Carrie Underwood
The Rise of a Country Superstar
Carrie Underwood burst onto the music scene in 2005 when she won American Idol and soon became one of the most successful artists in country music history. Born in 1983 in Oklahoma, Underwood grew up singing in church and participating in local talent shows. After high school, she attended Northeastern State University to study mass communications, but decided to pursue music after winning American Idol.
Her debut album, Some Hearts, was released in 2005 and became a major success. Fueled by hit singles like “Jesus Take the Wheel,” “Before He Cheats,” and “Wasted,” it went on to become the best-selling solo female debut album in country music history. Underwood’s powerful vocals and fresh blend of pop and country quickly made her a fan favorite.
Over the next decade, Underwood continued having success with albums like Carnival Ride, Play On, Blown Away, and Storyteller, which all reached #1 on the Billboard charts. She has won 7 Grammy Awards, including Best New Artist in 2007. Other accolades include multiple Billboard Music Awards, American Music Awards, and CMA Awards.
Known for her signature vocals, Underwood has collaborated with artists like Randy Travis, Vince Gill, Steven Tyler, and Ludacris. She draws influences from idols like Dolly Parton, George Strait, and Martina McBride. Her music blends traditional country with pop stylings, resulting in crossover appeal.
With over 65 million albums sold globally, Underwood remains one of the top-selling country artists worldwide. She continues touring sold-out arenas and headlining major music festivals. Though focused on her family in recent years, she shows no signs of slowing down musically. Her latest album, Cry Pretty, debuted at #1 on the Billboard charts in 2018.
With her incredible voice, relatable lyrics, and girl-next-door charm, Carrie Underwood has clearly cemented her place as a country superstar. Her journey from American Idol hopeful to multi-platinum global sensation is an inspiration. There’s no doubt she will continue making her mark on country music for years to come.
Discography
Albums
- Carnival Ride (2007-10-23)
- My Savior (2021-03-26)
- My Gift (2020-09-25)
- Cry Pretty (2018-09-14)
- Blown Away (2012-05-01)
- Storyteller (2015-10-23)
- Denim & Rhinestones (2022-06-10)
- Some Hearts (2005-11-14)
- Play On (2009-11-03)
Singles
- The Champion (2018-01-12)
- Inside Your Heaven / Independence Day (2005-06-14)
- I Told You So (2009-02-02)
- Undo It (2010)
- Give Her That (2023-08-11)
- Let There Be Peace (2020-08-28)
- Stretchy Pants (2021-11-12)
- Hark! The Herald Angels Sing (2008-11-17)
- Drinking Alone (2019-11-04)
- There's a Place for Us (2010-11-16)
- Softly and Tenderly (2021-02-12)
- The Fighter (2017-02-06)
- Blown Away (2012)
- What Child Is This? (2008-11-17)
- She Don’t Know (2022-05-20)
- If I Didn’t Love You (2021-07-23)
- Somethin' Bad (2014-05-19)
- Love Wins (2018-08-31)
- The First Noel (2008-11-17)
- Do You Hear What I Hear (2008-11-17)
- Great Is Thy Faithfulness (2021-02-26)
- Only Us (2021-08-11)
- End Up With You (2018-09-07)
- Tears of Gold (2020-12-03)
- Remind Me (2011-08-15)
- Something in the Water (2014-09-29)
- Cowboy Casanova (2009-09-21)
- Crazy Angels (2022-04-22)
- Out of That Truck (2023-03-10)
- Before He Cheats (2006-08-19)
- Smoke Break (2015-08-18)
- Home Sweet Home (2009-03-17)
- I Wanna Remember (acoustic) (2021-08-26)
- Good Girl (2012-02-24)
- Southbound (2019-04-29)
- O Holy Night (2008-11-17)
- Hate My Heart (2022-10-24)
- Hallelujah (2020-11-13)
- I’ll Stand by You (2007-04-27)
- Take Me Out (2023-06-09)
- Jesus, Take the Wheel (2005)
- Denim & Rhinestones (2022-04-08)
- Cry Pretty (2018-04-11)
- Nothing but the Blood of Jesus (2021-03-10)
- Ghost Story (2022-03-18)