Who is Carrie Underwood‘s Friend?

Over her wildly successful 15+ year career, Carrie Underwood has forged close bonds with many of her fellow stars in the country music community. She is considered one of the genre‘s most beloved and respected artists. In this in-depth guide, we‘ll explore some of Underwood‘s most notable friendships and collaborations.

Kelly Clarkson

One of Carrie Underwood‘s closest celebrity friendships began on American Idol. Though Kelly Clarkson won Season 1 while Underwood won Season 4, the two powerhouse vocalists formed an instant connection as the first two Idol winners to achieve massive mainstream success.

Clarkson has credited Underwood with giving her advice on navigating the music industry after her Idol victory. Underwood looked up to Clarkson as a pioneer who paved the way for future contestants to be taken seriously as artists.

Some key moments in their enduring friendship:

• Performed duets of "Don‘t You Wanna Stay" at the 2011 CMA Awards and "See You Again" on the American Idol finale in 2018
• Underwood inducted Clarkson into the Hollywood Walk of Fame Class of 2019
• Frequent surprise appearances during each other‘s concerts over the years
• Public support and praise for one another‘s careers across social media and interviews

Both have transcended their American Idol beginnings to become pop culture icons, which Clarkson attributed to their authenticity during a 2021 appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show:

"I think why we connected was because we were both very honest about how we felt about everything and I wouldn‘t have made it if it weren‘t for you because you were the first winner and you are the epitome of what Idol was."

Miranda Lambert

Carrie Underwood met fellow country star Miranda Lambert backstage at a concert in 2005, soon after Lambert released her debut album Kerosene. Underwood was still an American Idol contestant at the time. They quickly bonded over their shared Southern roots and love of songwriting.

Lambert has called Underwood "one of my best allies in this business." Some collaborations and joint appearances over the years include:

• Teamed up for crossover hits "Somethin‘ Bad" and "Something in the Water"

• Lambert invited Underwood to perform at the 2010 CMA awards show to combat female rivalry rumors

• Underwood served as a bridesmaid in Lambert‘s 2011 wedding to Blake Shelton

• Lambert brought out Underwood as the surprise guest on her 2018 Bandwagon Tour

Despite busy schedules and very different lifestyles, their close friendship has endured. Underwood and Lambert‘s mutual support is heartwarming to see in an industry that often pits female stars against each other.

Kellie Pickler

Carrie Underwood and Kellie Pickler got acquainted as contestants during American Idol Season 5 in 2006. Pickler has said she looked up to Underwood as an established star by that point. Underwood saw a kindred spirit in Pickler as an ambitious up-and-comer.

Some details on their 13+ years of friendship:

• Pickler served as a bridesmaid in Underwood‘s 2010 wedding to Mike Fisher

• Close enough that their husbands (Pickler is married to songwriter Kyle Jacobs) double date and vacation together

• Underwood surprised the audience at Pickler‘s 2013 album release party in Nashville

• Pickler named her dog "Dolly" after Underwood‘s dog named "Dolly Parton"

• Both stars use their platforms to advocate for charitable causes close to their hearts

In 2021, Pickler told US Weekly "I feel like she‘s my soul sister" about her bond with Underwood. They seem to share a fun, genuine friendship that adds balance to their demanding careers.

Reba McEntire

Reba McEntire is considered a pioneer and "Queen of Country" for her decades of groundbreaking achievements in the genre. Not surprisingly, she has served as an inspirational mentor for Carrie Underwood.

Their friendship highlights the importance Underwood places on respecting those who paved the way in country music. Key details on their cross-generational bond:

• Underwood has called McEntire "one of the greatest influences on my life"

• Underwood recorded the album "Reba Duets" in 2007, singing McEntire‘s hits alongside the legend herself

• They have performed together numerous times over the years, including the 2010 CMA Awards and 2018 ACM Awards

• McEntire praised Underwood‘s vocal talents, saying "Nobody‘s got better pipes than her"

• Underwood inducted McEntire into the Hollywood Walk of Fame Class of 2022

McEntire has mentored many younger artists, but her bond with Underwood seems especially strong and mutually appreciative. Their friendship demonstrates Underwood‘s reverence for the stars who paved the way in country music.

Carrie Underwood has consistently been one of country music‘s top earners for over a decade. Here‘s a deep dive into the key sources fueling her massive career earnings:

Record Sales

• 65+ million records sold globally

• 25+ million digital songs downloaded in the US alone

• 8 studio albums, with 4 going triple platinum and 2 double platinum

• 15 #1 singles on the Billboard Country charts

• Reportedly earns 75 cents per album sold after recording costs

According to the RIAA, Underwood has the second most certified digital singles of any female country artist. Combined album and digital download sales have added tens of millions to her earnings.

Tours

• Headlined 8 major tours from 2006 to 2019

• Total box office gross over $175 million and over 5 million tickets sold

• The Storyteller Tour in 2016 grossed $52 million from 1 million tickets

• Cry Pretty Tour 360 grossed $71 million from 1.2 million tickets in 2019

Endorsements

• Reportedly earned $10 million from Skechers endorsement deal in 2018

• Partnerships with brands like Olay, Nintendo, Hershey‘s

• Her Calia sportswear line for Dick‘s Sporting Goods earns royalty checks

• Serves as lead vocalist for Sunday Night Football theme (salary over $1 million/season)

Underwood‘s business savvy leads to lucrative endorsement deals. She only partners selectively with brands she genuinely supports.

Other Ventures

• American Idol judging stint in 2019 reportedly earned $15 million

• $2 million annual salary hosting CMA Awards since 2008

• Launched fitness lifestyle book "Find Your Path" and app "Fit52" in 2020

• Owns luxury homes in Nashville and Ottawa worth over $20 million combined

Underwood‘s ventures beyond music, like authoring fitness books and hosting award shows, provide additional income streams.

According to Forbes, Underwood earned around $31 million in 2018. Combined with her husband Mike Fisher‘s NHL earnings, her assets are estimated between $45 and $85 million. She has earned it all through talent, business savvy, and perseverance.