Carrie Underwood: From “American Idol” Winner to Country Superstar
When Carrie Underwood won the fourth season of “American Idol” in 2005, she was a college senior from a small town in Oklahoma. Two decades later, she is one of the best-selling country artists of all time, a member of the Grand Ole Opry and, as of 2025, a judge on the show that launched her.
Early life
Carrie Marie Underwood was born on March 10, 1983, in Muskogee, Oklahoma, and grew up on her family’s farm near Checotah, a town of a few thousand people. She sang in church and at local events as a child.
She attended Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, where she studied mass communication and was involved in pageants and campus performances. She graduated magna cum laude in 2006, after her “Idol” win.
American Idol
Underwood auditioned for “American Idol” in St. Louis in 2004. Judge Simon Cowell predicted early that she would win, and she did, defeating Bo Bice in the May 2005 finale. Her performances of country and rock songs, including Heart’s “Alone,” showed off a powerful voice and wide range.
Some Hearts
Her debut album, “Some Hearts” (2005), became the best-selling debut album by a female country artist in the Nielsen SoundScan era and among the fastest-selling debuts by any country act. It produced “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” which topped the country charts for six weeks, and “Before He Cheats,” a revenge anthem that crossed over to pop radio and won a Grammy.
At the 2007 Grammy Awards, Underwood won best new artist, a rare honor for a country performer.
Hits and honors
Albums including “Carnival Ride” (2007), “Play On” (2009), “Blown Away” (2012), “Storyteller” (2015), “Cry Pretty” (2018) and “Denim & Rhinestones” (2022) kept her at the top of the genre. Singles such as “Last Name,” “Cowboy Casanova,” “Blown Away” and “Church Bells” became staples of country radio.
She has won eight Grammy Awards and numerous Academy of Country Music and Country Music Association awards, including multiple entertainer of the year honors from the ACM. She was invited to join the Grand Ole Opry in 2008.
Her gospel albums, “My Gift” (2020) and “My Savior” (2021), reflected her faith, and “My Savior” won a Grammy.
Sunday Night Football
From 2013 to 2022, Underwood sang the opening theme for NBC’s “Sunday Night Football,” “Waiting All Day for Sunday Night,” becoming a weekly presence in millions of homes during NFL season.
Las Vegas and Idol
Her Las Vegas residency, “Reflection,” opened at Resorts World in 2021 and ran for several years. In 2025 she returned to “American Idol” as a judge, replacing Katy Perry and joining Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan.
Acting
Underwood played Maria von Trapp in NBC’s live television production of “The Sound of Music Live!” (2013), which drew a large audience.
Fitness and business
Underwood launched a fitness apparel line, CALIA, and later the fitness app Fit52, and published a wellness book, “Find Your Path” (2020). She is known for her rigorous workouts and healthy-living advice.
Personal life
She married professional hockey player Mike Fisher, a former captain of the Ottawa Senators and Nashville Predators, in 2010. They live near Nashville with their two sons.
Legacy
Underwood is often cited as the most successful “American Idol” alumna, and her vocal power has made her a benchmark for country singers who followed. Her catalog spans heartbreak, faith, small-town pride and a good dose of revenge.
Where to start
Listen to “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” “Before He Cheats,” “Last Name,” “Blown Away” and “Church Bells.” Then catch one of her live performances, where her voice is at its most impressive.
