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Carrie Underwood is Officially the Highest RIAA-Certified Female Country Artist

Bow down to country royalty! Carrie Underwood has officially lassoed a record-breaking title: she’s now the highest RIAA-certified female country artist of all time, meaning nobody in country music’s ladies’ lineup has…

Carrie Underwood performs at the 56th Annual GMA Dove Awards at Bridgestone Arena
Photo by Carly Mackler/Getty Images

Bow down to country royalty! Carrie Underwood has officially lassoed a record-breaking title: she’s now the highest RIAA-certified female country artist of all time, meaning nobody in country music’s ladies’ lineup has sold more certified records than the Oklahoma powerhouse herself (a whopping 95 million units). That’s right, the same woman who once humbly auditioned for American Idol is now sitting in her laurels.   

Carrie Underwood: 'I Owe Everything to the Fans'  

Underwood’s musical résumé already includes Grammys, CMT, ACM, and CMA awards, among others. But this new RIAA milestone puts her in a league of her own. In a statement she shared via RIAA’s website, Underwood said, “Accomplishments like this are more than I would have ever dared to dream of when I was starting out. I owe everything to the fans, who have literally voted for me from the beginning of my career and have showed up and given me so much love for over 20 years. I feel truly blessed.”  

Underwood was presented with a plaque to commemorate the milestone after her Grand Ole Opry performance last week. Mike Harris, President & CEO of MCA, said, “This monumental achievement solidifies Carrie Underwood’s legacy as a generational talent and a true titan of the music industry. Becoming the highest RIAA-certified female country artist of all time is a testament to the unparalleled connection Carrie shares with fans and the enduring power of her artistry.”  

RIAA Certifications 

Here are some of Underwood’s notable and major RIAA certificationsfrom her biggest albums to smash singles.  

Major album certifications 

  • Debut album Some Hearts – 9x Platinum 
  • Carnival Ride – 4x Platinum 
  • Play On – 3x Platinum 
  • Blown Away – 3x Platinum 
  • Storyteller – Platinum 
  • Cry Pretty – Platinum 
  • My Gift - Gold 

Hit Single Certifications 

  • “Before He Cheats – 11x Platinum 
  • “Blown Away” - 5x Platinum 
  • “Cowboy Casanova” - 4x Platinum 
  • “All-American Girl” - 3x Platinum 
  • “Church Bells” - 3x Platinum 
  • “Something in the Water” - 2x Platinum 
  • “The Champion” (feat. Ludacris) - Double Platinum 
  • “I’m Gonna Love You” with Cody Johnson – Platinum 
  • “Favorite Time of the Year” - Gold 

Underwood’s last album, Denim & Rhinestones, was released on June 10, 2022. She might not have released new music yet, but fans can still catch her as a judge on the upcoming season of American Idol, where it all started.