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 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

1991: Nielsen SoundScan Era Record

Since 1991, which marks the Nielsen SoundScan era, Carrie Underwood holds the record as the female country artist with the most number-one hits on the Hot Country Songs chart.

1997: LeAnn Rimes wins Best New Artist

In 1997, LeAnn Rimes won the Best New Artist Grammy Award. Carrie Underwood followed her, winning the Best New Artist Grammy Award in 2007.

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 in Time as one of the 100 most influential people and named Favorite Female Country Artist at the American Music Awards. Billboard named her 2014's top female Christian artist.

2014: Time names Underwood as one 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 praised her as a prolific songwriter, trendsetter, and Opry member, calling her the best singer in any format of music.