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Carrie Underwood: The American Idol Sweetheart Turned Country Music Superstar

Evan Simmons

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Published in Carrie Underwood: A Biography (Greenwood Biographies)

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Carrie Underwood is an American country music singer, songwriter, and actress. She rose to fame as the winner of the fourth season of American Idol in 2005. Since then, she has released seven studio albums, all of which have been certified platinum or higher by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). She has also won numerous awards, including seven Grammy Awards, 15 Academy of Country Music Awards, and 12 Country Music Association Awards.

Carrie Underwood: A Biography (Greenwood Biographies)

by Vernell Hackett

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1663 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	162 pages

Early Life and Career

Carrie Marie Underwood was born on March 10, 1983, in Muskogee, Oklahoma. She was raised on a farm in Checotah, Oklahoma, and attended Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. While at Northeastern State, Underwood studied mass communications and performed in the university's vocal jazz ensemble.

In 2004, Underwood auditioned for the fourth season of American Idol. She quickly became a fan favorite and was crowned the winner on May 25, 2005. After winning American Idol, Underwood signed a recording contract with Arista Nashville Records.

Music Career

Underwood's debut album, Some Hearts, was released on November 15, 2005. The album was a huge success, selling over 7 million copies worldwide and spawning the hit singles "Inside Your Heaven," "Jesus, Take the Wheel," and "Before He Cheats." Underwood's sophomore album, Carnival Ride, was released on October 23, 2007. The album was also a commercial success, selling over 3 million copies worldwide and spawning the hit singles "So Small," "All-American Girl," and "Last Name."

Underwood's third album, Play On, was released on November 3, 2009. The album was a slight departure from her previous two albums, featuring a more pop-oriented sound. The album was a commercial success, selling over 2 million copies worldwide and spawning the hit singles "Cowboy Casanova," "Temporary Home," and "Undo It." Underwood's fourth album, Blown Away, was released on May 1, 2012. The album was a return to her country roots and was a critical and commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide and spawning the hit singles "Good Girl," "Blown Away," and "Two Black Cadillacs."

Underwood's fifth album, Storyteller, was released on October 23, 2015. The album was a critical and commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide and spawning the hit singles "Smoke Break," "Church Bells," and "Dirty Laundry." Underwood's sixth album, Cry Pretty, was released on September 14, 2018. The album was a critical and commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide and spawning the hit singles "Love Wins," "Cry Pretty," and "Southbound."

Underwood's seventh studio album, My Gift, was released on September 25, 2020. The album is a collection of Christmas songs and features collaborations with John Legend and David Foster.

Acting Career

In addition to her music career, Underwood has also appeared in several films and television shows. She made her film debut in the 2011 horror film Soul Surfer. She also starred in the 2013 film The Sound of Music Live! and the 2015 film CATS. Underwood has also guest-starred in several television shows, including How I Met Your Mother, Saturday Night Live, and American Idol.

Personal Life

Underwood is married to hockey player Mike Fisher. The couple has two sons, Isaiah Michael Fisher (born February 27, 2015) and Jacob Bryan Fisher (born January 21, 2019).

Awards and Accomplishments

Underwood has won numerous awards throughout her career, including seven Grammy Awards, 15 Academy of Country Music Awards, and 12 Country Music Association Awards. She has also been named Billboard's Woman of the Year twice (2007 and 2010).

Underwood is one of the most successful country music artists of all time. She has sold over 65 million records worldwide and has won numerous awards for her music and acting. She is a role model for young women and is an inspiration to all who know her.

Carrie Underwood: A Biography (Greenwood Biographies)

by Vernell Hackett

4.1 out of 5