Carrie Underwood's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Carrie Underwood.

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

May 25, 2005: Winning American Idol Season Four

On May 25, 2005, Carrie Underwood became the season four winner of American Idol. Her winnings included a recording contract, use of a private jet, and a Ford Mustang convertible.

December 2005: Oklahoman of the Year

In December 2005, Carrie Underwood was named Oklahoman of the Year by Oklahoma Today.

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.

2005: Winning American Idol and "Inside Your Heaven" Release

In 2005, Carrie Underwood won the fourth season of American Idol, which launched her to prominence. Her single "Inside Your Heaven" was released and made her the first country artist to debut atop the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Also in 2005, her debut album, Some Hearts was released.

2006: Underwood starts winning awards

From 2006 to 2019, Carrie Underwood won over 20 awards at the CMT Music Awards.

June 2007: Victoria's Secret Sexiest Female Musician

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

2007: Billboard Year-End Charts and American Music Awards

At the end of 2007, Carrie Underwood topped five Billboard Year-End charts, including Billboard 200 Artist of the Year and Country Artist of the Year. She also won three American Music Awards for Artist of the Year, Favorite Female Country Artist, and Favorite Country Album for Some Hearts.

2007: Voted "World's Sexiest Vegetarian"

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

March 15, 2008: Invitation to join the Grand Ole Opry

On March 15, 2008, Randy Travis invited Carrie Underwood to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry.

May 10, 2008: Induction into the Grand Ole Opry

On May 10, 2008, Carrie Underwood was officially inducted into the Grand Ole Opry by Garth Brooks.

2008: Underwood inducted into the Grand Ole Opry

In 2008, Carrie Underwood was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry for her many accomplishments in country music.

2008: Academy of Country Music Awards and Country Music Association Awards

In 2008, Carrie Underwood won Female Vocalist of the Year at the Academy of Country Music Awards for the second consecutive time. She also co-hosted the Country Music Association Awards with Brad Paisley for the first time and won Female Vocalist of the Year for the third consecutive year.

2008: Female Vocalist of the Year at European Country Music Association Awards

In 2008, Carrie Underwood won her first international award, the Female Vocalist of the Year, at the European Country Music Association Awards.

December 2009: Underwood receives Harmony Award from the Nashville Symphony Orchestra

In December 2009, Carrie Underwood was awarded the Harmony Award from the Nashville Symphony Orchestra for her achievements in music across many genres.

December 2009: Country Album of the Decade

In December 2009, Carrie Underwood's album Some Hearts was named the number-one Country Album of the 2000 Decade by Billboard. Carrie Underwood was also the top-ranked female artist on Billboard's Best Country Artists of the 2000 Decade list.

2009: CMA Awards nominations and co-hosting

In 2009, Carrie Underwood received two nominations at the CMA Awards and co-hosted the ceremony with Brad Paisley for the second consecutive year.

2009: Underwood inducted into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame

In 2009, Carrie Underwood was inducted into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame, recognizing her contributions to the state's music scene.

2009: Academy of Country Music Awards and Grammy Award

In 2009, Carrie Underwood won Female Vocalist of the Year and Entertainer of the Year at the Academy of Country Music Awards, becoming the first woman to win Entertainer of the Year in ten years. She also won the Grammy Award for Best Female Country Vocal Performance for "Last Name".

April 2010: Entertainer of the Year and ACM Triple Crown Award

In April 2010, at the Academy of Country Music Awards, Carrie Underwood was named Entertainer of the Year, making her the first woman to win the award twice. She also received the ACM Triple Crown Award.

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.

May 2010: Forbes Earnings Report

In May 2010, Forbes reported that Carrie Underwood earned over $13 million from May 2009 to May 2010, making her the top-earning Idol.

December 3, 2010: CMT Artists of the Year special

On December 3, 2010, Carrie Underwood was honored by the CMT Artists of the Year special as one of the top 5 artists of the year in country music.

December 2010: Play On Tour ranked among Top Tours

In December 2010, Pollstar.com ranked the Play On Tour one of the Top 50 tours of 2010, placing it at number one in North America and number 31 worldwide.

2010: Billboard names Underwood the top female country artist

At the turn of the 2010 decade, Billboard named Carrie Underwood the top female country artist and seventh overall country artist, acknowledging her impact and achievements in the genre.

2010: Underwood achieves ten career number-one singles

In 2010, Carrie Underwood achieved ten career number-one singles on the Hot Country Songs chart, earning her a place in the Guinness Book of World Records.

2010: Grammy Award for Best Country Collaboration with Vocals

In 2010, Carrie Underwood won her fifth Grammy Award for Best Country Collaboration with Vocals for "I Told You So" with Randy Travis. At the ceremony, she also performed with Celine Dion, Usher, Smokey Robinson, and Jennifer Hudson during the Michael Jackson tribute.

