CarrieNEWS.com
   We search the world for Carrie news so you don't have to!

Welcome to CarrieNEWS.com!

__________

Carrie Underwood Official Store

Next Events

Next Events in Carrie Underwood's World

SA June 30, 2009
CMT Insider
1:30pm ET/PT
CMT

WE July 22,2009
Carrie in Concert
Mid-State Fair
Paso Robles, CA

SA July 25, 2009
Carrie in Concert
Grand Ole Opry
Nashville, TN

SU August 30, 2009
Carrie in Concert
Ravinia Pavilion
Highland Park, IL
7pm
Tickets

MO August 31, 2009
Carrie in Concert
Ravinia Pavilion
Highland Park, IL
7pm
Tickets

Download These



Carrie Underwood - I Told You So (feat. Randy Travis) - Single - I Told You So




Carrie Underwood - Home Sweet Home - Single - Home Sweet Home

Shopping Affiliates

Click and Buy!
Help Support CarrieNEWS.com.

Carrie Underwood Official Store
AllPosters.com
Amazon.com

.....

Carrie Underwood Magazines

Carrie Cares

Carrie Underwood supports these fine organizations (and more!). Consider a donation to help them out, too!

The Humane Society of the United States

Tri Sigma















CarrieNEWS

CarrieVision media player






<< MORE >>

The Dress



Tune in to this week's
CMT Insider and get the latest from country icon Reba McEntire as shejoins Allison DeMarcus for a chat. Then get a full recap of the latestepisode of Can You Duet,and find out how you can see Carrie Underwood's jaw-dropping ACM dresson display in Nashville. And you won't want to miss the top five albumsof 2009.

Check out all these stories and much more on this week's edition of
CMT Insider.

Check out CMT Insider on CMT.com.  See show times, videos, photo galleries and more.

More New Carrie Underwood Merch Available!


The Carrie Underwood Official Store has some new items available and here's a sample for your shopping pleasure...


 
 NEW! 2009 Skull & Roses Babydoll   

 This brand new cream-colored babydoll tee features a Skull & Roses  graphic and reads 'Carrie Underwood'. Cream. 100% Cotton.
 $24.95
 
 NEW! 2009 Carrie Underwood Design Tee   

 This new unisex tee features a full front 'Underwood' with a different  text design in each letter. Denim Blue. 100% Cotton.
 $24.95
 
 NEW! 2009 Rhinestone Tank Top   

 This new slim fitting tank top has 'Carrie' printed across the chest with  black rhinestones and reads 'Carrie Underwood' across the upper back.  Black. 100% Cotton.
 $24.95
 
 NEW! 2009 Carrie Underwood Keychain   

 Two-sided Lucite keychain featuring a brand new photo of Carrie on   one side and reads Carrie Underwood on the other side.
 $4.95

Check out the Carrie Underwood Official Store today!

Carrie Underwood Official Store

Bid for Ravinia Meet & Greet Passes and Help a Nashville Non-Profit!


News from The Official Carrie Underwood Fan Club:

Bid for Ravinia Meet & Greet Passes and Help a Nashville Non-Profit!

Bidding is open for a pair of tickets with Soundcheck Meet & Greet
passes for Carrie’s show at Ravinia on 8/30! Proceeds will benefit
Magdalene-Thistle Farms.

Read more at The Official Carrie Underwood Fan Club


...<< MORE >>

Thank You from the Checotah Animal Shelter!


News from The Official Carrie Underwood Fan Club:

Thank You from the Checotah Animal Shelter!



...<< MORE >>

ACM 2010 Calendar




The Academy of Country Music 2010 Wall Calendar is available to order now and Carrie is featured in it! This all-new calendar pays tribute to the Academy of Country Music’s shining mega-stars, including Carrie Underwood, Reba McEntire and Kenny Chesney. Pre-order your copy today at Calendars.com!


Carrie Remembers Dad



As we celebrate Father's Day this weekend, country music celebrities talk about the memories they have of their dads.

Carrie Underwood has to laugh when she acknowledges how she knew her dad was proud of her: "My dad's the kind of person that most likely he'll never say, 'Hey, I'm proud of you,' or 'You're doing a great job,' or anything like that, but I catch him watching things that he's taped of me on TV. And I'd meet co-workers of his and they'd say, 'Your dad has pictures of you all over his desk.' Like, he was proud to the world but not so much to me."

More celebrities talk about their fathers and being a father at K99Online.com.

Happy Father's Day to all you fathers out there!


CMT music awards to auction celebrity items


Lyrics signed by Checotah's own Carrie Underwood are among the items being sold in an online auction to benefit the CMT One Country partners (including Feeding America, Boys & Girls Club of America, Habitat for Humanity, Hands On Network, the USO and Children's Miracle Network).


Instead of giving celebrities the traditional artist gift bags, this year's "Awards" made a $20,000 donation to the local affiliate of CMT One Country nonprofit partner Feeding America and, for the second year, made donations to charities selected by this year's winners. CMT One Country is also partnering with Rhapsody to make donations on behalf of all nominees.

To bid in the online auction, got to tulsaworld.com/cmtauction.

