Carrie Underwood

American country idol

Carrie Marie Underwood was born in Muskogee, Oklahoma, on the 10th of March, 1983. From her early days growing up on a rural farm, country music was in her blood.

Underwood nearly secured a contract with Capitol Records when she was 14 but it fell through at the last minute. Whilst this was surely frustrating, things would work out for young Carrie.

She went on to study Mass Communication and Journalism at university. She graduated in 2006 — by which point, she was already a country superstar!

In 2004, she auditioned for Season 4 of TV talent show American Idol. Her rise to fame was quick, as she went on to win the competition in 2005, landing herself a recording contract.

Her debut album, Some Hearts, was also released in 2005 and it became the fastest-selling solo female debut in country music history. Since then, she’s won a whopping 180 worldwide awards! Her list of accolades includes eight Grammys, 12 American Country Awards, 12 Billboard Music Awards, and nine Country Music Association Awards.

Carrie Underwood might be best known for her voice, but she’s also starred in sitcoms and theatre shows, published self-help books, and shown immense support for animal rights charities. Passionate about philanthropy, she’s also raised money for the Red Cross, campaigned against bullying, and set up the Checotah Animal, Town, and School Foundation.

In less than two decades, Carrie Underwood has achieved a level of stardom that many aspiring country musicians dream of. It’s no wonder Billboard magazine refers to her as ‘Country Music's Reigning Queen’.