Early Life and Education of Carrie Underwood: A Complete Timeline

An overview of the childhood and early education of Carrie Underwood, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

Carrie Underwood is an American singer and songwriter who gained fame after winning American Idol in 2005. Her debut single, "Inside Your Heaven," made her the first country artist to debut atop the Billboard Hot 100. Her debut album, Some Hearts (2005), became the best-selling debut album by a solo female country artist and earned her three Grammy Awards, including Best New Artist. She followed this success with albums like Carnival Ride (2007), and Play On (2009), achieving numerous number-one singles and establishing herself as a leading figure in country music. She is scheduled to return as an American Idol judge in 2025.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Legacy & Impact

March 10, 1983: Carrie Underwood Born

On March 10, 1983, Carrie Marie Underwood was born. She later became an American singer and songwriter.

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2001: Graduation from Checotah High School

In 2001, Carrie Underwood graduated from Checotah High School as salutatorian.

2004: Miss NSU Runner-Up

In 2004, Carrie Underwood competed in numerous beauty pageants at Northeastern State University and was selected as Miss NSU runner-up.

2004: American Idol Audition

In mid-2004, Carrie Underwood auditioned for American Idol in St. Louis, Missouri, singing Bonnie Raitt's "I Can't Make You Love Me".

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December 2005: Named Oklahoman of the Year

In December 2005, Carrie Underwood was recognized as Oklahoman of the Year by Oklahoma Today, honoring her achievements and contributions.

2005: First voted "World's Sexiest Vegetarian" by PETA

In 2005, Carrie Underwood was first voted "World's Sexiest Vegetarian" by PETA alongside Coldplay frontman Chris Martin. This award recognized her commitment to animal welfare and vegetarian lifestyle.

2005: Underwood's Debut Praised

Since her debut in 2005, Carrie Underwood has received praise from both veteran artists and music critics in the industry.

2006: Graduates from Northeastern State University

In 2006, Carrie Underwood graduated magna cum laude from Northeastern State University with a bachelor's degree in mass communication and an emphasis in journalism.

June 2007: Named Sexiest Female Musician by Victoria's Secret

In 2007, Victoria's Secret named Carrie Underwood the Sexiest Female Musician, recognizing her appeal and influence.

2007: Adopted her dog, Ace

In 2007, Carrie Underwood adopted her dog, Ace, who became a beloved part of her family.

2007: Voted "World's Sexiest Vegetarian" by PETA

In 2007, Carrie Underwood was voted "World's Sexiest Vegetarian" by PETA for the second time, highlighting her commitment to vegetarianism and animal rights. She previously won the title in 2005.

March 15, 2008: Invited to Grand Ole Opry

On March 15, 2008, Randy Travis invited Carrie Underwood to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry.

May 10, 2008: Inducted into Grand Ole Opry

On May 10, 2008, Garth Brooks officially inducted Carrie Underwood into the Grand Ole Opry.

August 2008: Recorded "Just Stand Up!" to benefit cancer research

In August 2008, Carrie Underwood joined Beyoncé, Mariah Carey, Mary J. Blige, Miley Cyrus, and other female artists to record the song "Just Stand Up!" to benefit Stand Up to Cancer (SU2C). The song ultimately peaked at number 11 on Billboard's Hot 100 Songs.

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October 22, 2008: Wax Figure Unveiled at Madame Tussauds

On October 22, 2008, Carrie Underwood's wax figure was unveiled at Madame Tussauds New York.

December 20, 2009: Became engaged to Mike Fisher

On December 20, 2009, Carrie Underwood became engaged to NHL player Mike Fisher. Fisher proposed in Ottawa with an engagement ring featuring a yellow diamond.

2009: Established Checotah Animal, Town, and School Foundation

In 2009, Carrie Underwood established the Checotah Animal, Town, and School Foundation, aimed at supporting causes, needs, and services in Checotah, Oklahoma, to positively impact the local community. Underwood stated the foundation was a way to give back to her supportive hometown.

2009: Partnered with ACM Lifting Lives to donate to Checotah schools

In 2009, Carrie Underwood's "Checotah Animal, Town & School Foundation" partnered with the Academy of Country Music foundation "ACM Lifting Lives" to donate more than $120,000 worth of new musical instruments to students in Checotah, Oklahoma. Underwood also held a surprise concert at a local high school when unveiling the gifts.

January 2010: Partnered with Country Cares for St. Jude Kids

In January 2010, Carrie Underwood partnered with Country Cares for St. Jude Kids, visiting the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital to support their efforts in combating childhood diseases.

March 29, 2010: Partnered with Pedigree to donate to a New York City Animal Shelter

On March 29, 2010, Carrie Underwood partnered with Pedigree to donate $10,000 to a New York City Animal Shelter, supporting animal welfare and adoption efforts.

May 2010: People Magazine's 100 Most Beautiful People List

In May 2010, Carrie Underwood was selected on People magazine's 100 Most Beautiful People List for the fourth consecutive year. Also in May, Victoria's Secret named her legs the Sexiest Legs in Hollywood.

July 10, 2010: Married Mike Fisher

On July 10, 2010, Carrie Underwood and Mike Fisher married at the Ritz-Carlton Lodge in Greensboro, Georgia, with over 250 people in attendance, marking a significant milestone in their relationship.