January 4, 2011: Underwood named top-ranked female country touring artist

On January 4, 2011, it was revealed that Carrie Underwood played to over 1 million fans throughout the Play On Tour, leading her to be named the top-ranked female country touring artist of the year.

May 2011: Underwood becomes Biggest American Idol Earner

As of May 2011, Carrie Underwood became the Biggest American Idol Earner, based on combined tour revenues and record sales.

May 2011: Academy of Country Music Girls' Night Out special

In May 2011, Carrie Underwood was honored by the Academy of Country Music at the Girls' Night Out: Superstar Women of Country special, recognized for being the first and only female artist to win Entertainer of the Year twice. A video of her performance of "How Great Thou Art" went viral.

June 2011: Rolling Stone's Queen of Pop

In June 2011, Rolling Stone magazine ranked Carrie Underwood as the number 11 Queen of Pop, based on criteria from 2009 until 2011.

July 2011: Forbes Earnings Report

In July 2011, Forbes reported that Carrie Underwood earned over $20 million between May 2010 and May 2011, being the top-earning American Idol alumnus for the fourth consecutive year.

2012: CMT and American Music Awards

At the 2012 CMT Music Awards, Carrie Underwood won the awards for Video of the Year, for "Good Girl", and Collaborative Video of the Year, for "Remind Me", her duet with Brad Paisley. At the 2012 American Music Awards, she won the award for Favorite Album – Country, for Blown Away. She also performed "Good Girl" at the CMT ceremony and performed "Two Black Cadillacs" at the AMA's.

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.

2012: Ranking on The Hockey News' list

In 2012, Carrie Underwood was selected by The Hockey News on its annual list of the 100 People of Power and Influence in Ice Hockey, ranking at number 85.

February 2013: Awards and Performance

In February 2013, Carrie Underwood won the prize for Top Selling International Album of the Year at the 41st Country Music Awards of Australia. Also in February 2013, Carrie Underwood won her sixth Grammy Award, for Best Country Solo Performance, for "Blown Away". She also performed a medley of "Blown Away" and "Two Black Cadillacs" at the awards show ceremony.

February 22, 2013: Billboard's Top Money Makers

On February 22, 2013, Billboard ranked Carrie Underwood as the 16th money maker for the period from February 2012 to February 2013. She earned close to $12 million, being American Idol's Top Earner and second for female country artists.

June 2013: Forbes' Celebrity 100 List

In June 2013, Forbes placed Carrie Underwood at number 46 on The Celebrity 100 list, reporting that she earned more than $31 million between June 2012 and June 2013, being the top-earning American Idol, and also being one of the ten highest-paid women in music of 2013.

2013: Earnings between 2013 and 2014

Carrie Underwood earned $10 million between 2013 and 2014, topping Forbes' list of the top-earning American Idols.

2013: Underwood receives Artist Achievement Award at the T.J. Martell Foundation Gala

In 2013, Carrie Underwood received the Artist Achievement Award at the 38th Annual New York Honors Gala held by the T.J. Martell Foundation, acknowledging her contributions to the music industry and beyond.

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: Underwood honored with the CRB Artist Humanitarian Award

In 2014, Carrie Underwood was honored by the Country Radio Broadcasters' Board of Directors with the CRB Artist Humanitarian Award at the Country Radio Seminar, recognizing her philanthropic efforts.

2014: "Something in the Water" Success and Earnings in 2014

In 2014, Carrie Underwood's song "Something in the Water" became a crossover success, reaching number one on the Hot Country Songs chart and setting airplay records. Underwood earned $10 million between 2013 and 2014, topping Forbes' list of top-earning American Idols.

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.

2014: Underwood is the top-earning American Idol alum

Since 2014, Carrie Underwood has been the top-earning American Idol alum of all time, demonstrating her consistent success and marketability.

February 2015: Release of "Little Toy Guns" in February 2015

In February 2015, "Little Toy Guns" was released as the second single from Carrie Underwood's compilation album. The song peaked at number six on Billboard's Hot Country Songs. The song was nominated for Best Country Solo Performance at the 58th Grammy Awards.

2015: Earnings Between 2015 and 2016

Carrie Underwood earned $26 million between 2015 and 2016, ranking among Forbes' list of highest-paid country music acts.

2015: Grammy and Billboard Music Awards in 2015

In 2015, Carrie Underwood won Best Country Solo Performance at the 57th Grammy Awards for "Something in the Water", her seventh Grammy. Also in 2015, she won Top Christian Song at the Billboard Music Awards for "Something in the Water". At the 2015 CMT Music Awards, Underwood won three awards, including Video of the Year for "Something in the Water". She also won her ninth American Music Award in 2015 for Favorite Female Country Artist.

