Underwood is one of many country stars taking the stage for ‘Toby Keith: American Icon,’ airing Wednesday night on NBC and streaming the next day on Peacock
Carrie Underwood is ready to get the party started when it comes to honoring the late Toby Keith.
Underwood will be first to hit the stage during NBC’s concert special Toby Keith: American Icon — and PEOPLE has an exclusive first look at her performance of “A Little Less Talk and a Lot More Action.”
“Nashville! We are all here for one reason — this incredible man,” the singer, 41, says to the crowd at Bridgestone Arena as a large photo of Keith pops up behind her.
Underwood, who recently announced her return to American Idol as a judge, gets the fans on their feet for her rollicking take on Keith’s 1993 hit, which featured on his self-titled debut album.
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When Keith died of stomach cancer in February at age 62, Underwood shared a sweet message on Instagram, along with several photos of the country stars together.
“Saddle up the horses, Jesus, ‘cause a true blue COWBOY just made his ride up to heaven!!!” she captioned her post. “Introduce him to all the Okies and sign that boy up for the choir! We’re gonna miss you, Toby, but my heart has no doubt that you are standing in the presence of our King right now!!! See you again someday, friend.”
The “Two Black Cadillacs” singer is just one of many stars coming together to pay tribute to Keith’s life and legacy.
In addition to Underwood, Eric Church will perform “As Good as I Once Was,” while Brantley Gilbert and HARDY will tackle “How Do You Like Me Now?!” Riley Green and Ella Langley will sing “Who’s Your Daddy?” while Ashley McBryde will handle “Wish I Didn’t Know Now.”
For Keith’s signature song “Should’ve Been a Cowboy,” Luke Bryan will don a black cowboy hat, while Lainey Wilson and Jamey Johnson will team up for “Beer for My Horses.”
Darius Rucker will take on “God Love Her,” while Jordan Davis and Clay Walker will perform “I Love This Bar.” Tyler Hubbard, meanwhile, will lead a rousing rendition of “Red Solo Cup” with Jelly Roll, HARDY, Jordan Davis, songwriters Jim and Brett Beavers and the Warren Brothers.
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Keith’s daughter, Krystal Keith, will also take the stage for a special performance.
Stars like Brett Favre, Trace Adkins, Parker McCollum and more are also set to appear.
A portion of the ticket sales from the concert will benefit The Toby Keith Foundation’s OK Kids Korral, a cost-free home for families of critical pediatric patients, and will go toward Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, a top children’s hospital in Nashville.
When Keith died earlier this year, he left behind a towering legacy that included 42 Top 10 songs, 33 No. 1 hits and 44 million albums sold.
Toby Keith: American Icon is airing on NBC on Wednesday, Aug. 28 from 9-11 p.m. ET/PT and will stream the following day on Peacock.
