Carrie Underwood
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Carrie Underwood’s career might’ve started much earlier had things gone a different way. At age 14, she auditioned for Capitol Records in Nashville. The label was going to offer her a contract, but that deal fell through when they changed management.
Underwood returned to Oklahoma, finished high school and later graduated from Northeastern State University. Things took a turn for the singer in 2004, when she auditioned for American Idol. Despite a shy start on the show, she would go on to become the season four winner, with a powerful voice that enraptured audiences around the globe.
But not every American Idol winner goes on to make such a big splash. Underwood’s first official single ‘Inside Your Heaven’ landed at the top spot on Billboard’s Hot 100 list, making her the first country artist to debut at number one.
She released her debut album Some Hearts in 2005 and by 2006 she’d earned the Top Female Vocalist of the Year at the CMAs and ACM Awards. Her second album Carnival Ride arrived in 2007, the same year she won Best New Artist at the Grammys.
Given Underwood’s popularity in country music, she began co-hosting the CMA Awards with country singer Brad Paisley, serving that role for 12 years. As she continued releasing new music, Underwood also starred as Maria in NBC’s live version of The Sound of Music.
When she released her fifth studio album Storyteller in 2015, Underwood became the first country artist who debuted all of her albums at either the first or second spot on the Billboard 200.
In addition to her commercial success, which includes major headlining tours, and ongoing critical acclaim, Underwood has won several Grammys for her music. In 2020, she published her first book, Find Your Path, and released her eighth studio album My Savior in 2021.
Head here for a definitive list of Carrie Underwood's best songs.
- Full name: Carrie Marie Underwood
- Born: March 10, 1983
- Hometown: Muskogee, Oklahoma
- Genre: Country, Country-Pop
ESSENTIALS•The Best Carrie Underwood Songs
In 16 years, Underwood has built an enduring legacy, cementing herself as one of the biggest country music stars of her generation. Holler takes the opportunity to rank a few of the musical highlights from her incredible career, one that doesn’t look like slowing down any time soon.
PODCAST•Holler Weekly Ep.01
For the first episode of Holler Weekly, Baylen Leonard and Kelly Sutton discuss whether Carrie Underwood will ever make another country album, how Brooke Eden felt she had to hide her sexuality when releasing music, and the legacy of Whiskey Jam; the Nashville night that's become an integral part of Music City.
OPINION•Man, I Feel Like A Loser: The Decade-Long Wait for a Female Entertainer of the Year
Since 1967, only seven women have taken the Entertainer of the Year Award home in the 55 years since the CMA was created. Seven. In 55 years.
Eric Church, Chris Stapleton, Gabby Barrett Lead CMA Awards 2021 Nominations
The 55th Annual CMA Awards take place live from Nashville on Nov. 10.
Favorite Performances from the 2021 CMT Music Awards
The night featured duets from Mickey Guyton and Gladys Knight, a new song from Kelsea Ballerini and Paul Klein, Miranda Lambert around a campfire and so much more.
Carrie Underwood and More Win Big at the CMT Music Awards
Gabby Barrett won Female Video of the Year while Kane Brown won Male Video of the Year.
LONG READ•Grand Ole Opry: The Show Must Go On
The Opry’s pandemic performances get commemorative vinyl treatment with the release of the limited-edition LP Unbroken | Empty Room, Full Circle
Carrie Underwood’s ‘My Savior' Tops Country and Christian Charts
The record debuts at number one on the Billboard charts, making her the only Country artist to achieve nine consecutive albums to debut at number one since the start of her career.
Carrie Underwood Announces Livestream Concert
Underwood is set to take to the stage at the Ryman Auditorium for ‘My Savior: Live From The Ryman’ which will be streamed on her facebook page on Easter Sunday, April 4th.
OPINION•Clearing Space for Sober Stories in Country Music
As country reckons with its need for greater diversity - across gender, race, and sexuality - the same goes for its storytelling. It’s time for new tales about alcohol and its aftermath.
Loretta Lynn announces new album 'Still Woman Enough'
The new album, her 50th studio record, will be released March 19 via Legacy.
LONG READ•Behind the Industry: Ross Copperman
The Nashville songwriter, famed for writing no.1 smash hits for Keith Urban, Dierks Bentley and many more, opens up about his career as a performer and songwriter to Helen M Jerome.
