Carrie Underwood’s 30-Year-Old Throwback Photo Stuns Fans: Country Superstar Unrecognizable in Rare Childhood Pic—Internet Erupts as Singer Shares Adorable Blast from the Past, Sparks Frenzy Over Her Transformation and Hidden Talents—See the Viral Image That Has Everyone Talking About Her Surprising Roots and Early Fame

Carrie Underwood posted the sweetest photo of herself as a tiny toddler that she’s never shared before, and fans in the comments section are losing their cool.

The “Smoke Break” singer posted the picture on her Instagram before American Idol aired on Sunday (April 20). She appears to be roughly 2 or 3 years old, and she’s on a stage in front of a microphone, perhaps at church.

Sunday’s Idol episode was titled “Songs of Faith” in honor of Easter, and all of the judges sang Christian songs. Underwood’s pick was “How Great Thou Art.”

“God’s plan is to be trusted, something little Carrie learned over time,” the Grammy winner writes in the caption of her post. She also promoted the special performance she’d give on Idol that evening.

Fans are lighting up the comments section, commenting on how cute and tiny she was, as well as admiring her faith:

“God gave you a voice! Wow, it is truly amazing when you sing!”

“So cute! I think the only thing I could muster up to say to you when I met you was that I love your love for the Lord!”

“Omg is that a little tiny Carrie Underwood. AWWWEEE that’s Soooo fricken adorable!!”

Underwood has not been shy about her faith at all, since day one in the spotlight. Recently, the multiplatinum superstar even led services at a local church in Tennessee. She led the congregation in a beautiful rendition of Bethel Music’s “Goodness of God.”

The lyrics to that song are intensely religious: “Cause all my life You have been faithful / And all my life You have been so, so good / With every breath that I am able / Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God.”

Underwood is living out what she believes to be God’s plan for her since 1983: She was put here to entertain and raise a faithful family. The singer and her husband, Mike Fisher, are raising two sons near Nashville.

20 Things Carrie Underwood Has Done Since Winning ‘American Idol’

Carrie Underwood has been, well, busy since winning Season 4 of American Idol in 2005. Since the confetti fell, the country singer has released nine albums and embarked on seven tours. She’s also tried her hand at acting and launched a handful of businesses.

Over the years she’s become one of the biggest success stories to come out of the show, winning countless awards and amassing a staggering net worth of over $100 million.

Keep scrolling to see 20 things Underwood has done since her time on the reality singing competition.


Released Nine Studio Albums
Arista Nashville/Capitol Records Nashville

Released Nine Studio Albums

Since her American Idol win, Underwood has released nine albums. Her first project after the show was Some Hearts, which arrived in 2005, followed by Carnival Ride in 2007 and Play On in 2009. She then dropped Blown Away (2012), Storyteller (2015) and Cry Pretty (2018). In 2020 she deviated from country music with her Christmas album My Gift, then released a Gospel covers project, My Savior, the following year. Underwood’s most recent album Denim & Rhinestones came out in 2022.


Toured Seven Times
Mike Coppola, Getty Images

Toured Seven Times

After winning American Idol, the show’s alum went on her first tour, Carrie Underwood: Live in Concert in 2006, singing many songs from her debut album. She has toured in support of each of her country albums, totaling seven tours overall. Underwood did not hit the road for her My Gift and My Savior projects.


Made Her Saturday Night Live Debut
YouTube

Made Her ‘Saturday Night Live’ Debut

Like so many other country artists, Underwood has graced the iconic Saturday Night Live stage. Just two years after winning American Idol, the singer was the musical guest on the show on March 24, 2007. After being introduced by Peyton Manning, she performed her songs “Before He Cheats” and “Wasted.”


Won Eight Grammys … and Dozens of Other Awards
Jason Merritt, Getty Images

Won Eight Grammys … and Dozens of Other Awards

Underwood is easily one of the most decorated artists in country music. Her greatest accomplishments are the eight Grammy Awards she has won since her time on American Idol. In addition, she has won nine CMA Awards, 16 ACM Awards, 17 American Music Awards, 25 CMT Awards and 29 BMI Awards. She’s also racked up 12 Billboard Awards, 9 People’s Choice Awards, 2 GMA Dove Awards and 12 American Country Awards!


Hosted the CMA Awards 12 Times
Rick Diamond, Getty Images

Hosted the CMA Awards 12 Times

For 11 years in a row, Underwood hosted the annual CMA Awards with fellow country artist Brad Paisley. The pair were known for their zany antics and silly parody songs from 2008 through 2018. Underwood hosted the 2019 show, too, but with Dolly Parton and Reba McEntire, before retiring from the gig. Her 12 turns at host ties the record for most with Vince Gill, who’s also hosted 12 times.


