💫 Introduction
Carrie Underwood is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and record producer. She first rose to fame as the winner of the fourth season of American Idol in 2005. Since then, Underwood has become one of the most successful artists in country music history, selling over 70 million records worldwide.
Underwood has released 7 studio albums, with songs like “Jesus, Take the Wheel”, “Before He Cheats”, and “Something in the Water” becoming major hits. She has won 7 Grammy Awards, 15 Billboard Music Awards, and 12 Academy of Country Music Awards over the course of her career. Underwood was inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2018 and the Grand Ole Opry in 2008.
🏆 Biography & Career Beginnings
Carrie Marie Underwood was born on March 10, 1983, in Muskogee, Oklahoma. She was raised on her parents’ farm in rural Checotah. Underwood developed an interest in performing as a young child, singing at church events and local festivals.
After graduating high school in 2001, Underwood attended Northeastern State University to pursue a degree in mass communication. She also competed in numerous beauty pageants, winning the title of Miss NSU runner-up in 2004.
In 2004, Underwood auditioned for American Idol in St. Louis. She impressed judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, and Randy Jackson with her powerful voice and was selected as a contestant for the show’s fourth season.
📈 Rise to Fame on American Idol
Underwood’s performances on American Idol, including songs like “Independence Day” and “Alone”, earned her a fan following as the season progressed. She consistently received high praise from the judges, with Simon Cowell declaring her performance of “Sin Wagon” as “incredible”.
On May 25, 2005, Underwood was crowned the winner of American Idol Season 4, beating out runner-up Bo Bice. Her coronation song, “Inside Your Heaven”, was released as a single and debuted at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
🎤 Success as a Country Music Star
After Idol, Underwood signed a record deal with Arista Nashville and released her debut album ‘Some Hearts’ in 2005. Fueled by hit songs like “Jesus, Take the Wheel” and “Before He Cheats”, the album became a major commercial success. It was certified 8x platinum by RIAA and Underwood won Best New Artist at the Grammy Awards.
She followed it up with ‘Carnival Ride’ (2007), ‘Play On’ (2009), ‘Blown Away’ (2012), ‘Storyteller’ (2015), ‘Cry Pretty’ (2018) and ‘Denim & Rhinestones’ (2022). Across her catalog, Underwood has blended elements of pop and rock seamlessly with traditional country.
Underwood has had 25 songs reach #1 on the Billboard Country charts over her career. She has sold over 70 million records worldwide, ranking as one of the best-selling music artists ever.
🎥 Acting & Other Ventures
Underwood has starred as Maria von Trapp in NBC’s live broadcast of ‘The Sound of Music’ (2013) and in films like ‘Soul Surfer’ (2011). She also launched her activewear clothing line ‘Calia by Carrie Underwood’ in 2015.
Underwood published her first fitness book ‘Find Your Path’ in 2020 and launched her own lifestyle blog and podcast. She also hosted the CMA Awards from 2008 to 2021.
🏆 Awards & Achievements
- 7 Grammy Awards
- 15 Billboard Music Awards
- 12 Academy of Country Music Awards
- 17 American Music Awards
- 8 People’s Choice Awards
- 7 CMT Music Awards
- 15 American Country Awards
Underwood has been inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Grand Ole Opry, Oklahoma Hall of Fame and Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame. Time named her one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2014.
💰 Net Worth
As of 2023, Carrie Underwood’s net worth is estimated to be around $140 million. The vast majority of her wealth comes from record and concert ticket sales throughout her successful music career. Underwood also earns from endorsements, her Calia clothing line, book deals and other business ventures.
📷 Photos & Memorable Performances
Underwood performing at the 2019 American Music Awards.
Some of Underwood’s most iconic performances include:
- Winning American Idol Season 4 in 2005
- Singing the national anthem at Super Bowl XLIV in 2010
- ‘Blown Away’ tour (2012-13)
- Hosting CMA Awards from 2008-2021
- Headlining Royal Albert Hall show in London (2018)
❓ FAQ
How old is Carrie Underwood?
As of July 2023, Carrie Underwood is 40 years old. She was born on March 10, 1983.
Is Carrie Underwood married?
Yes, Underwood has been married to former NHL player Mike Fisher since 2010. They have two sons together – Isaiah (born 2015) and Jacob (born 2019).
How many albums has Underwood released?
Underwood has released a total of 7 studio albums since her 2005 debut – ‘Some Hearts’, ‘Carnival Ride’, ‘Play On’, ‘Blown Away’, ‘Storyteller’, ‘Cry Pretty’, and ‘Denim & Rhinestones’.
How many Grammys has she won?
Underwood has won 7 Grammy Awards over the course of her career, including Best New Artist in 2007.
What is Carrie Underwood’s most popular song?
Underwood’s biggest song commercially is “Before He Cheats”, from her second album ‘Carnival Ride’. It peaked at #1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart for 5 weeks.
So in summary, Carrie Underwood is one of the most decorated and best-selling artists in country music history. Her powerful voice and hit songs have made her a force in the industry for nearly two decades!
