Steven Tyler, the iconic rock star, is best known for his high-energy hard-rock style, but his time as a judge on American Idol gave him a chance to explore and appreciate other musical genres. His duet partner, Carrie Underwood, has long been a country music powerhouse, cementing her legacy after winning American Idol in 2005.
Although they had collaborated before, nothing matched the magic of their 2011 performance.
Dynamic Duo on Stage
Carrie kicked things off with her hit “Undo It,” instantly winning over the audience. Then Steven Tyler appeared, sending fans into a frenzy. But the show was just beginning—they seamlessly transitioned into an electrifying rendition of Aerosmith’s “Walk This Way.”
Carrie has often spoken about her love for Aerosmith, and performing their music live alongside Tyler may have been a dream come true. Tyler impressed fans by showing off some unexpected country flair, while Carrie brought her rock-star vocals to the mix. The result? A crowd completely captivated, singing along and cheering for every note.
More Musical Magic
After that unforgettable 2011 performance, Carrie went on to win more Grammys and rack up multiple platinum records, while Steven continued exploring different music styles. One common thread between them has been songwriter Marti Frederiksen, who frequently writes for Tyler and co-wrote Carrie’s “Undo It.” Together, Tyler and Frederiksen also created “Can’t Stop Loving You,” a track that revealed Tyler’s surprisingly natural country-style vocals.
The timing couldn’t have been better—Carrie happened to be in Los Angeles that day. A last-minute call led to an impromptu collaboration, and the rest is history. In January 2013, “Can’t Stop Loving You” was released as a single. Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry admitted he was initially hesitant about working with Carrie but was thrilled with the final result, praising the natural blend of their voices.
Continuing Their Journeys
Today, Carrie Underwood continues to push boundaries in the music industry, releasing new albums and evolving as an artist while staying rooted in country music. Steven Tyler explored country further with his 2015 solo album Love Is Your Name before reuniting with Aerosmith for a North American tour, proving that rock and country can create some truly unforgettable moments together.