Carrie Underwood’s Wild Ride: From ‘American Idol’ Winner to Reigning Country Queen

Carrie Underwood is living proof that sometimes, TV talent shows actually get it right. Just last month, she returned to "American Idol" as a judge—two decades after taking home the crown that launched her career. With Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan by her side, Underwood joined the panel for the show's 23rd season, and it’s safe to say she’s come a long way from her Oklahoma roots.

Back in 2005, when Carrie belted out Heart’s "Alone," Simon Cowell boldly declared, "You’re not just the girl to beat. You’re the person to beat." He even predicted she'd outsell every previous Idol winner. Fast-forward: she’s moved over 85 million records, making Simon look like Nostradamus in jeans.

After winning "American Idol," Underwood scored a million-dollar record deal and made history with her debut single "Inside Your Heaven," becoming the first country artist to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Her debut album "Some Hearts" not only dominated the country charts but went platinum nine times and became the bestselling solo female debut in country history.

Underwood’s trophy shelf got crowded quickly. She picked up her first Grammys in 2006, then ACM and CMT Awards, with hits like "Jesus, Take the Wheel" and "Before He Cheats". Her second album, "Carnival Ride," topped the charts and churned out more No. 1 singles, while her third, "Play On," continued the streak. Honestly, at this point, the only thing she hasn’t won is a bake-off—and I wouldn’t count her out there, either.

She became a Grand Ole Opry member in 2008, which she called joining a "super-elite club that says you love this music." More albums and award sweeps followed, plus hosting duties at the CMA Awards with Brad Paisley for over a decade. She even performed the national anthem at the Super Bowl in 2010, because, why not?

By the time her albums "Blown Away," "Storyteller," and "Cry Pretty" rolled around, Underwood was the first woman to top the Billboard 200 with four country albums. She’s picked up seven Grammys (so far), a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and dropped a gospel album and a Christmas record for good measure.

She hasn’t slowed down—releasing her latest album "Denim & Rhinestones," collaborating with Jason Aldean, and, in 2023, expanding her sound with a deluxe edition. In August 2024, she announced her return as an "American Idol" judge, reflecting on her journey: "I went from nobody knowing my name to tens of millions of people watching the show."

To kick off 2025, Underwood performed "America the Beautiful" at the 60th presidential inauguration. When a technical glitch hit, she sang a cappella—proving once more that she can handle anything live TV throws her way. As Carrie herself put it, she’s humbled to be part of moments that unite the country and is still looking to the future.