Carrie Underwood has come a long way since winning American Idol Season 4 in 2005. From chart-topping albums to acting roles and business ventures, she has built an empire that extends beyond country music. Now, nearly two decades after her Idol win, she is set to return to the show as a judge. Here’s a look at her journey and all she has accomplished.
When Did Carrie Underwood Win American Idol?
Carrie Underwood auditioned for American Idol while attending Northeastern State University in Oklahoma. She wowed judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, and Randy Jackson with her rendition of Bonnie Raitt’s “I Can’t Make You Love Me.”
Apart from her singing skills, she also surprised the panel with an unexpected talent—clucking like a chicken! She went on to win the competition in 2005 and graduated magna cum laude in 2006.
What Has Carrie Underwood Achieved Since American Idol?
Carrie Underwood has become one of American Idol’s most successful winners. As of 2022, she was named the richest Idol alum, with a net worth of $140 million—quadruple that of Kelly Clarkson. She has released multiple albums, won prestigious awards, and explored acting and business ventures.
Let’s take a look at 20 major things she has accomplished since her American Idol win.
1. Released Nine Studio Albums
Underwood’s discography includes:
- Some Hearts (2005)
- Carnival Ride (2007)
- Play On (2009)
- Blown Away (2012)
- Storyteller (2015)
- Cry Pretty (2018)
- My Gift (2020) – a Christmas album
- My Savior (2021) – a gospel album
- Denim & Rhinestones (2022)
2. Embarked on Seven Tours
Since her American Idol win, Underwood has toured worldwide, performing for millions of fans.
3. Debuted on Saturday Night Live
In 2007, she was the musical guest on SNL, introduced by NFL star Peyton Manning.
4. Won Eight Grammy Awards
Among her many accolades, Underwood has won:
- 8 Grammy Awards
- 9 CMA Awards
- 16 ACM Awards
- 17 American Music Awards
- 25 CMT Awards
5. Hosted the CMA Awards 12 Times
From 2008 to 2018, she co-hosted the CMA Awards alongside Brad Paisley, known for their humorous banter and parody songs.
6. Starred on Sesame Street
Underwood voiced Carrie Underworm, a singing worm on Sesame Street.
7. Sang the National Anthem at the Super Bowl
She performed The Star-Spangled Banner at Super Bowl XLIV in 2010.
8. Inducted into the Grand Ole Opry
In 2008, she was invited by Randy Travis and officially inducted by Garth Brooks.
9. Married NHL Player Mike Fisher
Underwood married professional hockey player Mike Fisher in 2010. They now live on a farm outside of Nashville with their two sons, Isaiah and Jacob.
10. Made Her Acting Debut on How I Met Your Mother
She guest-starred in the hit TV show as Tiffany, Ted Mosby’s love interest.
11. Starred in Soul Surfer
Underwood played Sarah Hill, a youth leader, in the 2011 film Soul Surfer, based on the real-life story of Bethany Hamilton.
12. Played Maria in The Sound of Music Live!
She portrayed Maria von Trapp in NBC’s 2013 live adaptation of The Sound of Music.
13. Became the Face of Sunday Night Football
She took over from Faith Hill as the voice of Sunday Night Football’s theme song in 2013.
14. Became a Mom to Two Sons
She and her husband welcomed their first son, Isaiah, in 2015 and their second son, Jacob, in 2019.
15. Launched Her Own Clothing Line, Calia
In partnership with Dick’s Sporting Goods, she launched her athleisure brand Calia, which became one of the top fitness apparel brands before she exited in 2021.
16. Received a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
In 2018, she was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
17. Became an Author
She released her book, Find Your Path, in 2020, sharing her fitness and wellness journey.
18. Created a Fitness App, Fit52
Her app Fit52 offers workout programs inspired by her personal fitness routines.
19. Took Up Farming and Gardening
Underwood regularly shares photos of her homegrown vegetables from her farm in Tennessee.
20. Launched a Las Vegas Residency, Reflection
She debuted her Las Vegas residency Reflection in December 2021, which has been extended through 2025.
Carrie Underwood Joins American Idol as a Judge in 2025
Underwood is returning to American Idol in 2025 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of her win. She will replace Katy Perry and join Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie as a judge.
While this is her first time as a judge, she has made guest appearances before, mentoring contestants and performing on the show.