Carrie Underwood Becomes the Highest RIAA-Certified Female Country Artist of All Time

On Friday, October 24th, country music superstar Carrie Underwood took the stage at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville — a place she’s long called home. As one of the Opry’s most beloved members, Carrie often steps into that legendary circle to perform. But this night was different. This night marked a career-defining moment that will go down in country music history.

A Monumental Milestone

Following her powerful set, Carrie was surprised by executives from MCA Records and the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). They presented her with a plaque commemorating her newest milestone — officially becoming the highest RIAA-certified female country artist of all time.

That means Carrie Underwood has now sold more units than any other woman in country music history, a stunning achievement for an artist who began her journey two decades ago on American Idol.

“Accomplishments like this are more than I would have ever dared to dream of when I was starting out,” Carrie said with emotion after receiving the honor.

Two Decades of Unstoppable Success

Carrie’s story began in 2005, when she won the fourth season of American Idol. Since then, she’s built one of the most successful careers in country and crossover music history.

She’s now sold a staggering 95 million units in the U.S. alone — including 22.5 million albums and 72.5 million singles.

“I owe everything to the fans,” Carrie shared. “They literally voted for me from the beginning and have shown up with so much love for over 20 years. I feel truly blessed.”

Industry Leaders React

Mike Harris, President & CEO of MCA, praised Carrie’s achievement, calling her a “generational talent.”

“This monumental achievement solidifies Carrie Underwood’s legacy as a true titan of the music industry,” Harris said. “Becoming the highest RIAA-certified female country artist of all time is proof of her deep connection with fans and the enduring power of her artistry.”

 Carrie Underwood’s Top RIAA Certifications

Over the years, Carrie’s discography has earned her an impressive list of RIAA certifications — many of them multi-platinum. Here are a few of her standout achievements:

• Album: Some Hearts – 💿 9x Platinum (9,000,000+ units)

• Single: “Before He Cheats” – 💿 11x Platinum (11,000,000+ units)

• Single: “Blown Away” – 💿 5x Platinum

• Single: “Cowboy Casanova” – 💿 4x Platinum

• Single: “All-American Girl” – 💿 3x Platinum

• Single: “Church Bells” – 💿 3x Platinum

• Collaboration: “I’m Gonna Love You” (with Cody Johnson) – 💿 Platinum

• Single: “Favorite Time Of Year” – 💿 Gold

Each certification is more than a number — it’s proof of Carrie’s lasting connection with fans, her powerhouse vocals, and her unmatched consistency across the years.

 A Career for the Record Books

From her Some Hearts debut to her Vegas residency and global tours, Carrie Underwood continues to raise the bar for female artists everywhere.

Her name now sits at the top of the RIAA charts — a title well-deserved for a performer who’s built her career on faith, grit, and authenticity.

As she told the crowd at the Opry:

“I’m just a girl from Checotah, Oklahoma, who got to live out her dream. Thank you for believing in me.”

Watch Carrie’s most iconic single, “Before He Cheats,” below — the 11x Platinum hit that helped make her country music’s most certified female artist of all time!