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Carrie Underwood's Revenge: 'Before He Cheats' Turns 18
11 Nov
Summary
- Carrie Underwood's 'Before He Cheats' hit No. 1 on Nov. 11, 2006.
- The song was originally intended for Gretchen Wilson.
- 'Cheats' became a crossover hit, reaching Billboard Hot 100's top 10.
Twenty years ago, Carrie Underwood's "Before He Cheats" seized the No. 1 spot on Billboard's Hot Country Songs chart on November 11, 2006. Songwriters Chris Tompkins and Josh Kear had initially envisioned the track for Gretchen Wilson, aiming for a narrative of a woman trashing a cheating boyfriend's vehicle.
Underwood, known for her "heartland girl next door" persona from American Idol, embraced the song's potent message immediately. "Cheats" was the third single from her debut album, Some Hearts, released in November 2005. After initial country chart success with "Jesus, Take the Wheel," "Cheats" gained traction.
The track also proved to be a significant crossover success in 2007, climbing into the top 10 on Pop Airplay, Adult Pop Airplay, and Adult Contemporary charts. It ultimately reached No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking a substantial achievement in its chart longevity. The song earned Single of the Year awards from both the ACM and CMA, cementing Underwood's status as a powerful voice for female empowerment anthems.