Source: Tulsa World


Hey, Batter Batter


Here are a few more pics of Carrie at the City of Hope charity Softball event from last week...

Carrie Underwood

Carrie Underwood

Carrie Underwood

Guitars of the Stars auction strikes $40,000 chord for Opry fund


The first-ever Guitars of the Stars Benefit Auction held live outside the Ryman Auditorium last Friday raised $40,000 for the Opry Trust Fund, organizers reported on Monday.

Dolly Parton’s “guitar of many colors” alone raised $7,000 for the Trust Fund, while a guitar designed by Carrie Underwood brought in the highest bid at $9,000.

Source: Nashville City Paper


Carrie Underwood and Fan Fair



Carrie Underwood with Haley Steele from Marietta Ga., in the Greased Lightning Fan Fair Exhibit Hall in the Nashville Convention Center on Thursday, June 11 during the 2009 CMA Music Festival. Photographer: Jim Hagans / CMA. Provided by Country Music Association.

Carrie loves to interact with her fans and this year was no different as she participated in the Greased Lightning® Fan Fair® Hall last week at the 2009 CMA Music Fest. As reported by the CMA...

The state of continuous commotion that's been the standard for the Greased Lightning Fan Fair Hall was back in force with 433 artists and celebrities appearing at the Nashville Convention Center. Exhibit booths sold out with 86 exhibitors. Attendance over the four days exceeded 53,000.


Carrie Underwood with Heather Scott from Champaign, Ill. Photographer: Jim Hagans / CMA. Provided by Country Music Association.

Carrie signed for four hours on Thursday. Jennifer Kardell, 23, from Lincoln, Neb., was camped out to be first in line to meet Underwood. "We were definitely dedicated to being the first in line," she said. "A lady here in line was saying that there were always these same two guys in front; that was their goal as long as they've been coming here. And she was like, 'They'd better watch their back!' We're the new competition!"



<< MORE >>

Carrie Underwood Nominated for Teen Choice Award!




Congratulations to Carrie on being nominated for a 2009 Teen Choice Award for Choice Music: Album (Female Artist). The nominees are:

“I Am…Sasha Fierce,” Beyoncé
“The Fame,” Lady Gaga
“One of the Boys,” Katy Perry
“Fearless,” Taylor Swift
“Carnival Ride,” Carrie Underwood

Starting today, fans ages 13-19 can vote once each day for their favorite TEEN CHOICE 2009 nominees at www.teenchoiceawards.com. Winners of the coveted Surfboard awards will be announced during the coolest coast-to-coast celebration broadcast from the Gibson Amphitheatre in Universal City, CA on Monday, August 10th on FOX.


<< MORE >>

Carrie Underwood Enjoying Herself At The CMA Music Festival


Underwood's Dress Arrives At Hall Of Fame



Get the Sweater Right Off Carrie Underwood’s Back




Thursday Morning: Fans Lining Up for Autographs at CMT[sic] Music Festival




Carrie's Got Game


Carrie Underwood at the City of Hope Softball Challenge at Greer Stadium on June 10, 2009 in Nashville, Tennessee.
























Carrie Underwood: softball star?


From The Tennessean...

The gorgeous, talented and athletic Carrie Underwood landed one of the biggest plays of the game at Wednesday night’s 19th Annual City of Hope Celebrity Softball Challenge with an RBI double for her Grand Ole Opry team.

Underwood’s team went on to defeat the competing After MidniteTeam 11-5 — not that most fans in the audience were interested in the score. The crowd, which filled Greer Stadium to about two-thirds capacity on Wednesday night, cheered for its favorite stars regardless of which jersey the artist was wearing.

In addition to Underwood, other displays of celebrity athleticism included Joe Nichols who, among other impressive feats of softball prowess, scored a home run for his After Midnight Team. Jason Michael Carroll and Craig Morgan were there, too. No home runs were scored between them, but they did spend their time off the field dousing each other with water — just as much fun for fans to watch.

Josh Turner and Chris Young scored doubles, Butter from Trailer Choir hit a triple in the fourth inning and Whitney Duncan scored a few outs as catcher for the Grand Ole Opry Team.

Other celebrities who donated their time — but may have had less luck with a bat and glove — include Keith Anderson, Jake Owen, Chuck Wicks (who pitched for a while), Darius Rucker, Jimmy Wayne, Julianne Hough, Marty Roe from Diamond Rio, Titan Kerry Collins, Randy Houser, the Carter Twins, Luke Bryan, Trent Tomlinson and Mark Wills.

After the game, many of the players took time to sign autographs and pose for pictures with fans who hung over the walls near the diamond for a chance to meet their favorite artist. Those who didn’t get the opportunity are sure to have plenty more chances to score that signature as CMA Music Festival officially starts Thursday.


Oklahoma country music stars decorate guitars for Opry charity


NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Fans attending Tuesday night's Grand Ole Opry shows will get a sneak peek of some specially designed guitars.

The Epiphone acoustic guitars were decorated by some of country music's biggest stars, including Oklahoma natives Carrie Underwood and Vince Gill. Others include Dierks Bentley, Miranda Lambert, Dolly Parton, Charlie Daniels and Pam Tillis.

