Chart Rewind: In 2008, Carrie Underwood Had Another ‘Dream’ Come True

On Nov. 8, 2008, Carrie Underwood’s “Just a Dream” began a two-week reign on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart.

The song — written by Hillary Lindsey, Steve McEwan and Gordie Sampson — was released from Underwood’s sophomore album Carnival Ride, which arrived at No. 1 on Top Country Albums, her second of a record-setting nine straight career-opening leaders through 2021. The set also became her first of four No. 1s on the all-genre Billboard 200.

“Dream” became Underwood’s seventh of 14 Hot Country Songs chart-toppers, among 30 top 10s. On Country Airplay, she has rolled up 16 leaders, the most among women.

Born in Muskogee, Okla., Underwood came to prominence following her win on the fourth season of American Idol in 2005. Her coronation track “Inside Your Heaven” blasted in atop the Billboard Hot 100 that July, while “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” her first proper country single, dominated Hot Country Songs for six frames starting in January 2006. She most recently ruled Hot Country Songs with “Something in the Water” for seven weeks in 2014-15.

On Aug. 26, Underwood wrapped the last of three stadium shows with Guns N’ Roses at Nashville’s GEODIS Park. After her opening set, she returned to the stage, joining the band on a couple of their classics, “Sweet Child O’ Mine” and “Paradise City.”

Underwood’s latest single, “Out of That Truck,” which she co-penned, ranks at No. 38 on the Nov. 11-dated Country Airplay chart. She is nominated for the coveted entertainer of the year trophy at the 57th Annual Country Music Association Awards, airing Wednesday (Nov. 8) on ABC.