Carrie Underwood is an American singer, songwriter, and actress who rose to fame as the winner of the fourth season of American Idol in 2005. Her debut album, Some Hearts, became the fastest-selling debut country album in Nielsen SoundScan history. She has since become one of the most successful artists in any genre, selling over 85 million records worldwide. Underwood has won eight Grammy Awards, sixteen Academy of Country Music Awards, and twenty-five CMT Music Awards. She is the only artist to win the Academy of Country Music Entertainer of the Year award three times. Her music often blends country with pop and rock influences, earning her widespread critical acclaim. Beyond music, she has appeared in films such as Soul Surfer and television specials like The Sound of Music Live!. She is also a New York Times bestselling author, having released a fitness and lifestyle book titled Find Your Path. Underwood is known for her powerful vocal range and her philanthropic efforts, particularly through her C.A.T.S. Foundation. She was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in 2008 and the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame in 2009. She continues to be a dominant force in the country music industry, consistently touring and releasing chart-topping albums.