The guitars will be auctioned Friday at the Ryman Auditorium to benefit the Opry Trust Fund, which helps people in the country music industry who fall on hard times.

The guitars are adorned with song lyrics to hand-drawn sketches and are on display in the house lobby until the auction.


Source: Tulsa World

Country artists try to build their base abroad


NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Dierks Bentley and his band recently jetted to Australia to open six shows for Brooks & Dunn, playing to more than 10,000 people a night in the country’s largest cities.

And yet Bentley, a headlining act in the U.S. with a half dozen No. 1 hits, didn’t plan to make a dime.

"On this tour we don’t expect to make any money, and we shouldn’t," the 33-year-old singer explained in an interview. "This will be the first time we’re playing there. We’re trying to lay the foundation for future tours."

As the Country Music Association kicks off its annual festival in Nashville on Thursday to connect with its U.S. audience, artists are trying to bulk up their presence overseas. Few contemporary country hitmakers tour outside North America with regularity. The international market for country isn’t anywhere near what it is in the U.S., and the cost of hauling a crew, band and equipment across continents is brutal.

"Most country acts are reluctant to go overseas because they can’t make the same money," remarked Joe Galante, chairman of Sony Music Nashville. "But you have to go there and spend some time and build a marketplace."

A few are making a go of it. Besides Bentley, Keith Urban regularly tours abroad. Brooks & Dunn, Sugarland and Taylor Swift are also making inroads. Alan Jackson and Martina McBride are both preparing to play shows in Europe.

In a recent interview, top-seller Rascal Flatts said one of their main goals with their latest album was expanding their audience overseas. And Swift - who is queen of both pop and country these days - has been greeted by energetic fans in Europe.

"I’ve been very lucky that it’s been so successful over there, because I certainly expected it to be harder, having there been an absence of country music over there," she said in a recent interview.

Still, it isn’t easy. Most countries don’t have radio stations dedicated to country music or TV networks that play country videos. And unlike pop and rock, country labels don’t typically release albums worldwide.

As a result, some of the genre’s biggest stars sell comparatively few records outside of the U.S., with Canada and Australia usually accounting for the largest chunks.

According to their respective record labels, 19 per cent of Jackson’s total sales last year were international; 9 per cent of Brad Paisley’s; 8 per cent of Kenny Chesney’s; 11 per cent of McBride’s; and 10 per cent of Carrie Underwood’s. Brooks & Dunn, which has toured Australia the past two years, had 27 per cent international sales in 2008. George Strait averages about 5 per cent to 6 per cent a year.

"Country music used to tour a lot more internationally than it does these days," Urban said recently. "The artists I grew up listening to - the Glen Campbells, Dolly Partons, Charley Pride, Merle Haggard, Johnny Cash - they were touring Europe a lot."

Born in New Zealand and raised in Australia, the 41-year-old superstar is probably more attuned to the universal potential of country music than most.

"We played this place in Berlin not too long ago and I was up there singing ’Raining on Sunday’ and let the audience sing and they sing in English but it’s this real thick German accent," Urban recalled. "It seemed pretty surreal."

Bentley tries to go overseas every year. Besides Australia, he’s performed in Europe and Japan. Even with the tight profit margins, he says it’s worth it.

"You can’t forget that little dream you had to begin with," Bentley said. "If someone told you when you were 17 years old that there would be a chance to go to Europe and sing in front of people, you would have jumped at the chance. It’s not all about making money."

But for artists who take a long-term view, the reward can be substantial.

Cash, Campbell, Parton, Pride, the Bellamy Brothers, Don Williams and others who regularly toured internationally in their heydays continued selling records and concert tickets abroad long after their hot streaks ended in the U.S.

"I can’t tell you they got rich doing it, but they understood what it was. They built that base and now their catalogue 30 or 40 years later still sells," Galante said.

Jeff Walker, president of Nashville-based Aristo Media Group, which promotes the genre outside the United States and publishes an international report, thinks country record labels are missing out by not taking a more global marketing strategy, like their counterparts in pop and rock. In country, he said, it’s mostly up to the individual artist to build an international base.

"I see so many international acts breaking in the pop area and many American acts breaking overseas," he said. "I think we’re underutilizing our acts breaking over there."

Often, the country acts who do tour abroad frequently and successfully are veterans who’ve been going for years on a smaller scale, people like Emmylou Harris, Steve Earle, Ricky Skaggs and Dwight Yoakam.

Yoakam has been going to Europe since his 1986 debut, "Guitars, Cadillacs, Etc., Etc." While the travel can be expensive and time-consuming, he said it’s given him a "marketplace to go perform that is broader than had I just stayed in the U.S."

"There are elements that make it a tougher business model, but if you are an artist who has some potential over there, I think it’s important to go," Yoakam said, "just like it is for me to go to Canada or to the Northwest United States or wherever and try to connect with that audience."


Source: The Chronicle Journal

<< MORE >>

Carrie Underwood cares and so do we!




