Following her American Idol win in 2005, Carrie Underwood made a powerful debut with her first album, Some Hearts. The album topped the charts and produced a total of three number one hits on the country charts, including “Before He Cheats” and “Jesus Take The Wheel.”
In the years since, Underwood has released a total of four more albums, all of which have topped both the country and overall album charts. These albums have hosted some of Underwood’s most memorable songs, such as “So Small” and “Something in the Water.”
Each one of Underwood’s past albums have been released through the label Arista Nashville, which is part of Sony Music Nashville. But after calling the label home for 12 years, Underwood has made a huge change.
As announced on Tuesday (March 28), Underwood has signed a new recording agreement with Capitol Records Nashville, which is part of Universal Music Group Nashville. With the release of her 2015 album Storyteller, Underwood completed her contractual obligations with Artista Nashville and was free to sign with a new label.
Underwood expressed how happy she is about the change, saying that she is “excited about the future” she has with Capitol Records Nashville:
“The incredible team at UMG shares the heart and passion I have for music as well as the drive, and their innovative spirit has shown that together the possibilities are endless. I also want to be sure to thank every single person who has played a part in my recording career so far. I will be forever grateful to them for all we achieved together.“
The president of Universal Music Group Nashville, Cindy Mabe, actually worked with Underwood at her previous label when she released Some Hearts. Now, Mabe said she is looking forward to having the chance to work with Underwood again.
“When I decided to take my position…personally one of the hardest people for me to leave behind was Carrie Underwood. I am so proud and humbled that she has chosen to sign with Universal Music Group Nashville and that we will once again join forces as she writes the next chapter of her soaring career as a global superstar of enormous integrity and talent.”
Underwood will find herself in good company at her new label. Other artists signed under the Universal Music Group Nashville umbrella include Vince Gill, George Strait, and Chris Stapleton.
While walking the red carpet at the Grammy Awards, Underwood revealed her intentions to take “a little break” from music for the time being. But with this latest announcement, it looks like she has taken her first step toward preparing a new album.
We wish Underwood the best as she embarks on this new phase of her career!