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 prominent American singer and songwriter who gained fame after winning American Idol in 2005. Her debut single, "Inside Your Heaven," made history as the first country artist to debut atop the Billboard Hot 100. Her debut album, Some Hearts, achieved remarkable success, becoming the best-selling debut album by a solo female country artist and earning her three Grammy Awards. Subsequent albums like Carnival Ride and Play On further solidified her status in the music industry, producing hit singles such as "Cowboy Casanova." She has become one of the most successful American Idol alumni.

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.

Others born on this day/year

2001: Graduation from Checotah High School

In 2001, Carrie Underwood graduated from Checotah High School as salutatorian and initially did not pursue singing.

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.

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

In 2005, Carrie Underwood was first voted "World's Sexiest Vegetarian" by PETA alongside Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, recognizing her vegetarian lifestyle.

2006: Graduation 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

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

2007: Adoption of Dog, Ace

In 2007, Carrie Underwood adopted her dog, Ace, who became a significant part of her life and 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, the first being in 2005, highlighting her commitment to vegetarianism.

October 22, 2008: Unveiling of wax figure at Madame Tussauds New York

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

2008: Meeting Mike Fisher

In late 2008, Carrie Underwood first met NHL player Mike Fisher at one of her concerts. This meeting eventually led to their engagement and marriage.

December 2009: Engagement to Mike Fisher

In December 2009, Carrie Underwood and NHL player Mike Fisher became engaged after meeting at one of her concerts in late 2008.

December 20, 2009: Fisher's Proposal to Underwood

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

2009: Underwood Establishes Checotah Animal, Town, and School Foundation

In 2009, Carrie Underwood established the Checotah Animal, Town, and School Foundation to support causes, needs, and services in the area of Checotah, directly impacting the community. Underwood expressed her gratitude for the support from her hometown and her desire to give back.

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

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

July 10, 2010: Wedding to Mike Fisher

On July 10, 2010, Carrie Underwood and Mike Fisher were married at the Ritz-Carlton Lodge in Greensboro, Georgia, with over 250 people in attendance.

2010: Purchase of Mansion Near Ottawa

In 2010, Carrie Underwood and Mike Fisher bought a mansion on eleven acres near Ottawa in the luxurious Spruce Ridge district. They later put the mansion up for sale.

March 2011: All Together Now – A Celebration of Service

In March 2011, Carrie Underwood sang John Lennon's "Instant Karma!" at the NBC's special All Together Now – A Celebration of Service, which honored former president George H. W. Bush.

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January 10, 2012: Rescue of an Abandoned Dog

On January 10, 2012, it was reported that Carrie Underwood rescued an abandoned dog along a highway, showcasing her dedication to animal welfare. This was previously blogged by Underwood herself on her official fan-site.

July 2012: Public Support for Same-Sex Marriage

In July 2012, Carrie Underwood publicly supported same-sex marriage, emphasizing that her church, GracePointe Church in Nashville, was gay-friendly. She expressed her belief that everyone should have the right to love and marry who they want.

2012: Purchase of Cottage Outside Nashville

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

April 2013: Opposition to Tennessee "Ag Gag Bill"

In April 2013, Carrie Underwood voiced her disapproval of the Tennessee "Ag Gag bill", which aimed to criminalize videotaping animal cruelty without promptly reporting it. She publicly tweeted her opposition to the bill and urged the governor to consider the welfare of animals and consumers.

2014: Underwood speaks on Freddie Mercury

In a 2014 interview, Carrie Underwood spoke about her admiration for the late Queen frontman Freddie Mercury, stating she has always been a fan and lover of his work and voice.

February 27, 2015: Birth of First Son

On February 27, 2015, Carrie Underwood and Mike Fisher welcomed their first son.

Others born on this day/year

January 2017: Time Off and Album Planning in January 2017

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

April 2017: Madame Tussauds Figure Unveiled in April 2017

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

2018: Inspiration for "Cry Pretty"

In 2018, Carrie Underwood revealed to CBS News that her three miscarriages between the births of her two sons served as the inspiration for her song "Cry Pretty," reflecting the challenges of balancing personal struggles with public appearances.

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