Honestly, the biggest mistake people make is thinking Carrie Underwood ever actually left.
We see the headlines about her Las Vegas residency ending and assume she’s taking a breather. But if you’ve been paying attention to the news of Carrie Underwood lately, you know that "slowing down" isn't really in her vocabulary. It’s 2026, and the Checotah native is basically everywhere at once.
Just this morning, news broke that she's headlining the Wildlands festival in Big Sky, Montana, this coming August. It’s a massive conservation-driven event, and she’s sharing the bill with LeAnn Rimes and Riley Green.
But that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
Between her return to the American Idol judging panel and her recent historic certification as the highest RIAA-certified female country artist of all time, Carrie is currently operating at a level we haven't seen since the Blown Away era.
The American Idol Return: Why It’s Different This Year
The news of Carrie Underwood returning to American Idol for a second season as a judge has the internet buzzing, mostly because of how "full circle" it feels.
It’s been over 20 years since she won Season 4. Think about that.
The 2026 season—which officially kicks off Monday, January 26—is already looking a bit chaotic in the best way possible. ABC recently dropped a blooper reel featuring Carrie, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie that shows a much looser side of the superstar. We’re used to the "Perfect Carrie" who never hits a bad note. Seeing her crack up at Ryan Seacrest and former runner-up Clay Aiken (who popped up for some nostalgia) is a breath of fresh air.
What’s Changing on the Show?
- Hollywood Week is moving to Nashville. This is a huge shift. They're calling it the "Music City Takeover," and the rumors suggest the cuts will be the most brutal in the show's history.
- Carrie's "Expert" Lens. Last season, fans noticed she was actually a pretty tough judge. She isn't just there to be the "nice country girl." She knows the technical side of vocal production better than almost anyone else in that room.
The Post-Vegas Strategy: Tour Life and Tanglewood
For three years, Carrie’s life revolved around the Resorts World Theatre in Las Vegas. Her REFLECTION residency was a monster success.
It wrapped up on April 12, 2025, with a final performance of "Something In The Water" that literally involved a massive indoor waterfall. Since then, everyone has been asking: Where is the 2026 tour?
While a full-blown "Denim & Rhinestones"-style arena trek hasn't been formally mapped out for the entire year yet, her 2026 schedule is filling up with high-profile "one-off" dates.
Besides the Wildlands festival in Montana, Carrie is set to make her debut at the legendary Tanglewood Music Festival on August 29. For those who don't know, Tanglewood is the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. It's a prestigious, high-brow venue. Having a country powerhouse like Carrie headline their Popular Artist Series alongside Jason Isbell says a lot about her current standing in the industry. She’s transcendend the "country" label.
That 95 Million Unit Milestone
Let's talk numbers for a second. In late 2025, the RIAA confirmed that Carrie Underwood is the most successful female country artist in U.S. history regarding total certifications.
95 million units.
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That includes 22.5 million albums and a staggering 72.5 million singles. To put that in perspective, "Before He Cheats" is now 11x Platinum. It’s not just about the old hits, either. Her newer tracks like "Out of That Truck" and "Hate My Heart" are still pulling massive streaming numbers that keep her at the top of the heap.
Why This Matters Now
It’s easy to dismiss awards as industry back-slapping. But for Carrie, this news of Carrie Underwood hitting the 95 million mark is a shield. It gives her the leverage to do whatever she wants.
If she wants to spend 2026 judging a TV show and playing a few select shows in Montana and Massachusetts instead of grinding out 100 dates on a bus, she can. She’s earned that "Legacy" status while still being young enough to dominate the current charts.
The Business of Being Carrie
If you aren't following her fitness journey, you're missing half the story.
Her Fit52 app and the CALIA brand (though she has a different relationship with it now) have turned her into a lifestyle mogul. But the real "sleeper" hit of 2026 is her SiriusXM channel, Carrie’s Country.
She isn't just a name on the station; she actually programs it. She’s been using the platform to highlight "Savior Sunday" tracks and high-energy "CARR-DIO" mixes. It’s become a direct line to her fanbase that doesn't rely on terrestrial radio gatekeepers.
What Most People Get Wrong
People think Carrie Underwood is "safe." They think she's the predictable choice.
But if you look at the news of Carrie Underwood recently, you see someone who is taking risks. She’s joining festivals with Foo Fighters alumni (Wildlands). She’s playing with symphony orchestras at Tanglewood. She’s mentoring kids on Idol with a level of honesty that borders on bluntness.
She isn't just the girl with the "Jesus, Take the Wheel" ballad anymore. She’s a multi-hyphenate who is currently navigating the most interesting transition of her career: moving from "active superstar" to "living legend."
Your Next Steps for Following the News of Carrie Underwood
If you want to stay on top of what she's doing this year, don't just wait for the big TV ads.
- Watch American Idol on January 26. This is where we'll see her personality shine through. Pay attention to how she critiques the contestants—it usually hints at what she’s looking for in her own future collaborations.
- Track the Festival Circuit. With Wildlands and Tanglewood booked, expect more "boutique" festival announcements for the fall of 2026.
- Listen to the SiriusXM Channel. She often drops "Easter eggs" about new music or upcoming guest appearances during her "CARR-DIO" segments.
The reality is that 2026 is a building year. We are seeing the foundation for what is likely a new studio album and a massive 2027 global tour. For now, enjoy the "Idol" era and the high-profile outdoor shows. She’s clearly having more fun than she has in years.
Actionable Insight: If you're planning to catch her in 2026, focus on the Tanglewood or Wildlands dates. Tickets for these "boutique" events are significantly harder to get than standard arena seats because the capacities are much lower (Wildlands is capped at just 5,000 people). Set your alerts now, because these are the shows that define her "Legacy" era.