Carrie Underwood, the Grammy-winning country superstar, is known for her powerhouse vocals and chart-topping hits. But beyond the stage lights and red carpets, the “American Idol” alum finds fulfillment in decidedly more down-to-earth pursuits: cleaning toilets, baking sourdough bread, and tending to a growing collection of “granny” hobbies. The 42-year-old singer revealed her surprisingly practical passions in a recent interview, offering a glimpse into a life balanced between global fame and the simple joys of home.
Underwood shared her perspective during a conversation with ABC’s On the Red Carpet, acknowledging the disconnect between the glamorous world of entertainment and the realities of everyday life. “This entertainment world that we live in is not reality,” she said. “Reality is vacuuming and cleaning toilets and doing laundry and gardening and cooking … and that’s a world I love.” This sentiment reflects a desire to create a sense of normalcy for her family, which includes her husband, former NHL player Mike Fisher, and their two sons, Isaiah, 10, and Jake, 7.
Finding Joy in the Mundane
For Underwood, these aren’t chores to be dreaded, but rather a source of genuine satisfaction. She embraces a variety of hobbies that hark back to a simpler time, describing them as “granny hobbies.” “I have granny hobbies. I love to crochet, I love to do a little bird-watching,” she explained. Her interests extend to the culinary arts as well, with a focus on homemade, fermented foods. “I have sourdough and I make my own kombucha. I love to grow hot peppers and make my own fermented hot sauce,” she added.
Underwood frequently shares glimpses of her hobbies with her fans on social media, particularly on Instagram. Her posts showcase her gardening efforts, baking creations, and crafting projects, offering a relatable side to the superstar persona. This connection with her audience extends to her love of animals; the family currently raises chickens and sheep on their property outside of Nashville, and Underwood has even been known to sing to them.
Balancing Career and Home Life
While Underwood clearly cherishes her domestic life, she remains a prominent figure in the music industry. Currently, she is a judge on the popular singing competition American Idol, a role that brings her back to the show that launched her career. She won the fourth season of the show in 2005. Her most recent album, Denim & Rhinestones, was released in 2022.
Despite a busy schedule, Underwood prioritizes creating a grounded environment for her children. The family’s rural lifestyle provides ample space for outdoor activities and fosters a connection to nature. This emphasis on a balanced upbringing reflects Underwood’s desire to instill values of hard work, humility, and appreciation for the simple things in life.
A Handmade Touch
Underwood’s dedication to her hobbies extends beyond personal enjoyment; she even incorporates her crafting skills into her professional life. She recently revealed that she wore a crocheted top of her own creation on the set of Idol. “Got to wear my tomato top yesterday to the Idol set! I’m so happy how it turned out,” she shared on social media last May. “I just kept it really simple and added a ruffle at the bottom.”
This anecdote highlights Underwood’s resourcefulness and her willingness to embrace a hands-on approach to all aspects of her life. It’s a testament to her belief that true fulfillment comes not from fame or fortune, but from the satisfaction of creating something with her own two hands.
American Idol airs Monday nights on ABC. Underwood has a few live appearances scheduled this year, including two in June, including Alan Jackson’s final show in Nashville, two in August and one in September at Velocity Music Festival in Iowa, according to her official website.
As Underwood continues to navigate her multifaceted career, it’s clear that her commitment to a grounded, authentic lifestyle remains unwavering. She’s a reminder that even amidst the glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry, there’s always room for the simple pleasures of home, a clean toilet, and a well-tended garden.
Fans can continue to follow Underwood’s journey and her latest hobbies on her social media channels. Her dedication to balancing career and family, coupled with her embrace of everyday life, offers a refreshing perspective in a world often dominated by superficiality.