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."

June 2016: CMT Music Awards in June 2016

In June 2016, Carrie Underwood received three nominations from the CMT Music Awards, taking home two honors for "Smoke Break", expanding her CMT Music Award total to 15—the most among all acts.

August 2016: Release of "Dirty Laundry" in August 2016

In August 2016, "Dirty Laundry" was released from the album Storyteller. Billboard ranked Carrie Underwood as the top female country artist for the year, and fifth overall.

September 2016: ACM Lifting Lives Gary Haber Award in September 2016

In September 2016, Carrie Underwood was the first artist to receive the ACM Lifting Lives Gary Haber Award, for her continuous work with charities.

October 20, 2016: CMT Artists of the Year and CMA Awards on October 20, 2016

On October 20, 2016, Carrie Underwood was honored as one of CMT Artists of the Year, marking her third year to receive the award. Also in October 2016, she received four nominations for the 50th Annual Country Music Association Awards, including her first nomination for Entertainer of the Year, and won Female Vocalist of the Year, her fourth time to win the award.

January 2017: People's Choice Award and Grammy Nomination in January 2017

In January 2017, Carrie Underwood received her ninth People's Choice award, winning Favorite Female Country Artist. She also received a Grammy nomination for "Church Bells" and performed "The Fighter" with Keith Urban at the Grammy ceremony.

2017: Earnings Between 2016 and 2017

Carrie Underwood earned $20 million between 2016 and 2017, ranking on Billboard's Top 50 Money Makers list.

2017: Underwood inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame

Carrie Underwood was inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame in 2017 for her achievements in music, marking a significant honor in her career.

2017: Nominations and Wins in 2017

In 2017, Carrie Underwood received two nominations for the 52nd annual Academy of Country Music Awards, including Entertainer of the Year. She scored three more nominations for the 2017 CMT Music Awards in June, including Video of the Year for "Church Bells". She won Female Video of the year, extending her record for most wins in the show's history. Underwood scored two nominations for the 2017 Teen Choice awards, including Choice Country Artist, which she won for a third consecutive year. She received one nomination from the 45th annual American Music Awards in the Favorite Female Artist – Country category, which she won for the fourth year in a row, bringing her total to twelve American Music awards.

September 2018: Underwood receives a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

In September 2018, Carrie Underwood received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for her numerous achievements in music.

November 14, 2018: CMA Awards and Tour Announcement on November 14, 2018

On November 14, 2018, Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood hosted the 52nd Annual Country Music Association Awards, where she picked up her fifth win as the CMA's Female Vocalist of the Year. The same month, Underwood announced she would kick off the Cry Pretty Tour 360 in May 2019.

2018: Underwood receives star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

In 2018, Carrie Underwood received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, recognizing her achievements and contributions to music.

2018: CMT Music Awards and Teen Choice Awards in 2018

In 2018, Carrie Underwood received four nominations and one win for the CMT Music Awards and performed "Cry Pretty" at the ceremony. She received a nomination for Choice Country Artist and "Cry Pretty" received a nomination for Choice Country Song for the Teen Choice awards, winning Choice Country Artist and expanding her record for most wins in the category. On June 22, Underwood was honored with the Hero award from the Radio Disney Music Awards, in recognition of her humanitarian efforts.

December 2019: Kennedy Center Honors Tribute

In December 2019, Carrie Underwood attended the Kennedy Center Honors and paid tribute to Linda Ronstadt by performing two of her songs.

2019: Underwood becomes the most awarded artist in CMT Music Awards history

From 2006 to 2019, Carrie Underwood became the most awarded artist in the history of the CMT Music Awards, solidifying her legacy in country music.

2019: 54th Academy of Country Music Awards performance and Billboard Music Awards

In 2019, Carrie Underwood was nominated for Female Artist of the Year at the 54th Academy of Country Music Awards and performed "Southbound". She also received two Billboard Music Awards nominations, winning Top Female Country Artist, bringing her career total to 11.

February 2020: "Cry Pretty" Album Certified Platinum in February 2020

In February 2020, the album Cry Pretty was certified Platinum.

September 2020: Underwood wins her third Entertainer of the Year award

In September 2020, Carrie Underwood won her third Entertainer of the Year award from the Academy of Country Music, making her the first woman in history to achieve this milestone.

2021: Latin American Music Awards Performance

In 2021, Carrie Underwood joined David Bisbal for the debut televised performance of their song "Tears of Gold" at the Latin American Music Awards in Sunrise, Florida.

November 9, 2022: Country Music Association Awards Nomination

On November 9, 2022, Carrie Underwood received three nominations for the Country Music Association Awards, including Entertainer of the Year.

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.