Carrie Underwood – The Champion ft. Ludacris

Carrie Underwood, Ludacris Perform 'The Champion'

About the song

In 2018, country music powerhouse Carrie Underwood joined forces with hip-hop star Ludacris to create a powerful anthem titled “The Champion”. This wasn’t your typical country duet, however. The song was commissioned by NBC to serve as the theme song for both the 2018 Winter Olympics and Super Bowl LII, a strategic choice that reflected the song’s core themes.

Overcoming Obstacles: The heart of “The Champion” lies in its message of perseverance and overcoming adversity. The lyrics speak of facing down challenges, pushing through doubt, and ultimately emerging victorious. This resonated perfectly with the spirit of both the Olympics and the Super Bowl, where athletes dedicate themselves to achieving greatness despite immense physical and mental hurdles.

Unity Through Genre-Bending: The collaboration between Underwood and Ludacris was a stroke of brilliance. Underwood’s soaring vocals and signature country twang blend seamlessly with Ludacris’s powerful rap verses. This unexpected pairing not only created a unique sonic experience but also symbolized the unifying power of competition and the shared pursuit of excellence that transcends genre boundaries.

Beyond the Games: While “The Champion” was undoubtedly crafted for a specific sporting context, its message has universal appeal. The song resonates with anyone who has faced setbacks in life, reminding them of the inner strength they possess to rise above challenges and achieve their goals.

A Legacy of Inspiration: “The Champion” continues to be a popular choice for motivational playlists and sporting events. Its uplifting message and powerful vocals serve as a reminder that the path to becoming a champion is paved with hard work, resilience, and the unwavering belief in oneself.

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Lyrics

I’ll be the last one standingTwo hands in the air, I’m a championYou’ll be looking up at me when it’s overI live for the battle, I’m a soldier, yeahI’m a fighter like RockyPut your flag on your back like AliYeah, I’m the greatest, I’m strongerPaid my dues, can’t lose, I’ma own ya, ay
I’ve been working my whole lifeAnd now it’s do or die
I am invincible, unbreakableUnstoppable, unshakableThey knock me down, I get up againI am the champion, you’re gon’ know my nameYou can’t hurt me now, I can’t feel the painI was made for this, yeah, I was born to winI am the champion
When they write my storyThey gonna say that I did it for the gloryBut don’t think that I did it for the fame, yeahI did it for the love of the game, yeahAnd this is my chance I’m takingAll them old records, I’m breakingAll you people watching on the TVYou go ahead and put your bets on me, ay
I’ve been waiting my whole lifeTo see my name in lights
I am invincible, unbreakableUnstoppable, unshakableThey knock me down, I get up againI am the champion, you’re gon’ know my nameYou can’t hurt me now, I can’t feel the painI was made for this, yeah, I was born to winI am the champion, oh-oh
Born champion, LudaThe C is for the courage I possess through the trauma (yeah)H is for the hurt, but it’s all for the honorA is for my attitude working through the patience (hey)Money comes and goes, so the M is for motivation
Gotta stay consistent, the P is for persevereThe I is for integrity, innovative career (career)The O is optimistic, open and never shutAnd the N is necessary ’cause I’m never givin’ up
See, they ask me how I did it, I just did it from the heartCrushin’ the competition, been doing it from the startThey say that every champion is all about his principlesCarrie
I am invincible, unbreakableUnstoppable, unshakableThey knock me down, I get up againI am the champion, you’re gon’ know my nameYou can’t hurt me now, I can’t feel the painI was made for this, yeah, I was born to winI am the champion
I’m the champion, yeah, surpassed all rivalsIt’s all about who wants it the mostI am the championFight for what we believe inThat’s what champions are made ofI am the champion (yeah, champion)