Carrie Underwood has come a long way since she first auditioned for American Idol and today she's one of country music's most successful stars. But although Underwood is enjoying her life in the limelight, there's still a lot many people don't know about this hugely talented entertainer.

In 2005, Carrie Underwood became the fourth winner of American Idol, propelling her to a level of fame beyond her wildest dreams. But when Underwood first appeared on the show, she was still a college student at Northeastern State University in Oklahoma. When she began her Idol journey, in fact, she was just three credits shy of graduating, with just one semester left to go.

According to People magazine, Underwood promised she would return to Northeastern and complete her degree at some point, telling the magazine that she was planning to capitalize on her newfound fame and all the opportunities it presented. She said: "This is my time to see the world. Home will be there when I get back."

Underwood made good on that vow in 2006, when she graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor's degree in mass communications. Northeastern even permitted her to use her time on Idol as an internship credit, making up for her missing semester and allowing her to graduate. She told People magazine: "I've obviously done enough with television. There was my internship right there!"

Keep watching to learn The Untold Truth Of Carrie Underwood!

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American Idol | 0:00

Doomsday prep | 1:16

Love of horror | 2:04

Carrie and Patrick | 3:03

Break-up with Chace | 4:00

Her favorite judge | 5:06

Taking off | 6:15

Before He Cheats | 7:01

Singing her praises | 7:54

PETA's sexiest vegetarian | 8:51

Cry Pretty | 9:40

Life on the road | 10:50