We all know that Carrie will be collecting items to help the animal shelter in Checotah. Well, unfortunately, some of us can't make it to Nashville, but we still want to do our part to help, right? If you haven't yet, join The Ace Underwood Fan Club. Check out the cool products in the Ace Underwood Fan Club store and let the world know you're an Ace Underwood fan! For the entire month of June, 100% of the profits from the sale of these products will be donated to the animal shelter in Carrie Underwood’s hometown of Checotah, Oklahoma!

In addition, CarrieNEWS.com is matching this offer. 100% of the profits from the sale of any products purchased through the Amazon.com links at CarrieNEWS.com will also be donated to the animal shelter in Checotah!

You probably would've shopped at Amazon anyway. Now you can help a great cause, too!

Remember, this offer is valid only by purchasing through the links indicated above and only valid for purchases made by 11:59pm (Pacific Daylight Time) on June 30, 2009. Happy shopping! Let's show how much we care for those pets and support Carrie in another of her great charitable projects!

<< MORE >>

You're Invited!



A while back, we introduced the Ace Underwood Fan Club, the world's first fan site dedicated to Carrie Underwood's loveable pup, Ace. Everyone seemed to love it, but there was one thing missing: an actual club for members.

After much debate, we're proud to announce the new and improved Ace Underwood Fan Club, now with an actual club you can join! I think you're really going to enjoy the Ning social networking platform because it provides you the ability to add photos, videos, interact via tagboard, chat, and message boards, as well as providing many other cool features to customize your own personal profile (you can even upload pics of your own doggie!). It's the perfect place for every Carrie fan, every Ace fan, and for anyone who just loves their pets.
Don't be left out in the doghouse. Join the Ace Underwood Fan Club today! And tell all your friends, too!

COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME® AND MUSEUM HONORS SUPERSTAR CARRIE UNDERWOOD WITH SPOTLIGHT EXHIBIT




Carrie Underwood: All-American Girl to Open June 11, 2009

NASHVILLE, Tenn., June 2, 2009—Carrie Underwood:  All-American Girl, a spotlight exhibit featuring the merlot silk taffeta gown worn by superstar Carrie Underwood at the 2009 Academy of Country Music Awards, will open June 11 at the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum.  Underwood won two awards at the ceremony:  Entertainer of the Year and Top Female Vocalist.

The show-stopping dress, which was created by Miami-based designer Rafael Cennamo, features 120 yards of fabric and an eight-foot-long train.  Underwood wore the voluminous confection during her April 5 performance of her hit song “I Told You So” (written and recorded originally by Randy Travis).  “It was an honor to wear such a beautiful dress during one of the most special nights of my life.  I truly felt like a princess!” says Underwood.

Since winning American Idol in 2005, Underwood has become one of the most popular performers in the nation.  Her debut album, Some Hearts, is the biggest selling American Idol debut project to date, having sold more than seven million copies in the United States.  With the release of her current album, Carnival Ride, she has now sold more than 10 million albums in just over three years.

Underwood has won numerous awards over the last four years, including four Grammy Awards and numerous trophies from the Academy of Country Music, the Country Music Association, the CMT Music Awards, the American Music Awards, the People’s Choice Awards and more.

Carrie Underwood:  All-American Girl
, which is included with regular Museum admission, will remain open through December 31, 2009.

Accredited by the American Association of Museums, the Country Music Hall of Fame
® and Museum is operated by the Country Music Foundation, a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) educational organization chartered by the state of Tennessee in 1964. The Museum’s mission is the preservation of the history of country and related vernacular music rooted in southern culture. With the same educational mission, the Foundation also operates CMF Records, the Museum’s Frist Library and Archive, CMF Press, Historic RCA Studio B, and Hatch Show PrintTM.

More information about the Country Music Hall of Fame
® and Museum is available at www.countrymusichalloffame.com or by calling (615) 416-2001.

Source: Country Music Hall of Fame
_____

Congratulations, Carrie, on yet another honor! You deserve it!

Happy Anniversary, CarrieNEWS.com!


 Why did we start
CarrieNEWS.com?
Carrie Underwood,
of course!


Friends, I'm proud to announce that today marks the 4-year anniversary of CarrieNEWS.com. With your help, we've weathered the many storms and have grown to be one of the premier Carrie Underwood fan sites. I'm also very proud that we've been recognized by such prestigious organizations as Sony Music Nashville, CMT.com, and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

From the very beginning, our focus has been to do all we can to help support Carrie Underwood and I think we've succeeded in that regard. Like most fan sites, we operate on a shoestring budget, so we're always appreciative of any donations. 

For those associated with CarrieNEWS.com, I know it's been a joyous labor of love to help support and promote someone as awesome as Carrie. I look forward to many more years of not only being a fan, but of helping to spread the news about our favorite recording artist, Carrie Underwood. I hope you enjoy CarrieNEWS.com as much as we enjoy presenting it to you!

- Rich Gordon

Carrie Underwood Is American Idol's Top Earner


Carrie Underwood earned an estimated $14 million last year, making her the year's top earner among American Idol contestants, according to Forbes magazine. The tally reflects her touring income, recording royalties and endorsement deals. Jennifer Hudson comes in second with an estimated $5 million, followed by Kelly Clarkson with $4.2 million. Kellie Pickler came in fifth, with $2.3 million, due to strong album sales and her Sexy Hair product endorsement deal.

