Carrie Underwood, the breakout star from American Idol, has secured a judging position for the upcoming season, marking a remarkable journey since her victory on the beloved talent show. She has risen to become one of the top-selling music artists in history, earning three Grammy Awards along the way.
With an impressive net worth estimated at $120 million, Underwood has certainly made a significant impact in the music industry. Reports indicate that she will earn $10 million per season in her new role on American Idol.
However, in a candid 2023 interview with Howard Stern, Underwood addressed rumors about receiving a staggering $1 million per week for singing the theme song for NBC’s Sunday Night Football. She clarified that her involvement with the theme song is more about passion than profit.
“It’s pretty pro-bono. I wish I got that, that’d be great,” she chuckled during the conversation with Stern.
Staying true to her country roots, Underwood emphasized that performing the Sunday Night Football theme is a privilege, asserting that her substantial net worth is derived from her flourishing music career and various business ventures, not from football.
The American Idol alum also made headlines for her performance at Trump’s MAGA inauguration, which drew significant backlash from parts of her fanbase.
Fans noted her “evolving appearance” at the political event, with many commenting on how she seemed “completely transformed.”
Back in 2007, NBC revealed that once contestants reached the Top 12 on American Idol, they began earning money, with finalists making $921 for each hour they appeared on the show.
As the winner of American Idol, Carrie Underwood received a recording contract with Hollywood Records, a label owned by Disney. She was given an initial advance of $125,000 to kick off her debut album, with another $125,000 upon its completion, providing her with a solid foundation as she entered the music scene.
After almost twenty years in the music industry, Underwood has become a pro at diversifying her career. The artist known for ‘Before She Cheats’ has broadened her income streams beyond just record sales, concerts, and tours, venturing into acting roles and launching a clothing line.
At the same time, she has wisely invested her earnings into creating a sprawling 400-acre farm home for her family in Tennessee, all while keeping her music career thriving.
