ST.Why Carrie Underwood Hasn’t Been On Jimmy Kimmel Live For The Last 6 Years — And What She Just Said After ABC Pulled the Show Off Air

OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author’s opinion.

Carrie Underwood is no stranger to the spotlight, but as the latest controversy surrounding Jimmy Kimmel Live sweeps through Hollywood, the country superstar is turning heads for a very different reason. After ABC announced the late-night show would be pulled “indefinitely” following Charlie Kirk’s contentious comments, Underwood’s response—thoughtful, measured, and independent—reminded fans exactly why she’s chosen to steer clear of Kimmel’s stage for the past six years.

A Quiet Absence, Loudly Noticed

Underwood last appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live in 2018, delivering a powerful rendition of “Cry Pretty.” Since then, she’s dominated music charts, launched a Las Vegas residency, and performed at countless award shows, but Kimmel’s late-night set has remained off-limits. While she’s never publicly detailed her reasons, speculation has long simmered that her faith-forward, family-focused brand didn’t quite fit with Kimmel’s edgier, sometimes provocative humor.

A New Controversy, A Classy Response

As many celebrities took to social media to defend Kimmel or criticize ABC, Underwood went her own way—refusing to join the fray, and instead calling for responsibility in public speech.

“Freedom of speech is something I value deeply. But words matter. They can inspire, or they can hurt. I don’t believe in using language that pushes people toward anger or violence.”

Without mentioning Kimmel or Kirk directly, Underwood made it clear: for her, true freedom of speech isn’t a free pass for reckless or harmful rhetoric.

Fans Applaud Integrity Over Headlines

Her approach quickly drew praise online, with fans celebrating her refusal to pick a side in Hollywood’s latest drama.
“Carrie’s right—you can stand for free speech without standing for dangerous speech. That’s why she’s a class act,” wrote one supporter. Another added, “Now we know why she hasn’t been on Kimmel in years. She’s not about the noise, she’s about integrity.”

Consistency and Authenticity

From her American Idol breakthrough to chart-topping hits like “Before He Cheats” and “Something in the Water,” Underwood has always stayed true to her values—even when it means taking a quieter path. Her recent comments reinforce what fans have always loved about her: she leads with conviction, puts thought before reaction, and lets her music and actions speak for themselves.

A Voice That Resonates

As the debate over free speech, responsibility, and late-night television rages on, Carrie Underwood’s message stands out—not because it’s loud, but because it’s true to her. For her fans, that’s the only statement that really matters.