Source: CMT.com

Idol winner Carrie Underwood's signs in Checotah come down


From Tulsa World...

The "Home of Carrie Underwood" signs have come down from highways leading into the country singer's home town of Checotah.

Presented to the city by Gov. and First Lady Henry after her 2005 "American Idol" win, four signs have been removed from Interstate 40 and US Highway 69 in recent months, confirmed Louann Moore, the town's deputy city clerk.

The four green signs with white lettering, two 18-feet-by-7 feet and two 14-by-6-feet, read "Checotah, Home of Carrie Underwood, American Idol 2005."

Internet rumors are picking up momentum, but the reason for removal is quite simple, said Moore.

>> Full Story

Here's the story we originally posted in 2005:




More Carrie Underwood Photos For Your Viewing Pleasure


Carrie Underwood and her dog Ace at Los Angeles airport
Carrie Underwood and her dog Ace at Los Angeles LAX airport.

Carrie Underwood heads to a workout with her personal trainer in Los Angeles. She is nursing a scraped knee.
**EXCLUSIVE** Carrie Underwood heads to a workout with her personal trainer **EXCLUSIVE** Carrie Underwood heads to a workout with her personal trainer
**EXCLUSIVE** Carrie Underwood heads to a workout with her personal trainer **EXCLUSIVE** Carrie Underwood heads to a workout with her personal trainer
Carrie Underwood leaves the American Idol party at Sky bar Carrie Underwood leaves the American Idol party at Sky bar
Carrie Underwood leaves the American Idol party at Sky bar Carrie Underwood leaves the American Idol party at Sky bar
Above: Carrie Underwood leaves the American Idol party at Sky Bar

Carrie Underwood arriving at the American Idol Season 8 Finale at the Nokia Theater in Los Angeles, CA on May 20, 2009.
Amerian Idol Season 8 FinaleAmerian Idol Season 8 Finale


New Carrie Underwood Merch Available


The Carrie Underwood Official Store has some new items available and here's a sample for your shopping pleasure...

NEW! 2009 Carrie Underwood Poster*

NEW! 2009 Carrie Underwood Poster*

This poster features a gorgeous new photo of Carrie and reads 'Carrie Underwood' on the bottom. Measures 24" x 36". *Will ship on or around May 22nd.




NEW! 2009 Carrie Underwood Photo*

NEW! 2009 Carrie Underwood Photo*

This amazing new photo features an image of Carrie relaxing on the couch and reads 'Carrie Underwood'. Measures 8 x 10. *Will ship on or around May 22nd.




NEW! 2009 Brown Baby Doll*

NEW! 2009 Brown Baby Doll*

This brand new chocolate-colored babydoll tee features a mirror image of Carrie surrounded by a cool 'CU' design made up of gold foiling. Brown. 100% Cotton. *Will ship on or around May 22nd.




NEW! 2009 Carrie Underwood Photo Tee*

NEW! 2009 Carrie Underwood Photo Tee*

This new unisex tee features a full front black & white image of Carrie with turquoise accents along the top and side of the tee. Black. 100% Cotton. *Will ship on or around May 22nd.




NEW! 2009 Carrie Underwood Hoodie*

NEW! 2009 Carrie Underwood Hoodie*

Be the first to have the brand new 2009 Carrie Underwood Hoodie! The front has Carrie's initials printed on the upper left chest, while the back reads 'Underwood 09' in light blue text. Perfect for the cool spring nights! Charcoal. 100% Cotton. *Will ship on or around May 22nd.




NEW! 2009 Carrie Underwood Mug*

NEW! 2009 Carrie Underwood Mug*

This 16 oz. ceramic coffee mug is decorated with a wrap around image of Carrie and reads 'Carrie Underwood'. White. *Will ship on or around May 22nd.



Happy Shopping!

TV Guide Network Names Carrie Underwood American Idol's Sexiest Star




Earlier this week, TV Guide Network released their list of "Idol's Sexiest Stars."

1. Carrie Underwood
2. Katharine McPhee
3. Chris Daughtry
4. Kimberly Caldwell
5. David Cook
6. Kellie Pickler
7. Michael Johns
8. Justin Guarini
9. Haley Scarnato
10. Jason Castro
11. Constantine Maroulis
12. Syesha Mercado
13. Kelly Clarkson
14. Kristy Lee Cook
15. Kris Allen
16. Ace Young
17. Brooke White
18. Nadia Turner
19. Blake Lewis
20. Tamyra Gray
21. Chris Richardson
22. Bo Bice
23. Megan Joy
24. Taylor Hicks
25. Bikini Girl & Antonella Barba

Congrats, Carrie!

Do you agree with the ranking? Add a comment below!


More Idol Red Carpet Pics


American Idol Season 8 Finale - ArrivalsAmerican Idol Season 8 Finale - Arrivals
American Idol Season 8 Finale - ArrivalsAmerican Idol Season 8 Finale - Arrivals
American Idol Season 8 Finale - ArrivalsAmerican Idol Season 8 Finale - Arrivals


Carrie Underwood Explains Why She Limped Off American Idol Tuesday


American Idol Season 8 Finale - Arrivals

Carrie Underwood told Ryan Seacrest why she limped off stage after performing on American Idol Tuesday night.

