For someone who's not quite 30 years old, Carrie Underwood has garnered so many trophies and awards that Billboard named her Country Music's reigning queen in 2012. Carrie Marie Underwood was born on March 10, 1983 in Muskogee and grew up in Checotah, both in the US state of Oklahoma. She started singing as a young girl in talent shows, at her church and in local events. A dedicated student, Underwood was a cheerleader, played basketball and softball, became a member of the Honor Society and graduated from high school as salutatorian.

Underwood then decided against a singing career and went to Northeastern State University where she graduated magna cum laude. She managed this while waiting on tables, working at a zoo and a veterinary clinic, serving as a page for a state representative, competing in beauty pageants and performing at the university's Downtown Country Show.

Fortunately for music fans everywhere, Underwood found her way back to singing by auditioning for and winning the fourth season of American Idol. With it came a $1 million recording contract and the start of one of the most spectacular careers for a country singer and songwriter. Her array of awards includes chart-topping albums that have been certified platinum over and over, female vocalist trophies from the Country Music Association and Academy of Country Music, several Grammy Awards, American Music Awards, Billboard Music Awards and a nomination for a Golden Globe Award.

Oklahoma Today named Underwood Oklahoman of the Year in 2005. In 2008, Underwood became a member of the Grand Ole Opry and was, in the Next year, inducted into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame. To add spice to this string of awards, Underwood was named the Sexiest Female Musician in 2007 by Victoria's Secret and the World's Sexiest Vegetarian by PETA. In 2009, she ranked No. 60 on Maxims Hot 100 list.

Underwood's interests range far afield of music and singing. A staunch animal lover, she is a supporter of the Humane Society of the United States, giving her time to public service announcements and even saving an injured dog on the highway in a much-publicized rescue attempt. She has performed in support of cancer research, joining other female artists in a fund raiser that resulted in a $73.6 million award for cancer research. In 2009, Underwood formed the Checotah Animal Town and School Foundation (C.A.T.S.) to help her hometown.

Another of Underwood's interests is sports, which she sometimes combines with her charity work. She has participated in the City of Hope Celebrity Softball tournament which benefits research for life-threatening diseases. She has sung the Star-Spangled Banner at championship games of the NBA, the NFC, NASCAR, MLB, the World Series and Superbowl XLIV.

A practicing Christian, Underwood supports same-sex marriage. She sums up her point of view by saying, “We're all different. That's what makes us special. We have to love each and get on with each other”. Definitely words fit for an American Idol and a queen.