7 Things You Didn’t Know About Carrie Underwood

Carrie Underwood took the nation by storm after she won the fourth season of American Idol in 2005. She has since become one the most successful artist in any music genre. Her fierce vocals and catchy tunes have allowed her to win numerous music awards, including seven Grammy Awards, 17 Billboard Music Awards, 11 Academy of Country Music Awards and nine American Music Awards. Some of her most popular songs include Jesus, Take the Wheel, Blown Away, Before He Cheats and Something in the Water.

However, most people already know about Carrie’s amazing accomplishments. But who exactly is this country star? Did you know she is the highest paid American Idol contestant? How about that she played softball for 8 years? Did you know she’s a huge Star Trek: The Next Generation fan?

Check out the seven things you probably didn’t know about Carrie Underwood.

She is the Youngest Inductee into the Grand Ole Opry

Carrie Underwood is the youngest inductee into the Grand Ole Opry. She was asked to join as an official member in March 2008, when she was only 26 years of age.

Carrie first made her debut at the Grand Ole Opry in June 2005, just two weeks after winning American Idol. She was nervous and shy about her performance, but it proved to be a remarkable show. Carrie went on to establish her music career, which the Grand Ole Opry took notice of quickly.

When asked how she felt about being inducted, she stated “It means a lot to me because it’s the heart of country music, the church, the sacred place, the super-elite club that says you love this music.”

She’s a “Practical Vegan”

When Carrie was 13, she stopped eating meat after seeing her parents castrate calves when she was a young kid. Over the past several years, Carrie decided to take this a step further and switched to the vegan lifestyle.

However, don’t think she’s uptight about her food selection. Carrie calls herself a practical vegan, meaning she won’t start sending back a plate of food if there is a sprinkling of cheese on it. She tends to stick to her vegan diet while she is at home, mainly due to her lactose-intolerance. When out and about on tour, she adjusts when necessary.

In 2005, she was voted the “World’s Sexiest Vegetarian” by activist organization PETA. It wasn’t a surprise to many of her fans, either, as Carrie works hard to keep up her healthy and active lifestyle.

Oklahoma Residents Love Her

Carrie Underwood was born and raised in Checotach, Oklahoma, so it makes sense that she is loved by the residents of the state. So much so, she’s been given her own day. Oklahoma dedicated May 25th as Carrie Underwood Day. Carrie was also awarded the 2005 Oklahomean of the Year due to her amazing talent coupled with southern values. She was then inducted into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame in 2009.

Carrie also has her heart in Oklahoma. Carrie partnered with the Academy of Country Music to create the “Checotah Animal, Town and School Foundation” which gave students of her hometown over $120,000 in new instruments for their music programs in 2009. During the 2011 holiday season, her foundation donated $350,000 to the Checotah schools. It’s no wonder she is adored by the community!