Former
A spokesperson for Underwood confirmed that the four-time Grammy winner will appear on "Idol" on to sing this year's farewell song, her countrified cover of Mötley Crüe's iconic 1985 metal ballad,
The farewell song is traditionally performed during finals week. Last year, season-two winner Ruben Studdard returned to sing his cover of Kenny Loggins' "Celebrate Me Home," and the year before Chris Daughtry performed the season-six send-off, "Home."
Underwood appeared on "Idol" in March, performing a duet with her country idol, Randy Travis, on his song "I Told You So."
A portion of the sales proceeds of the "Home Sweet Home" digital single will be donated by Underwood, her record company and iTunes to the Humane Society of the United States, earmarked for programs that help companion animals, puppy-mill rescues and spaying and neutering services.
The Wednesday-night finale is expected to feature other musical guests, but at press time, a spokesperson for "Idol" had not returned requests for comment on who those performers might be.
Get your "Idol" fix on MTV News' "American Idol" page, where you'll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions.
Comments