2010: Bought a mansion near Ottawa with Mike Fisher

In 2010, Carrie Underwood and Mike Fisher purchased a mansion on eleven acres near Ottawa, located in the Spruce Ridge district, marking a significant investment in their personal life.

2010: Launched the Academy of Country Music Lifting Lives Temporary Home Fund

In 2010, Carrie Underwood launched the Academy of Country Music Lifting Lives Temporary Home Fund to benefit the victims of the Tennessee floods. Underwood initiated the Fund with grants she received from ACM as Entertainer of the Year, and collaborated with Brooks and Dunn to record a Public Service Announcement (PSA) in support of the Fund.

February 11, 2011: Ottawa radio station briefly banned Underwood's music

On February 11, 2011, an Ottawa radio station, 105.3 KISS-FM, briefly announced it would ban Carrie Underwood's music due to her husband Mike Fisher's trade to the Nashville Predators, sparking controversy and leading to an apology from the station after fan backlash.

February 2011: Donated to Save the Children

In February 2011, Carrie Underwood donated $140,125 to Save the Children. This charitable initiative was inspired by the "36 cents" mentioned in the lyrics of Underwood's song "Change" from her album Play On.

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April 2011: Opened the Happy Paws Animal Shelter

In April 2011, Carrie Underwood opened the Happy Paws Animal Shelter in her hometown, providing a haven for animals in need and promoting pet adoption.

2011: Foundation donated to Checotah schools

During the 2011 holiday season, Carrie Underwood's foundation donated $350,000 to the Checotah schools, further supporting educational initiatives in her hometown.

January 10, 2012: Rescued an abandoned dog

On January 10, 2012, it was reported that Carrie Underwood rescued an abandoned dog along a highway. Underwood herself had previously blogged about the rescue on her official fan-site.

July 2012: Publicly supported same-sex marriage

In July 2012, Carrie Underwood publicly supported same-sex marriage, emphasizing that her church, GracePointe Church in Nashville, was gay-friendly. Underwood stated, "I definitely think we should all have the right to love, and love publicly, the people that we want to love."

2012: Bought a cottage outside of Nashville

In 2012, Carrie Underwood and Mike Fisher bought a cottage outside of Nashville for weekend getaways. Oprah Winfrey toured the cottage and interviewed the couple there for Oprah's Next Chapter.

2012: Donated ticket proceeds to Red Cross

In 2012, Carrie Underwood donated $1 from every ticket sold on the North American leg of the Blown Away Tour to the Canadian and American Red Cross, supporting the organization's humanitarian efforts.

April 2013: Spoke out against the Tennessee "Ag Gag bill"

In April 2013, Carrie Underwood publicly voiced her disapproval of the Tennessee "Ag Gag bill", which aimed to criminalize the act of videotaping animal cruelty or abuse without promptly submitting the evidence to authorities. Underwood expressed concerns about animal welfare and consumer safety, engaging in a Twitter exchange with state lawmakers regarding the bill.

May 24, 2013: Donated Blown Away Tour proceeds to Red Cross for Oklahoma tornado relief

On May 24, 2013, Carrie Underwood donated $1 million in proceeds from her recent Blown Away Tour to the Red Cross for relief efforts in response to the Oklahoma tornado, providing significant support to those affected.

2014: Underwood speaks on Freddie Mercury

In a 2014 interview, Carrie Underwood expressed her admiration for Freddie Mercury, stating she had always been a fan since childhood and praised his incredible vocal abilities.

February 27, 2015: Birth of first son

On February 27, 2015, Carrie Underwood and Mike Fisher welcomed their first son, marking a new chapter in their family life.

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2015: Calia by Carrie Release

In 2015, Carrie Underwood ventured into fashion by releasing her fitness clothing line, Calia by Carrie.

January 2017: Took Time Off and wrote for her next album.

In January 2017, Carrie Underwood took time off at the beginning of the year to spend time with family, and would then, possibly, begin to write for her next album.

2018: Revealed Miscarriages and Inspiration for "Cry Pretty"

In 2018, Carrie Underwood shared with CBS News that she had experienced three miscarriages between the births of her two sons. She explained that these experiences were the inspiration for her song "Cry Pretty", reflecting the contrast between personal struggles and public appearances.

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January 21, 2019: Birth of second son

On January 21, 2019, Carrie Underwood and Mike Fisher's second son was born, expanding their family and bringing them more joy.

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March 3, 2020: Release of "Find Your Path"

On March 3, 2020, Carrie Underwood released her debut book, "Find Your Path", and went on a book tour, appearing on television shows such as Rachael Ray.

2020: Find Your Path Book Release

In 2020, Carrie Underwood released her book 'Find Your Path', which became a New York Times best-selling lifestyle book.

April 2022: Shared the loss of her dog, Ace

In April 2022, Carrie Underwood shared the loss of her dog, Ace, whom she had adopted in 2007, marking a sad moment for her and her family.

July 2024: Announcement of Residency Extension and American Idol Judging

In July 2024, it was announced that Carrie Underwood had extended her Las Vegas residency and would replace Katy Perry as a judge on American Idol in 2025.

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2025: Underwood expresses excitement for nu metal

During the audition phase of American Idol in 2025, Carrie Underwood expressed her excitement and revealed that she listened to a lot of nu metal while in high school, after a contestant sang nu metal songs.