Made Her Sesame Street Debut … as a Worm
YouTube

Made Her ‘Sesame Street’ Debut … as a Worm

Although she did not appear on Sesame Street in person, Underwood did offer up her beautiful vocals to a worm named Carrie Underworm. She sings a sweet song about how great it is to be a worm ahead of the worm’s biggest event of the year, the Squirmadega races.


Sang the National Anthem at Super Bowl XLIV
Anthony Lyons, Getty Images

Sang the National Anthem at Super Bowl XLIV

While several country artists have been selected to sing the National Anthem ahead of big sporting events, nothing compares to doing it for the Super Bowl. Underwood was selected to sing “The Star-Spangled Banner” before Super Bowl XLIV in 2010. Her performance won the approval of the fans at Miami’s Sun Life Stadium and across the nation. She has also sung our nation’s anthem at NHL games for the Nashville Predators and Chicago Blackhawks.


Been Inducted Into the Grand Ole Opry
Terry Wyatt, Getty Images

Been Inducted Into the Grand Ole Opry

Shortly after her American Idol victory, Underwood made her performance debut on the Grand Ole Opry stage. On March 15, 2008, Randy Travis had the honor of inviting her to become a member of the Opry. She was inducted on May 10 of that year, in a celebration hosted by Garth Brooks.


Married NHL Player Mike Fisher
Mike Coppola, Getty Images

Married NHL Player Mike Fisher

Underwood tied the knot with NHL player Mike Fisher on July 10, 2010. The pair met through mutual friends who arranged for them to get together at one of her concerts in 2008. Just over a year later, the two were engaged. In 2024, Underwood and Fisher live with their two sons on a farm just outside of Nashville.


Played Tiffany on How I Met Your Mother
CBS Broadcasting

Played Tiffany on ‘How I Met Your Mother’

In March 2010, Underwood made an appearance on the popular show How I Met Your Mother in an episode titled “Hooked.” Her character Tiffany, a medical sales rep, develops a relationship with the main character, Ted. It was her first acting role and it resulted in the show’s second-highest rated episode for Season 5.


Played Sarah Hill in Soul Surfer
Film District/TriStar/Sony

Played Sarah Hill in ‘Soul Surfer’

Underwood made her big screen debut in April 2011 in the movie Soul Surfer. The movie follows the true story of surfer Bethany Hamilton as she overcomes obstacles to return to the water after a shark attack took her arm. The singer plays Sarah Hill, who was Hamilton’s church youth leader at the time.


Played Maria von Trapp in The Sound of Music Live!
NBC Universal

Played Maria von Trapp in ‘The Sound of Music Live!’

In Dec. 2013, Underwood took on the role of Maria von Trapp in NBC’s The Sound of Music Live! The musical was performed live on television during a three-hour telecast, with Underwood in the leading role.


Sang the Sunday Night Football Opening Theme Song
Danny Ventrella/NBC

Sang the ‘Sunday Night Football’ Opening Theme Song

After taking over for Faith Hill, Underwood has been the face of Sunday Night Football since 2013. She has sung a handful of different theme songs for NBC’s night of programming. In addition to the well-known “Waiting All Day for Sunday Night” – a riff on Joan Jett’s “I Hate Myself for Loving You” – Underwood turned her duet with Miranda Lambert, “Something Bad,” into an NFL-friendly “Oh Sunday Night.” She also crafted an original song in 2018 called “Game On.”


Became a Mom to Sons Isaiah and Jacob
Instagram/X

Became a Mom to Sons Isaiah and Jacob

Underwood and her husband Mike share two children. Their first son, Isaiah, was born on Feb. 27, 2015, and their second boy Jacob arrived on Jan. 21, 2019. The syat suffered three miscarriages in between their births. Those heartbreaking experiences are what inspired her song “Cry Pretty.”


Launched Her Own Clothing Line, Calia
Instagram

Launched Her Own Clothing Line, Calia

As a fitness enthusiast, it’s no surprise that the country singer launched her own athletics clothing line, Calia. In a partnership with Dick’s Sporting Goods, Underwood created a line of women’s workout and leisure attire. Although the brand still exists, Underwood left Calia in 2021, with the fall line that year being her final drop.


Received a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
David Livingston, Getty Images

Received a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

On Sept. 20, 2018, Underwood received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She is the proud owner of star No. 2,646. Those who were a part of her unveiling ceremony included American Idol judge Simon Cowell and fellow country singer Brad Paisley. Her husband Mike Fisher and son Isaiah were in attendance to celebrate the big moment.


