Carrie Underwood re-wears her ‘American Idol’ finale dress 20 years later: ‘Still fits’

Some things change, and some things don’t.

Carrie Underwood, 42, went back to her “American Idol” roots for the season’s “iconic Idol moments” special on Monday night.

For the occasion, the singer — who is now a judge for the singing competition show — chose the exact same dress she wore in 2005 when she won Season 4.

The bohemian-style orange midi dress is a major throwback, featuring flowing cheetah print fabric and a green bedazzled belt.

Seacrest was first to point out the resemblance as she stepped out on stage, prompting Underwood to confirm it was, indeed, the same outfit she wore 20 years prior.

After the show, the “Before He Cheats” singer posted an Instagram Reel showing off the vintage look.

“2005 fit check,” she said to the camera before giving fans a 360 view of the design. “Still fits!” she joked.

Underwood cheekily captioned the post, “Same dress, different view.”

In 2005, the country star paired the orange dress with crimped hair and a smokey eyeshadow. In 2025, however, she styled her extra-long blond locks in a voluminous half-up hairdo with loose beachy waves.

Underwood wore a similar smokey makeup look, but added a large gold lariat necklace to accessorize.

During the episode, the remaining 12 contestants paid tribute to past “American Idol” artists with performances inspired by songs they sang on the show.

Her dress wasn’t the only throwback moment either; she also performed “Alone” by Heart, just as she did two decades ago. Though she switched up her look for an updated version of the glam-rock outfit she previously wore, she kept the same embroidered jacket.