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Carrie Marie Underwood was born on March 10, 1983, in Checotah, Oklahoma. The daughter of a paper mill worker and an elementary school teacher, she grew up on a cattle farm with her two older sisters, Shanna and Stephanie. Carrie began singing in her church choir when she was only three years old. When she was 13, she made her first studio recording, and performed in festivals in a number of states while trying to get a singing career off the ground. In spite of her passion for music, Carrie maintained a well-balanced life growing up. A big sports fan, she played softball for eight years. She was an honor student at Checotah High School, and a member of the National Honor Society. One summer, she served as a page for Oklahoma State Representative Bobby Frame. In 2001, Carrie graduated from Checotah as salutatorian. 

carrie underwood on american idol

After high school, Carrie went on to Northeastern State University, where she majored in mass communications. She joined Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority and competed in beauty pageants throughout college, winning the title of Miss NSU runner-up in 2004. Not long afterward, Carrie decided to travel to St. Louis to audition for the 2005

competition. From the beginning, Carrie's country-infused style was popular with both the judges and the audience, and she was one of only three finalists in the show's history (alongside Kelly Clarkson and Clay Aiken) to never finish in the "bottom three."

After Carrie's performance of "Heart's Alone" in March 2005, notoriously acerbic judge Simon Cowell had nothing but praise for her: "You're not just the girl to beat, you're the person to beat. I will make a prediction: Not only will you win this competition, but you will sell more records than any other previous

winner!" Sure enough, on May 25th, Carrie was named the new "American Idol," beating out Southern rocker Bo Bice.  

carrie underwood releases inside your heaven

As part of her

win, Carrie signed a recording contract with Arista Records. In June 2005, she released a single, "Inside Your Heaven," which debuted at the top spot on the

Hot 100. She was the first country artist to ever debut at No. 1 on that chart, although "Inside Your Heaven," a rather schmaltzy

anthem, isn't a strictly country song.

More promising was the B-side, a cover of Martina McBride's "Independence Day." Life for Carrie Underwood didn't have the chance to settle down after her

win. All the publicity and work on an upcoming album (planned for a November 2005 release) didn't even leave her much opportunity to celebrate. She became a spokesperson for Hershey's chocolate and Sketchers shoes, adopting a hectic schedule that sent her rushing back and forth between New York, Los Angeles and Nashville -- and just about everywhere in between. 

carrie underwood at the american music awards

Not only did Carrie Underwood win Favorite Female Artist in country at the 2007 American Music Awards, but her album

also won for Favorite Album in country. She released her second album that year as well called

.

carrie underwood is named no. 23 in 2008 top 99

After singing on the soundtrack for the flick

Carrie Underwood worked on tour dates with Keith Urban. She ranked No. 66 on AskMen.com's Most Desirable Women of 2007 list and No. 23 in 2008 as well.

In October 2008, Carrie Underwood was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry.

She released an album in 2009, entitled

. To date it has sold over 1 million copies and is nominated for two Grammys.