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 atop the Billboard Hot 100. Her debut album, Some Hearts (2005), became the best-selling debut album by a solo female country artist. It spawned crossover hits like "Jesus, Take the Wheel" and "Before He Cheats," earning her three Grammy Awards. Subsequent albums, Carnival Ride (2007) and Play On (2009), continued her success, with singles like "Cowboy Casanova" topping charts. She also returned as a judge in American Idol's twenty-third season.

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 would later become an American singer and songwriter.

Others born on this day/year

1997: Capitol Records Audition

In 1997, when Carrie Underwood was 14, a local admirer arranged for her to audition for Capitol Records in Nashville. Although Capitol Records initially prepared a contract for her, it was canceled due to a change in company management.

2001: High School Graduation

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.

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: Adoption of Dog Ace

In 2007, Carrie Underwood adopted her dog, Ace.

August 2008: Recording of 'Just Stand Up!'

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).

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October 22, 2008: Wax Figure Unveiling at Madame Tussauds

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

December 2009: Engagement to Mike Fisher

In December 2009, Carrie Underwood and Mike Fisher became engaged.

December 20, 2009: Fisher's Proposal to Underwood

On December 20, 2009, Mike Fisher proposed to Carrie Underwood in Ottawa. Underwood's engagement ring featured a yellow diamond and was valued at $150,000.

2009: Checotah Animal, Town & School Foundation Partnership

In 2009, Carrie Underwood's "Checotah Animal, Town & School Foundation" and the Academy of Country Music foundation "ACM Lifting Lives" partnered to donate over $120,000 worth of new instruments to music programs for students in Checotah, Oklahoma. Carrie Underwood held a surprise concert at a local high school and then unveiled the gifts. The instruments were to be shared throughout the Checotah school district.

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

In January 2010, Carrie Underwood partnered with Country Cares for St. Jude Kids and visited the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

March 29, 2010: Partnership with Pedigree to Donate 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 married at the Ritz-Carlton Lodge in Greensboro, Georgia, with over 250 people in attendance.

2010: Purchase of Ottawa Mansion

In 2010, Carrie Underwood and Mike Fisher purchased a mansion on eleven acres near Ottawa in the Spruce Ridge district.

2010: Launch of 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 victims of the Tennessee floods. The fund was initiated with grants Underwood received from ACM as Entertainer of the Year. She also collaborated with Brooks and Dunn to record a Public Service Announcement (PSA) to support the new Fund.

February 2011: Donation 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 album track "Change" from her album Play On.

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April 2011: Opening of Happy Paws Animal Shelter

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

2011: Checotah Schools Donation

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

January 10, 2012: Rescue of Abandoned Dog

On January 10, 2012, it was reported that Carrie Underwood rescued an abandoned dog along a highway.

July 2012: Public Support for Same-Sex Marriage

In July 2012, Carrie Underwood publicly supported same-sex marriage, mentioning that her church, GracePointe Church in Nashville, was gay-friendly. She emphasized the importance of the right to love publicly and not judging others.

2012: Purchase of Nashville Cottage

In 2012, Carrie Underwood and Mike Fisher bought a cottage outside of Nashville for weekend getaways.

2012: Blown Away Tour Ticket Donation

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.

May 24, 2013: Blown Away Tour Proceeds Donation

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

November 10, 2013: "Carrie Underwood: The Blown Away Tour Exhibition" Concludes

On November 10, 2013, "Carrie Underwood: The Blown Away Tour Exhibition" exhibition at the Country Music Hall of Fame, came to a close. The exhibition had been running since June 5, 2013.

2014: Underwood Discusses Freddie Mercury as an Influence

In 2014, Carrie Underwood cited Freddie Mercury of Queen as a major influence, admiring his incredible vocal abilities from her childhood.

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 Preparation in January 2017

In January 2017, Carrie Underwood took time off to spend with family and began preparing to write her next album.

2018: Discussion of Miscarriages and 'Cry Pretty'

In 2018, Carrie Underwood told CBS News that the experience of having three miscarriages between the births of her two sons served as the basis for her song "Cry Pretty".

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