Carrie Underwood has been busy since winning Season 4 of American Idol in 2005.

In addition to building a music empire and raking in countless awards, the country singer has branched out into acting roles and entrepreneurial ventures.

When Was Carrie Underwood on American Idol?

As a college student at Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Okla., Underwood auditioned for American Idol. She would eventually graduate magna cum laude in 2006, but not before capturing America’s hearts while competing on the show.

The “Denim & Rhinestones” singer sang Bonnie Raitt’s “I Can’t Make You Love Me” for a panel of judges that consisted of Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson. Her audition also revealed her hidden talent: Clucking like a chicken.

Watch Underwood’s Idol audition here:

What Has Carrie Underwood Done Since American Idol?

Underwood has become one of the most successful artists to come through the reality singing competition. In 2022, she was named the richest artist to come through Idol – at the time, her net worth was listed at a staggering $140 million, according to Music Mayhem.

That number quadrupled Kelly Clarkson’s net worth of $35 million, which was good enough for second place. Jennifer Hudson rounded out the top three at $30 million on that list.

In addition to releasing nine studio albums and embarking on seven tours, the “Cry Pretty” singer has taken on a handful of acting roles on both big and small screens.

Underwood has also launched a few businesses and a philanthropic organization called CATS to support her hometown of Checotah, Okla.

Carrie Underwood to Play Judge on American Idol

The “If I Didn’t Love You” hitmaker is set to return to the show that started it all, just in time for the 20th anniversary of her victory. She is replacing Katy Perry as a judge and will sit next to fellow country singer Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie.

It’s not her first appearance on the show since her win: In 2018 she joined the Top 5 contestants — which included country singer Gabby Barrett — as they sang her song “See You Again.” She also performed her song “Southbound” during the Idol finale in 2019.

Keep scrolling to see 20 things Underwood has done since her time on American Idol.

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20 Things Carrie Underwood Has Done Since Winning ‘American Idol’

Carrie Underwood has been, well, busy since winning Season 4 of American Idol in 2005. Since the confetti fell, the country singer has released nine albums and embarked on seven tours. She’s also tried her hand at acting and launched a handful of businesses.

Over the years she’s become one of the biggest success stories to come out of the show, winning countless awards and amassing a staggering net worth of over $100 million.

Keep scrolling to see 20 things Underwood has done since her time on the reality singing competition.

Released Nine Studio Albums

Arista Nashville/Capitol Records Nashville

Released Nine Studio Albums

Since her American Idol win, Underwood has released nine albums. Her first project after the show was Some Hearts, which arrived in 2005, followed by Carnival Ride in 2007 and Play On in 2009. She then dropped Blown Away (2012), Storyteller (2015) and Cry Pretty (2018). In 2020 she deviated from country music with her Christmas album My Gift, then released a Gospel covers project, My Savior, the following year. Underwood’s most recent album Denim & Rhinestones came out in 2022.

Toured Seven Times

Mike Coppola, Getty Images

Toured Seven Times

After winning American Idol, the show’s alum went on her first tour, Carrie Underwood: Live in Concert in 2006, singing many songs from her debut album. She has toured in support of each of her country albums, totaling seven tours overall. Underwood did not hit the road for her My Gift and My Savior projects.

Made Her ‘Saturday Night Live’ Debut

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Made Her ‘Saturday Night Live’ Debut

Like so many other country artists, Underwood has graced the iconic Saturday Night Live stage. Just two years after winning American Idol, the singer was the musical guest on the show on March 24, 2007. After being introduced by Peyton Manning, she performed her songs “Before He Cheats” and “Wasted.”

Won Eight Grammys … and Dozens of Other Awards

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Won Eight Grammys … and Dozens of Other Awards

Underwood is easily one of the most decorated artists in country music. Her greatest accomplishments are the eight Grammy Awards she has won since her time on American Idol. In addition, she has won nine CMA Awards, 16 ACM Awards, 17 American Music Awards, 25 CMT Awards and 29 BMI Awards. She’s also racked up 12 Billboard Awards, 9 People’s Choice Awards, 2 GMA Dove Awards and 12 American Country Awards!

Hosted the CMA Awards 12 Times

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Hosted the CMA Awards 12 Times

For 11 years in a row, Underwood hosted the annual CMA Awards with fellow country artist Brad Paisley. The pair were known for their zany antics and silly parody songs from 2008 through 2018. Underwood hosted the 2019 show, too, but with Dolly Parton and Reba McEntire, before retiring from the gig. Her 12 turns at host ties the record for most with Vince Gill, who’s also hosted 12 times.

Made Her ‘Sesame Street’ Debut … as a Worm

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Made Her ‘Sesame Street’ Debut … as a Worm

Although she did not appear on Sesame Street in person, Underwood did offer up her beautiful vocals to a worm named Carrie Underworm. She sings a sweet song about how great it is to be a worm ahead of the worm’s biggest event of the year, the Squirmadega races.

Sang the National Anthem at Super Bowl XLIV

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Sang the National Anthem at Super Bowl XLIV

While several country artists have been selected to sing the National Anthem ahead of big sporting events, nothing compares to doing it for the Super Bowl. Underwood was selected to sing “The Star-Spangled Banner” before Super Bowl XLIV in 2010. Her performance won the approval of the fans at Miami’s Sun Life Stadium and across the nation. She has also sung our nation’s anthem at NHL games for the Nashville Predators and Chicago Blackhawks.

