How Carrie Underwood Shaped the Future: A Legacy Timeline

How the contributions of Carrie Underwood continue to shape the world today.

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

1991: Nielsen SoundScan Era Record since 1991

Since 1991, Carrie Underwood holds the record as the female country artist with the most number-one hits on the Hot Country Songs chart in the Nielsen SoundScan era, as recognized by the Guinness Book.

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.

2012: Billboard calls Underwood Country Music's reigning Queen

In 2012, Billboard magazine referred to Carrie Underwood as Country Music's reigning Queen, recognizing her status and success in the genre.

2014: Awards and Recognition in 2014

In 2014, Carrie Underwood received the Gene Weed Special Achievement Award from the Academy of Country Music and the Milestone Award at the Billboard Music Awards. She was also listed as one of Time's 100 most influential people and won Favorite Female Country Artist at the American Music Awards, marking her eighth AMA. Billboard named her the top female Christian artist of 2014.

2014: Rolling Stone praises Underwood

In 2014, Rolling Stone described Carrie Underwood as "the female vocalist of her generation of any genre," acknowledging her vocal talent and impact on music.

2014: Time features Underwood in its list of the 100 most influential people in the world

In 2014, Time featured Carrie Underwood in its list of the 100 most influential people in the world. Brad Paisley wrote about her achievements as a songwriter, trendsetter, and Opry member, calling her "the best singer in any format of music."

2014: Recognition as an Influential Person

In 2014, Time listed Carrie Underwood as one of the 100 most influential people in the world.

2015: Grady Smith of The Guardian praises Underwood

In 2015, Grady Smith of The Guardian praised Carrie Underwood, saying she "has emerged as the leader of country music."

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.

2023: Underwood's record sales as of 2023

As of 2023, Carrie Underwood has sold 85 million records worldwide, making her one of the most successful artists in any musical genre.

2023: Rolling Stone ranks Underwood in its list of the 200 Greatest Singers of All Time

In 2023, Rolling Stone ranked Carrie Underwood at number 158 on its list of the 200 Greatest Singers of All Time, acknowledging her vocal talent and impact on music.