Wrote a Book, Find Your Path
Dey Street

Wrote a Book, ‘Find Your Path’

On March 3, 2020, Underwood became an author with her book Find Your Path: Honor Your Body, Fuel Your Soul, and Get Strong with the Fit52 Life. The book features sections about her life, healthy eating strategies and recipes, plus at-home workout plans from her trainer.


Launched Her Own Fitness App, Fit52
Instagram

Launched Her Own Fitness App, Fit52

In addition to her powerhouse vocals, Underwood is (almost) just as well-known for her killer legs. The singer is deeply passionate about fitness and launched her own Fitness App called Fit52. The name comes from a clever workout method Underwood has used for years that utilizes a deck of cards. Each suit is assigned a different exercise, with the card’s value dictating the number of repetitions. With 52 cards in a deck, you can see where the name comes from.


Developed a Green Thumb
Instagram

Developed a Green Thumb

Despite all the glitz and glamor on stage, Underwood is not afraid to get her hands dirty. The Oklahoman has developed quite the green thumb on her farm in Tennessee. It’s no surprise, given the fact that she was raised on a farm, but her crops are very impressive! She regularly shares photos of her harvests and experiments in the kitchen on social media.


Launched a Las Vegas Residency, Reflection
Terry Wyatt, Getty Images

Launched a Las Vegas Residency, ‘Reflection’

In Dec. 2021, Underwood launched her own Las Vegas residency, Reflection at Resorts World Las Vegas resort and casino. She was selected as the venue’s first in-house resident artist, and her show has been so popular she has renewed it several times. She now has dates extending through April 2025.

A Look Back at Carrie Underwood on ‘American Idol’

Carrie Underwood had a truly unforgettable run on American Idol, and though she’s moved on to become one of country music’s biggest superstars, she’s never forgotten her roots on the show.

Flip through the gallery below to see Underwood’s history on Idol, from her journey to being the Season 4 champion in 2005 to all the times she’s returned to the show.

Gallery Credit: Carena Liptak

March 2005: Carrie Underwood Makes the Top 12 on American Idol
Kevin Winter, Getty Images

March 2005: Carrie Underwood Makes the Top 12 on ‘American Idol’


March 2005: Carrie Underwood Poses With the Rest of the Top 12 Finalists on American Idol
Kevin Winter, Getty Images

March 2005: Carrie Underwood Poses With the Rest of the Top 12 Finalists on ‘American Idol’


March 2005: Carrie Underwood Poses With Fellow American Idol Contestant Mikalah Gordon
Kevin Winter, Getty Images

March 2005: Carrie Underwood Poses With Fellow ‘American Idol’ Contestant Mikalah Gordon


May 2005: Carrie Underwood Sings on the Final Performance Episode of American Idol
Kevin Winter, Getty Images

May 2005: Carrie Underwood Sings on the Final Performance Episode of ‘American Idol’


May 2005: Carrie Underwood on the Final Performance Episode of American Idol
Kevin Winter, Getty Images

May 2005: Carrie Underwood on the Final Performance Episode of ‘American Idol’


May 2005: Carrie Underwood Sings on the Final Performance Episode of American Idol
Kevin Winter, Getty Images

May 2005: Carrie Underwood Sings on the Final Performance Episode of ‘American Idol’


May 2005: Carrie Underwood Performs on American Idol
Kevin Winter, Getty Images

May 2005: Carrie Underwood Performs on ‘American Idol’


MAy 2005: Underwood and Idol Runner-Up Bo Bice Perform During the Finale Episode
Kevin Winter, Getty Images

MAy 2005: Underwood and ‘Idol’ Runner-Up Bo Bice Perform During the Finale Episode


May 2005: Carrie Underwood Performs on American Idol During the Final Performance Episode
Kevin Winter, Getty Images

May 2005: Carrie Underwood Performs on ‘American Idol’ During the Final Performance Episode


May 2005: Carrie Underwood Performs on American Idol
Kevin Winter, Getty Images

May 2005: Carrie Underwood Performs on ‘American Idol’


May 2005: Carrie Underwood Performs on American Idol
Kevin Winter, Getty Images

May 2005: Carrie Underwood Performs on ‘American Idol’


May 2005: Bo Bice, Carrie Underwood and Ryan Seacrest During the Finale Episode of American Idol
Kevin Winter, Getty Images

May 2005: Bo Bice, Carrie Underwood and Ryan Seacrest During the Finale Episode of ‘American Idol’


