Carrie Underwood has won over millions as one of the most successful American Idol winners in history. From her childhood in Oklahoma to her life as a global country music superstar, there are many fascinating tidbits about her life that even her biggest fans may not know. Here’s a closer look at some surprising and amusing facts about the “Before He Cheats” singer.
#1. She Earned College Credit for American Idol
Carrie’s American Idol journey contributed to her Mass Communications degree from Northeastern State University in Oklahoma. “I’ve obviously done enough with television,” she joked to People, adding that the experience served as her “internship.” Before her Idol success, she planned to pursue a career in TV journalism.
#2. She Was a Sorority Girl
While attending Northeastern State University, Carrie was a member of the Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority. She maintained her connection with her sisters even after fame, returning to college to graduate magna cum laude with a degree in Mass Communications and a focus on Broadcast Journalism.
#3. She’s Had a Text Breakup — and It’s Totally Fine
In the late 2000s, Carrie dated Gossip Girl star Chace Crawford, and they ended their relationship via text. Carrie later told Extra, “It just didn’t work,” while Crawford’s sister revealed he took the breakup hard.
#4. Rumored Romances
Before marrying Mike Fisher, Carrie was linked to several celebrities, including Bachelor star Travis Stork and NFL quarterback Tony Romo. Her brief association with Romo ended before his highly publicized relationship with Jessica Simpson.
#5. She Loves Horror Movies
Carrie is a big fan of horror films, skipping romantic comedies in favor of scary stories. She cited Halloween and Nightmare on Elm Street as her favorites and revealed that her “Two Black Cadillacs” music video was inspired by Stephen King’s Christine.
#6. Before American Idol, She’d Never Been on an Airplane
Growing up in small-town Oklahoma, Carrie had never flown before auditioning for American Idol in 2004. Her trip to Los Angeles for the Hollywood rounds was her first airplane ride. Today, she can likely afford her own private jet!
#7. She’s the Swarovski Sheep of the Family
Carrie described herself as the “black-crystal sheep” of her family during an interview with Marie Claire. While her upbringing was humble, including outfits sewn by her mom from Walmart fabric, Carrie now graces red carpets wearing $30 million diamond necklaces.
#8. That Time She Snuck Out of the House
As a teenager, Carrie once snuck out to feed stray dogs, stealing hot dogs and lunch meat from the fridge to help them. Even when breaking the rules, Carrie’s compassion shone through.
#9. Her Bed Is Always Made
Carrie has admitted to being a bit obsessive about tidiness. “I can’t function during the day if I know my bed is not made,” she told Country Weekly. Her organized habits also extend to her refrigerator, where everything is arranged in perfect rows with labels facing forward.
#10. She Sings Her Own Songs in Public Without Realizing It
Carrie confessed that she often gets her own songs stuck in her head. “I’ll whistle or I’ll sing, and I don’t even realize that sound is being produced from myself,” she told Taste of Country. Once she realizes, she’s “horribly embarrassed.”
#11. She Has a Classic “Cleaning This Gun” Story
On Carrie’s first date at age 16, her father decided to clean his shotguns, giving the boy a clear message. While her mom intervened, that young suitor never returned.
#12. Her Lavish Wedding Cost $500,000
When Carrie married Mike Fisher, their Southern-inspired wedding reportedly cost nearly half a million dollars. According to Southern Living, it was an extravagant affair with no detail overlooked.
#13. She Once Had a Third Nipple
During the early days of American Idol, Carrie revealed a surprising fact: she once had an extra nipple. “It just looked like a mole,” she said. Though it’s a quirky piece of trivia, Carrie’s humility likely means it doesn’t bother her that fans remember this unique tidbit.
