Carrie Underwood

Carrie Underwood is continuing proof that 'American Idol' can in fact produce real stars. Now a true country music sensation with over four million copies of her debut album sold, Underwood has the talent and drive to match her 'Idol' trophy chest. Just this year, Underwood has picked a slew of awards, including major honors at the American Music Awards, Billboard Awards, and the Country Music Awards - unprecedented achievements for a platforming artist.

The lovely blonde country crooner was born in Muskogee, Oklahoma on March 10, 1983. Her parents, retired industrial worker Stephen Underwood and school teacher Carole Underwood, raised Carrie and her two older sisters on their farm in rural Checotah, Oklahoma. Carrie began singing as a child in her church choir (she is a dedicated Baptist), and at local events in the town. In 1993 she briefly had a regional manager, who made an unsuccessful attempt at landing her a recording contract with Capitol Records. Underwood, meanwhile, was busy with high school, and graduated from Checotah High in 2001 as the school's salutatorian. She went on to graduate from Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma with a journalism degree in 2006, a full year after winning the 'Idol' title.

After landing a semi-final spot on the fourth season of 'American Idol' in 2005, Underwood was a clear favorite from the start. Unlike many contestants who improve markedly over the course of the competition, Underwood was stunning from start to end, and finished first in voting almost every week. Though her runner-up Bo Bice was a formidable competitor, Underwood's win was entirely predictable as she was clearly the favorite of the fans and the judges (Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, and Randy Jackson). Her first post-'Idol' single, 'Inside Your Heaven,' debuted at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, which has been the norm for the immediate post-competition winner's single.

Underwood released her debut album 'Some Hearts' in November of 2005 to a massive debut, and the album is still going strong with well over 4 million copies sold. As of Christmas 2006, the album is back in the top 10 after an astonishing 58 weeks of release. The album has also been a sensation on the country charts, producing two #1 hits - one of which, 'Jesus, Take the Wheel,' tied Faith Hill's record of six weeks atop the Country Singles chart for a female solo artist. Underwood's 2006 tour was one of the most successful of the year, and she has finished the year with a smattering of USO performances for the troops in Iraq. With a sophomore album due in 2007 and her first still going strong, it is all but guaranteed that Underwood will achieve the same success as her idols Martina McBride and Faith Hill. Next to Kelly Clarkson, she is easily the most successful 'Idol' victor.