"You're gonna laugh at me, everyone does," the Season 4 winner jokes on Seacrest's KIIS-FM radio show.

"I was running last Saturday in my little community [in Nashville]...It's about three miles," Underwood says. "I was about halfway through and I fell.

"And this nice lady was driving behind me — I'd never met her before," Underwood continues. "She saw the incident and was nice enough to pull over and roll down the window and say, 'Can I take you home?'

"So I fought back tears and she took me home!" Underwood says.

>> Full Story


Carrie's interview with Ryan Seacrest on 5/20:

{{BlogcastPlayer}}

<< MORE >>

American Idol Red Carpet Pics




Carrie Underwood arrives on the red carpet during the AMERICAN IDOL Finale Weds. May 20



The Black Eyed Peas and judge Randy Jackson



Season 7 American Idol David Cook



Season 8 finalists Adam Lambert and Kris Allen

Kris Allen, American Idol 2009


Congratulations to Kris Allen, your new American Idol!





Home, Sweet Carrie


Superstar Carrie Underwood performed "Home, Sweet Home" at the AMERICAN IDOL TOP 2 PERFORMANCE show which aired this evening on FOX. CR: Frank Micelotta / FOX





Who will be your next American Idol? Adam Lambert?



Or Kris Allen?





Carrie Underwood visits Africa


Here are some cool pics of Carrie Underwood, as featured on last week's American Idol...



Carrie Underwood made her second trip to Africa earlier this month visiting orphanages and health centers near Luanda, Angola where she passed out bed nets and supplies in an effort to help fight malaria. Her visit, sponsored by ExxonMobil, was part of IDOL GIVES BACK’s charitable endeavors. A special video package about her trip aired on AMERICAN IDOL last Tuesday, May 12. CR: FOX.







Vote for Carrie Underwood


Click now to start voting for the 2009 CMT Music Awards.

Final round voting for the 2009 CMT Music Awards is now upon us.

Carrie Underwood is nominated for Video of the Year for "Just a Dream."

Be sure to also vote for Roman White, nominated for Director of the Year.

Please vote for Carrie and Roman beginning today, May 19 and ending June 14. Then see who your votes picked in the 2009 CMT Music Awards on June 16 at 8/7c.


Carrie Underwood Among Celebrities Meeting Fans at 2009 CMA Music Festival


 Carrie Underwood greets Kortnie Arnold from Lawrenceville, Ill. during the 2008 CMA Music Festival. Underwood will return to greet fans and sign autographs in the Greased Lightning Fan Fair Hall during the 2009 CMA Music Festival.

Carrie Underwood will be one of the dozens of recording artists to meet her fans in the Greased Lightning Fan Fair Hall during this year's CMA Music Festival. CMA Music Festival is a celebration of the relationship between the fans and the artists, and nowhere is this connection more vividly demonstrated than at the Greased Lightning® Fan Fair® Hall. Located in the Nashville Convention Center, the Greased Lightning Fan Fair Hall gives four-day attendees the exclusive opportunity to meet some of their favorite entertainment personalities, discover new rising artists, and obtain a treasured autograph and photo.

"The heart of CMA Music Festival has always been the interaction between the artists and the fans, and the best place to witness that special relationship is in the Greased Lightning Fan Fair Hall," said Tammy Genovese, CMA Chief Executive Officer.

Other artists scheduled to be in booths include: Keith Anderson, Frankie Ballard, Luke Bryan, Sarah Buxton, Caitlin & Will, Jason Michael Carroll, Eric Church, Brad Cotter, Bucky Covington, Whitney Duncan, Montgomery Gentry, Gloriana, Jessica Harp, Julianne Hough, Randy Houser, Jack Ingram, Joey + Rory, Jason Jones, Jypsi, Kate and Kacey, Little Big Town, The Lost Trailers, Charlie Louvin, Love & Theft, Neal McCoy, Richie McDonald, Reba McEntire, Justin Moore, Craig Morgan, Lorrie Morgan, David Nail, Heidi Newfield, James Otto, Jake Owen, Michael Peterson, Point of Grace, LeAnn Rimes, Julie Roberts, Blake Shelton, Ashton Shepherd, Sunny Sweeney, Taylor Swift, Aaron Tippin, Trent Tomlinson, Jimmy Wayne, Emily West, Chuck Wicks, Holly Williams, Mark Wills, Gretchen Wilson, Darryl Worley, Wynonna, Chris Young, and many more. Dates and times for the signings are still being scheduled.

To order four-day ticket packages, call 1-800-CMA-FEST (262-3378); visit www.CMAfest.com to download an order form that can be faxed or mailed in; visit www.ticketmaster.com to buy online; or charge-by-phone at 1-800-745-3000.




<< MORE >>

Carrie Underwood coming to California Mid-State Fair in July




The California Mid-State Fair is pleased to announce that country superstar Carrie Underwood has been signed to perform at the 2009 Fair on Wednesday, July 22nd.  Underwood will be part of the California Mid-State Fair’s 2009 Budweiser Concert Series and be performing in the Main Grandstand Arena at 7:30p.