May 2005: Ryan Seacrest and Carrie Underwood on American Idol
Kevin Winter, Getty Images

May 2005: Ryan Seacrest and Carrie Underwood on ‘American Idol’


May 2005: Carrie Underwood and Ryan Seacrest on American Idol
Kevin Winter, Getty Images

May 2005: Carrie Underwood and Ryan Seacrest on ‘American Idol’


May 2005: Finalists Carrie Underwood and Bo Bice on American Idol
Kevin Winter, Getty Images

May 2005: Finalists Carrie Underwood and Bo Bice on ‘American Idol’

LOS ANGELES – MAY 24: Finalists Bo Bice (L) and Carrie Underwood appear onstage with host Ryan Seacrest at the “American Idol” final performance show at the Kodak


May 2005: Carrie Underwood Hugs Bo Bice Before Finding Out Who Wins American Idol
Kevin Winter, Getty Images

May 2005: Carrie Underwood Hugs Bo Bice Before Finding Out Who Wins ‘American Idol’


May 2005: Bo Bice, Carrie Underwood and Ryan Seacrest During the Finale Episode of American Idol
Kevin Winter, Getty Images

May 2005: Bo Bice, Carrie Underwood and Ryan Seacrest During the Finale Episode of ‘American Idol’


May 2005: Carrie Underwood Named the Winner of American Idol
Kevin Winter, Getty Images

May 2005: Carrie Underwood Named the Winner of ‘American Idol’


May 2005: Carrie Underwood Named the Winner of American Idol
Kevin Winter, Getty Images

May 2005: Carrie Underwood Named the Winner of ‘American Idol’


MAy 2005: Carrie Underwood Named the Winner of American Idol
Kevin Winter, Getty Images

MAy 2005: Carrie Underwood Named the Winner of ‘American Idol’


May 2005: Carrie Underwood Hugs Her Mom After Winning American Idol
Getty Images

May 2005: Carrie Underwood Hugs Her Mom After Winning ‘American Idol


May 2005: Carrie Underwood is Named the Winner of American Idol
Kevin Winter, Getty Images

May 2005: Carrie Underwood is Named the Winner of ‘American Idol’


May 2005: Carrie Underwood is Named the Winner of American Idol
Kevin Winter, Getty Images

May 2005: Carrie Underwood is Named the Winner of ‘American Idol’


May 2005: Carrie Underwood Performs After Winning American Idol
Kevin Winter, Getty Images

May 2005: Carrie Underwood Performs After Winning ‘American Idol’


May 2005: Carrie Underwood is Named the Winner of American Idol
Frederick M. Brown, Getty Images

May 2005: Carrie Underwood is Named the Winner of ‘American Idol


2008: Carrie Underwood Participates in Idol Gives Back
Kevin Winter, Getty Images

2008: Carrie Underwood Participates in ‘Idol Gives Back’


2009: Carrie Underwood Attends the American Idol Season Finale
Jason Merritt, Getty Images

2009: Carrie Underwood Attends the ‘American Idol’ Season Finale


2011: Carrie Underwood Attends the American Idol Season Finale
Frazer Harrison, Getty Images

2011: Carrie Underwood Attends the ‘American Idol’ Season Finale


2012: Carrie Underwood + Mike Fisher Attend the American Idol Season Finale
Alberto E. Rodriguez, Getty Images

2012: Carrie Underwood + Mike Fisher Attend the ‘American Idol’ Season Finale


2012: Carrie Underwood Attends the American Idol Season Finale
Alberto E. Rodriguez, Getty Images

2012: Carrie Underwood Attends the ‘American Idol’ Season Finale


2012: Carrie Underwood + Mike Fisher Attend the American Idol Season Finale
Albeto E. Rodriguez, Getty Images

2012: Carrie Underwood + Mike Fisher Attend the ‘American Idol’ Season Finale


2016: Carrie Underwood Attends FOXs American Idol Farewell Season Finale
Alberto E. Rodriguez, Getty Images

2016: Carrie Underwood Attends FOX’s ‘American Idol’ Farewell Season Finale


2016: Carrie Underwood Performs with Keith Urban During the Finale Episode of American Idol
Kevork Djansezian, Getty Images

2016: Carrie Underwood Performs with Keith Urban During the Finale Episode of ‘American Idol’


2024: Carrie Underwood Signs on as an American Idol Judge
Joy Malone, Getty Images

2024: Carrie Underwood Signs on as an ‘American Idol’ Judge

On Aug. 1, 2024, Carrie Underwood officially announced that she’ll be joining the lineup of ‘American Idol’ coaches in 2025, replacing Katy Perry.