Underwood, Mötley Crüe Deliver Idol’s Most Electrifying Finale Performance
on May 11, 2026
The American Idol Finale Aired On Monday, May 11
The 24th season of American Idol has come to an end. Three singers entered the episode as finalists: Jordan McCullough, Hannah Harper, and Keyla Richardson.
The finale was filled with performances from the finalists, judges, and other superstar guests including Brad Paisley, Blues Traveler, Cameron Whitcomb, Clay Aiken, En Vogue, Gin Blossoms, Jason Mraz, Lee Ann Womack, Nelly, Shinedown, Tori Kelly, and Mötley Crüe.
Luke Bryan performed his new single “Fish Hunt Golf Drink” and took the stage again with finalist Julián Kalel to sing Dwight Yoakam’s “A Thousand Miles from Nowhere.”
Another one of the standout performances came from Carrie Underwood and Mötley Crüe, who performed the rock band’s 1985 hit song “Home Sweet Home” and their 1989 song “Kickstart My Heart.”
Watch Carrie Underwood And Mötley Crüe’s Performance
Vince Neil opened the song and Underwood, clad in leather shorts and matching chaps, traded lyrics with the Mötley Crüe lead singer.
After the first chorus, the rock band really turned up the heat with the musical intro to “Kickstart My Heart,” led by drummer Tommy Lee.
Their performance had everyone, including the judges, on their feet the entire time!
This isn’t the first time Underwood performed “Home Sweet Home,” and on American Idol, no less. In 2009, the Season 4 winner returned to the show that gave her her start and sang “Home Sweet Home.”
She also sang “Home Sweet Home” earlier this season during the auditions with a contestant!
Watch Carrie and Mötley Crüe’s rockin’ performance below.
