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Carrie Underwood: Songs, Albums & Biography

October 29, 2026 5

A small-town Oklahoma girl walked onto American Idol in 2005 and walked off with one of the greatest voices country music has ever heard. Two decades later, Carrie Underwood is an Opry member, an eight-time GRAMMY winner and a stadium-sized star. Here’s her story from our guide to country music artists.

Carrie Underwood at a glance

Born	March 10, 1983, raised in Checotah, Oklahoma
Breakthrough	Winner, American Idol Season 4 (2005)
Grand Ole Opry	Member since May 10, 2008
GRAMMYs	Eight wins
Signature songs	“Jesus, Take the Wheel”, “Before He Cheats”
Record	Highest-certified female country artist in RIAA history, per her official biography

From Checotah to American Idol

Underwood grew up in rural Oklahoma, singing in church and at local events. She auditioned for American Idol in 2004 and won Season 4 in May 2005.

Some Hearts

Her debut album, Some Hearts (2005), made her a star in her own right. “Jesus, Take the Wheel” topped the country chart and won a GRAMMY, and she won Best New Artist the same night. “Before He Cheats” became one of the defining country crossovers of the 2000s.

The Opry

In March 2008 Randy Travis surprised her onstage with an invitation to join the Grand Ole Opry. Garth Brooks inducted her on May 10, 2008.

Carrie Underwood's best songs

“Jesus, Take the Wheel” – The faith-filled breakthrough.
“Before He Cheats” – A revenge anthem with a Louisville Slugger.
“Last Name” – A Vegas-wedding romp.
“Cowboy Casanova” – Warning: charming man ahead.
“Blown Away” – A storm-swept story song that won a GRAMMY.
“Two Black Cadillacs” – A dark, cinematic thriller.
“Something in the Water” – A soaring testimony.
“Church Bells” – Storytelling with a twist.
“Cry Pretty” – Raw vulnerability.
“Ghost Story” – A haunting 2022 single.

Essential albums

Album	Year	Why it matters
Some Hearts	2005	The debut and her biggest seller
Carnival Ride	2007	“Last Name”, “All-American Girl”
Play On	2009	“Cowboy Casanova”
Blown Away	2012	Darker, more cinematic
Storyteller	2015	Story songs front and center
Cry Pretty	2018	Her first credit as co-producer
My Savior	2021	Gospel album; won Best Roots Gospel Album
Denim & Rhinestones	2022	Bright, nostalgic country-pop

Carrie Underwood live

If you like Carrie Underwood

Try The Chicks, fellow powerhouse women of country, and Blake Shelton, her fellow Oklahoman and Opry member.

Carrie Underwood FAQs

Where is Carrie Underwood from?

Checotah, Oklahoma.

What season of American Idol did Carrie Underwood win?

Season 4, in 2005.

How many GRAMMYs has Carrie Underwood won?

Eight.

When did Carrie Underwood join the Grand Ole Opry?

She was inducted on May 10, 2008.

Sources

Carrie Underwood official site · Grand Ole Opry profile · Recording Academy profile

How we report: Facts on this page come from the sources listed above and are checked by a second editor. Read our editorial standards. Spot an error? Tell us.