Tickets for the show will be $67, $52 and $42, and go on sale Thursday, May 21, 2009, at 10:00a.  Tickets will be available at the California Mid-State Fair box office, on-line at www.midstatefair.com, any Vallitix outlet, or charge by phone at 1-800-909-FAIR.  In addition, a special phone number has been added to better serve ticket buyers… that number is 866-872-2007.

Source: California Mid State Fair


Carrie Underwood Sings On American Idol Next Tuesday


All About Country reports...

Carrie Underwood returns to American Idol next Tuesday night (5/19) to perform live this year’s Idol farewell song, Home Sweet Home.

The Season 4 American Idol winner, four-time GRAMMY winner and 2009 ACM Entertainer of the Year performs the Mötley Crüe song for each of the contestants leaving the show, which is available at iTunes.

Proceeds from the sale of the song go to The Humane Society of the United States to be used directly for programs that help companion animals, provide spay/neuter services, and rescue and shelter animal victims of puppy mills and disasters.

2009 CMT Music Awards Nominee Special


Premieres Tuesday, May 19 at 10AM ET/PT
CMT announces the final nominees for the 2009 CMT Music Awards in this 30 minute special hosted by Lance Smith and last year's winner of the USA Weekend Breakthrough Video of the Year, Kellie Pickler. Find out which country superstars will be in the running for categories like male video of the year, female video of the year and much more. Then tune in on June 16 at 8/7c to see who walks away a winner.


Carrie Makes Africa Trip




Carrie Underwood has returned from her second humanitarian trip to Africa, where she visited orphanages and health centers near Luanda, Angola.


Carrie's visit was part of American Idol's “Idol Gives Back” charitable program, and a special video package will air on American Idol Tuesday, May 12, at 8 p.m. ET on FOX-TV. Carrie visited an all-girl orphanage in Luanda, where the girls performed songs and poetry for her after she delivered school supplies to the orphanage. Carrie also participated in the area's cause to help fight malaria.

Source: Country Weekly

Carrie Underwood Is a “10”!


Carrie Underwood Is a “10”!

Carrie Becomes the First Country Artist in History to Achieve 10 #1 Singles from Their First Two Albums!

“I Told You So” Today Marks Her 10th #1 Single with Album Sales Already Topping 10 Million!


Nashville, TN – She’s sold more than 10 million albums with her first two records alone, and now Carrie Underwood hits another milestone 10 as her current smash, “I Told You So,” becomes her 10th single to top a key sales or airplay chart. The accomplishment makes the four-time GRAMMY winner the first country artist in history ever to achieve 10 #1 singles on the strength of their first two albums.

This week’s #1 country airplay blockbuster also marks the fifth consecutive chart-topper from Carrie’s Carnival Ride album, which includes “Just a Dream” and three hits Carrie co-wrote: “So Small,” “All-American Girl,” and “Last Name.”

The newly crowned ACM Entertainer of the Year and three-time reigning ACM and CMA Female Vocalist accomplishes the rare feat of taking a former #1 song to the top of the country charts a second time – 21 years after Randy Travis first saw his composition hit the chart summit. She becomes the first country artist to return a song to #1 since Alan Jackson took the Don Williams classic, “It Must Be Love,” back to the top nearly nine years ago.

In addition to her original recording of “I Told You So” on Carnival Ride, fans can also enjoy a special studio duet of the song, currently available as a digital single, featuring Carrie with Randy Travis.

The only American Idol winner ever to achieve 10 #1 hits, Underwood’s collection of chart-toppers began with the instant success of her post-American Idol single, “Inside Your Heaven,” which debuted atop Billboard’s Hot 100 chart in the summer of 2005. It was the first of five #1s to top the BDS or Mediabase charts from her 7x-Platinum debut, Some Hearts, with the others including the GRAMMY-winning “Jesus, Take the Wheel” and “Before He Cheats,” as well as “Don’t Forget to Remember Me” and “Wasted.”

And in a bit of Carrie trivia, 10 continues to be a lucky number for Carrie. Her birthday is March 10, and just two weeks after her American Idol win in 2005, she made her debut on the Grand Ole Opry on the 10th of June and later became a member of the Opry with her official induction on May 10, 2008.

Source: Sony Music Nashville

Carrie Underwood Says She’s a Brat



CMT.com's Alison Bonaguro reports...

Those are her words, not mine. In a recent fun-lovin’ 10-minute interview with Chicago’s US 99.5 county[sic] radio station, Carrie Underwood admits that she is a brat.

>> Full Story

Listen to the broadcast here.

Carrie Underwood Makes Forbes' List


AllAboutCountry is reporting that Carrie has made Forbes' list of top-earning country stars.

Here's the list:

  1. Kenny Chensey
  2. Rascal Flatts
  3. Toby Keih
  4. Taylor Swift
  5. Brooks & Dunn and Tim McGraw (tie)
  6. Brad Paisley
  7. Sugarland & Carrie Underwood (tie)
  8. Alan Jackson

    Read more about it here.

