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-songwriter who gained fame after winning American Idol in 2005. Her debut single, "Inside Your Heaven," made her the first country artist to debut at number one on 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. Subsequent albums like Carnival Ride (2007) and Play On (2009), featuring hits such as "Cowboy Casanova," further cemented her success in the country music scene, securing her place as a prominent and successful artist in the industry.

Sections (5)

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

March 10, 1983: Carrie Underwood's Birth

On March 10, 1983, Carrie Marie Underwood was born, marking the beginning of her life and eventual career as a singer and songwriter.

1997: Capitol Records Contract Cancellation

In 1997, Capitol Records prepared a contract for Carrie Underwood but canceled it due to a change in company management, an event she believes ultimately benefited her.

2001: High School Graduation

In 2001, Carrie Underwood graduated as salutatorian from Checotah High School, after which she initially set aside her singing dreams to pursue a practical future.

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, marking the beginning of her journey on the show.

2005: Debut in 2005

Carrie Underwood's debut in 2005 marked the beginning of a highly successful career, earning her praise from veteran artists and music critics alike.

2006: University Graduation

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.

2007: Carrie Underwood adopted her dog Ace

In 2007, Carrie Underwood adopted her dog Ace, highlighting her love for animals.

2007: Carrie Underwood 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 vegetarian lifestyle which began at age 13.

August 2008: "Just Stand Up!" Recording

In August 2008, Carrie Underwood joined other female artists to record the song "Just Stand Up!" to benefit cancer research.

2008: First Linked to Mike Fisher

In late 2008, Carrie Underwood was first linked to NHL player Mike Fisher after they met at one of her concerts.

December 2009: Engagement to Mike Fisher

In December 2009, Carrie Underwood became engaged to NHL player Mike Fisher.

December 20, 2009: Engagement to Mike Fisher

On December 20, 2009, Mike Fisher proposed to Carrie Underwood in Ottawa.

2009: Checotah Foundation Established

In 2009, Carrie Underwood established the Checotah Animal, Town, and School Foundation, which supports causes and services in the Checotah area.

2009: Instrument Donation

In 2009, Carrie Underwood's foundation "Checotah Animal, Town & School Foundation" and the Academy of Country Music foundation "ACM Lifting Lives" partnered to donate new instruments for music programs for the students in Checotah, Oklahoma.

January 2010: Partnership 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.

March 29, 2010: Donation to Animal Shelter

On March 29, 2010, Carrie Underwood and Pedigree partnered to donate $10,000 to a New York City Animal Shelter.

July 10, 2010: Wedding to Mike Fisher

On July 10, 2010, Carrie Underwood and Mike Fisher were wed at the Ritz-Carlton Lodge in Greensboro, Georgia.

2010: ACM Lifting Lives Temporary Home Fund

In 2010, Carrie Underwood launched the Academy of Country Music Lifting Lives Temporary Home Fund to benefit victims of the Tennessee floods of early 2010.

February 2011: Donation to Save the Children

In February 2011, Carrie Underwood donated $140,125 to Save the Children, inspired by the "36 cents" lyric in her song "Change".

April 2011: Happy Paws Animal Shelter Opened

In April 2011, Carrie Underwood opened the Happy Paws Animal Shelter in her hometown.

2011: Donation to Checotah Schools

During the 2011 holiday season, Carrie Underwood's foundation donated $350,000 to the Checotah schools.

January 10, 2012: Dog Rescue

On January 10, 2012, Carrie Underwood rescued an abandoned dog along a highway.

July 2012: Endorsement of Same-Sex Marriage

In July 2012, Carrie Underwood publicly endorsed same-sex marriage, expressing her belief that everyone should have the right to love and marry the person they want.

2012: Carrie Underwood and Mike Fisher purchased a cottage outside of Nashville

In 2012, Carrie Underwood and Mike Fisher bought a cottage outside of Nashville for weekend getaways, which was later toured by Oprah for an interview on Oprah's Next Chapter.

2012: Blown Away Tour Ticket Donation

In 2012, Carrie Underwood donated $1 of every ticket sold on the North American leg of the Blown Away Tour to the Canadian and American Red Cross.

April 2013: Carrie Underwood voices disapproval of Tennessee "Ag Gag bill"

In April 2013, Carrie Underwood publicly opposed the Tennessee "Ag Gag bill," which restricted the videotaping of animal cruelty, leading to a debate with state lawmakers on Twitter.

May 24, 2013: Donation to Red Cross

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.

2014: Freddie Mercury Influence

In 2014, Carrie Underwood spoke about her love for Freddie Mercury and Queen. She said she would listen to him when she was a kid and that people with incredible voices always drew her in.

February 27, 2015: Birth of First Son

On February 27, 2015, Carrie Underwood and Mike Fisher's first son was born.

January 2017: Time Off and Album Writing

In January 2017, Carrie Underwood took time off to spend time with family and potentially begin writing for her next album.

April 2017: Madame Tussauds Figure Unveiled

In April 2017, Madame Tussauds unveiled a new figure of Carrie Underwood when the Nashville location opened.

2018: "Cry Pretty" Inspiration

In 2018, Carrie Underwood revealed that her song "Cry Pretty" was inspired by her experiences with three miscarriages between the births of her two sons.

January 21, 2019: Birth of Second Son

On January 21, 2019, Carrie Underwood and Mike Fisher's second son was born.