It’s no surprise that it took Carrie Underwood less than 8 years to become a country music legend. With a powerful chest voice, stunning vibrato, and knack for writing tunes that are both moving and catchy, Underwood’s talents combine to make her one of today’s most popular vocal and songwriting powerhouses. Her most recent album, “Blown Away,” was released in May 2012 with the help of legendary producer Mark Bright. “Blown Away” was a smash commercial and critical success, debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and garnering her the 2012 American Music Award for Country Album, as well as nominations for a People’s Choice Award, Billboard Music Award, and Country Music Association Award. The album’s first single, “Good Girl,” peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Country chart and No. 18 on the Billboard Hot 100. In May 2012, Underwood took to the road with her “Blown Away” Tour, traveling the U.S., Europe and Australia with her new songs. The tour earned around $30 million and sold over 486,504 tickets. Despite the album’s undeniable success, it was long before “Blown Away” that Underwood cemented herself as a force in country music. She caught national attention in 2005, when she won the fourth season of “American Idol,” after which she put out her first album, “Some Hearts,” which remained on the Billboard’s Top 200 for over two years and sold over seven million copies. Since then, Underwood has continued to climb to heights of unprecedented success selling more than 15 million albums, racking up 16 No. 1 singles, and winning five Grammy Awards. It’s true that a reality television show is what introduced Carrie Underwood to stardom but it’s undeniable that her own writing talent, vocal ability, and undeniable star quality is what has kept her there.
