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 a highly successful American singer-songwriter who gained fame after winning American Idol in 2005. Her debut single, "Inside Your Heaven," made history, establishing her as the first country artist to top the Billboard Hot 100. Her debut album, "Some Hearts," achieved remarkable success, becoming the best-selling debut album by a solo female country artist. Throughout her career, Underwood has consistently achieved both critical acclaim and commercial success, winning multiple Grammy Awards and producing numerous chart-topping singles and albums. She returned to American Idol as a judge in 2024.

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. She is an American singer and songwriter who would later rise to fame.

Others born on this day/year

1997: Capitol Records Contract Cancellation

In 1997, when Carrie Underwood was 14, Capitol Records was preparing a contract for her, but it was canceled when the company management changed. Underwood believes this worked out for the best as she wouldn't have been ready at the time.

2001: Graduation from Checotah High School

In 2001, Carrie Underwood graduated from Checotah High School as salutatorian. After graduation, she initially gave up on her dream of singing to pursue a more 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, singing Bonnie Raitt's "I Can't Make You Love Me".

2005: First PETA "World's Sexiest Vegetarian" title

In 2005, Carrie Underwood was first voted "World's Sexiest Vegetarian" by PETA, sharing the title with Chris Martin.

2006: Graduation from Northeastern State University

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

June 2007: Victoria's Secret Sexiest Female Musician

In June 2007, Carrie Underwood was named the Sexiest Female Musician by Victoria's Secret.

2007: Adoption of dog, Ace

In 2007, Carrie Underwood adopted her dog, Ace.

2007: Voted "World's Sexiest Vegetarian"

In 2007, Carrie Underwood was voted "World's Sexiest Vegetarian" by PETA for the second time.

October 22, 2008: Wax figure unveiling at Madame Tussauds New York

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

December 20, 2009: Engagement to Mike Fisher

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

2009: Underwood establishes the Checotah Animal, Town, and School Foundation

In 2009, Carrie Underwood established the Checotah Animal, Town, and School Foundation to support general causes, needs, and services in her hometown of Checotah, Oklahoma.

May 2010: People Magazine's 100 Most Beautiful People

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

July 10, 2010: Wedding to Mike Fisher

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

2010: Purchase of mansion near Ottawa

In 2010, Carrie Underwood and Mike Fisher bought a mansion on eleven acres near Ottawa, later putting it up for sale.

January 10, 2012: Rescuing an abandoned dog

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

July 2012: Public 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 to love.

2012: Purchase of cottage outside Nashville

In 2012, Carrie Underwood and Mike Fisher bought a cottage outside of Nashville. Oprah toured the cottage and interviewed Underwood and Fisher there for their appearance on Oprah's Next Chapter.

April 2013: Disapproval of Tennessee "Ag Gag bill"

In April 2013, Carrie Underwood voiced her disapproval of the Tennessee "Ag Gag bill" on Twitter, leading to a response from a state representative and further tweets from Underwood.

2014: Underwood speaks on Freddie Mercury as an influence

In 2014, Carrie Underwood mentioned Freddie Mercury, the frontman of Queen, as a major influence, citing his incredible voice and her childhood admiration for him.

February 27, 2015: Birth of first son

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

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January 2017: Taking Time Off and Album Writing in January 2017

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.

April 2017: Madame Tussauds Figure Unveiling in April 2017

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

2018: Inspiration for "Cry Pretty"

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

January 21, 2019: Birth of second son

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

Others born on this day/year

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.

August 2020: XO Radio Show Hosting

In August 2020, Carrie Underwood began hosting her own Apple Radio Show, entitled XO Radio.

December 2021: Launch of Las Vegas Residency 'Reflection'

In December 2021, Carrie Underwood launched her Las Vegas residency, Reflection, in collaboration with Resorts World Las Vegas.

April 2022: Extension of Las Vegas Residency 'Reflection'

In April 2022, Carrie Underwood extended her Las Vegas residency, Reflection, through April 2022 due to high demand by adding six more shows.

April 2022: Loss of dog, Ace

In April 2022, Carrie Underwood shared the loss of her dog, Ace, whom she had adopted in 2007.

July 2024: Extended Residency and American Idol Judge Announcement

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

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January 2025: Performance at Trump Inauguration

In January 2025, Carrie Underwood performed "America the Beautiful" at the second inauguration of U.S. President Donald Trump. She performed a cappella after complications with the planned musical accompaniment. The performance received mixed reactions.