Been Inducted Into the Grand Ole Opry

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Been Inducted Into the Grand Ole Opry

Shortly after her American Idol victory, Underwood made her performance debut on the Grand Ole Opry stage. On March 15, 2008, Randy Travis had the honor of inviting her to become a member of the Opry. She was inducted on May 10 of that year, in a celebration hosted by Garth Brooks.

Married NFL Player Mike Fisher

Mike Coppola, Getty Images

Married NFL Player Mike Fisher

Underwood tied the knot with NHL player Mike Fisher on July 10, 2010. The pair met through mutual friends who arranged for them to get together at one of her concerts in 2008. Just over a year later, the two were engaged. In 2024, Underwood and Fisher live with their two sons on a farm just outside of Nashville.

Played Tiffany on ‘How I Met Your Mother’

CBS Broadcasting

Played Tiffany on ‘How I Met Your Mother’

In March 2010, Underwood made an appearance on the popular show How I Met Your Mother in an episode titled “Hooked.” Her character Tiffany, a medical sales rep, develops a relationship with the main character, Ted. It was her first acting role and it resulted in the show’s second-highest rated episode for Season 5.

Played Sarah Hill in ‘Soul Surfer’

Film District/TriStar/Sony

Played Sarah Hill in ‘Soul Surfer’

Underwood made her big screen debut in April 2011 in the movie Soul Surfer. The movie follows the true story of surfer Bethany Hamilton as she overcomes obstacles to return to the water after a shark attack took her arm. The singer plays Sarah Hill, who was Hamilton’s church youth leader at the time.

Played Maria von Trapp in ‘The Sound of Music Live!’

NBC Universal

Played Maria von Trapp in ‘The Sound of Music Live!’

In Dec. 2013, Underwood took on the role of Maria von Trapp in NBC’s The Sound of Music Live! The musical was performed live on television during a three-hour telecast, with Underwood in the leading role.

Sang the ‘Sunday Night Football’ Opening Theme Song

Danny Ventrella/NBC

Sang the ‘Sunday Night Football’ Opening Theme Song

After taking over for Faith Hill, Underwood has been the face of Sunday Night Football since 2013. She has sung a handful of different theme songs for NBC’s night of programming. In addition to the well-known “Waiting All Day for Sunday Night” – a riff on Joan Jett’s “I Hate Myself for Loving You” – Underwood turned her duet with Miranda Lambert, “Something Bad,” into an NFL-friendly “Oh Sunday Night.” She also crafted an original song in 2018 called “Game On.”

Became a Mom to Sons Isaiah and Jacob

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Became a Mom to Sons Isaiah and Jacob

Underwood and her husband Mike share two children. Their first son, Isaiah, was born on Feb. 27, 2015, and their second boy Jacob arrived on Jan. 21, 2019. The syat suffered three miscarriages in between their births. Those heartbreaking experiences are what inspired her song “Cry Pretty.”

Launched Her Own Clothing Line, Calia

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Launched Her Own Clothing Line, Calia

As a fitness enthusiast, it’s no surprise that the country singer launched her own athletics clothing line, Calia. In a partnership with Dick’s Sporting Goods, Underwood created a line of women’s workout and leisure attire. Although the brand still exists, Underwood left Calia in 2021, with the fall line that year being her final drop.

Received a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

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Received a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

On Sept. 20, 2018, Underwood received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She is the proud owner of star No. 2,646. Those who were a part of her unveiling ceremony included American Idol judge Simon Cowell and fellow country singer Brad Paisley. Her husband Mike Fisher and son Isaiah were in attendance to celebrate the big moment.

Wrote a Book, ‘Find Your Path’

Dey Street

Wrote a Book, ‘Find Your Path’

On March 3, 2020, Underwood became an author with her book Find Your Path: Honor Your Body, Fuel Your Soul, and Get Strong with the Fit52 Life. The book features sections about her life, healthy eating strategies and recipes, plus at-home workout plans from her trainer.

Launched Her Own Fitness App, Fit52

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Launched Her Own Fitness App, Fit52

In addition to her powerhouse vocals, Underwood is (almost) just as well-known for her killer legs. The singer is deeply passionate about fitness and launched her own Fitness App called Fit52. The name comes from a clever workout method Underwood has used for years that utilizes a deck of cards. Each suit is assigned a different exercise, with the card’s value dictating the number of repetitions. With 52 cards in a deck, you can see where the name comes from.

Developed a Green Thumb

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Developed a Green Thumb

Despite all the glitz and glamor on stage, Underwood is not afraid to get her hands dirty. The Oklahoman has developed quite the green thumb on her farm in Tennessee. It’s no surprise, given the fact that she was raised on a farm, but her crops are very impressive! She regularly shares photos of her harvests and experiments in the kitchen on social media.

Launched a Las Vegas Residency, ‘Reflection’

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Launched a Las Vegas Residency, ‘Reflection’

In Dec. 2021, Underwood launched her own Las Vegas residency, Reflection at Resorts World Las Vegas resort and casino. She was selected as the venue’s first in-house resident artist, and her show has been so popular she has renewed it several times. She now has dates extending through April 2025.

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