Your Idol Top 5



Who's your fav top 5 Idol? (Poll Closed)
feedback bar
feedback bar
feedback bar
feedback bar
feedback bar
ETA: on 4/29/09: It looks like you guys were once again spot on!

Carrie Underwood’s Singing Has Matured, Says HuffPo


CMT.com's Alison Bonaguro writes...

A well-versed writer at the Huffington Post helps define and dissect good popular singing, as determined by the star-makers at American Idol.

>> Full Story

<< MORE >>

Carrie Underwood Inspires Motley Crue's Vince Neil to Aim for Crue-Themed Night at Idol


Vince Neil of Motley Crue performs in New York City


MOTLEY CRUE singer VINCE NEIL is vying to get his rock band featured on reality TV show AMERICAN IDOL - after meeting the singing competition's former winner CARRIE UNDERWOOD.

Neil admits he initially dismissed the series as a karaoke competition, but quickly became a fan of the show after meeting the blonde country star.

Underwood's cover of the rockers' hit song Home Sweet Home is now featured as the anthem for this season's departing contestants.
And Neil has become such a big fan of Underwood and the show that made her famous, he's now eyeing a Crue-themed night for the series' remaining singers.

He tells the New York Post, "Knowing that she was a fan made it a lot easier... That (having a Motley Crue theme) would really shake them up wouldn't it? Might be good for the show."

Source: Contact Music

Carrie Underwood LIVE With Wylie & David Thursday Morning



From WKDF-103FM...

Carrie Underwood, the reigning ACM Entertainer of the Year, joins Wylie & David on Nashville's Country Morning Show Thursday morning at 7:30am.

They'll discuss her latest hit ''I Told You So'' and get the inside scoop on her dress from the ACMs!

Catch Carrie on Nashville's WKDF this Thursday at 7:30am. Remember that's Central Time so adjust your listening accordingly.


Listen live here.


More Idol Connections







Carrie Underwood nominated for CMT Music Awards


Click now to start voting for the 2009 CMT Music Awards.

First round voting for the 2009 CMT Music Awards is now upon us and Carrie Underwood has been nominated for Video of the Year and Female Video of the Year for "Just a Dream!"  In order to keep her going, please vote in the first round voting beginning today, April 13th and ending May 11th.  From there nominees will be cut down and the next round of voting will begin.

CMT Music Awards are the biggest fan-voted country music awards so please vote for Carrie Underwood today!

And while you're at it, be sure to also vote for our good friend Roman White, too! He's up for Director of the Year!

Congratulations to Carrie and Roman and best of luck!

 


Gargantuan gown fits Carrie Underwood's huge talent




Underwood has credentials to wear gargantuan gown

Country music darling Carrie Underwood has a big voice, big hits and big hair.

But Sunday, in addition to taking home top honors as entertainer of the year at the Academy of Country Music Awards, Miss Underwood also won herself the unofficial prize for Biggest Dress Ever.

To perform I Told You So, she wore a merlot Rafael Cennamo silk taffeta ballgown that threatened to engulf the entire stage and maybe even the musicians playing behind her. This crimson concoction cascaded with proportions matching Princess Di's wedding dress, rendering Underwood immobile and surely requiring a staff of 20 to carry it all into place.

"It's big," she told the Associated Press, trying to describe the gown pre-show. "It's big. There's a lot — a lot of dress.

"It's hard to describe," she said. "Kind of like water, maybe? Like red water? That sounds scary, doesn't it? Maybe like lava. It's like lava. Or icing. Red icing."

Plenty of critics sneered. One hilariously wondered if Underwood was channeling her inner Ursula the sea witch.

But you know what? I thought the dress provided a knockout diva look for one of the most memorable nights in the gorgeous singer's post-American Idol career. When you get crowned as county[sic] music royalty, you get license to wear a dress that fits the title.

Source: St. Petersburg Times



 del.icio.us  Stumbleupon  Technorati  Digg 

Carrie Underwood Grocery Shops in Sweats


From People.com...



Carrie Underwood just took home the Entertainer of the Year Award at the ACMs, so what's it like for fans to meet her now?

"I think they're disappointed," Underwood says on the April 14 episode of The Oprah Winfrey Show. "I do my grocery shopping kind of late at night. There's nobody really there. I can probably wash the make up and I'm in a ponytail, glasses, and my sweatpants at the grocery store, and people won't tell me, 'Are you Carrie Underwood?' They'll say, 'Wow, you look like Carrie Underwood.' Because Carrie Underwood wouldn't be at the Harris Teeter [at] 11:00 o'clock at night in her sweatpants."

The 26-year-old country star joins Kenny Chesney, Darius Rucker and Sugarland's Jennifer Nettles to perform and discuss their lives with Winfrey, dishing about everything from childhood dreams to their love lives.

"It's really strange," Underwood says of dating in Hollywood. "I mean, you're under a microscope, and even if you start – you're getting to know somebody, you just met them – they have you married off next week, you know what I mean? So it's a little difficult and it's a little difficult to know people's intentions."

Underwood is keeping it as simple as possible with her low-key relationship with NHL star Mike Fisher. The two have been seeing each other for a few months.



Carrie Underwood wins country music's top award



LAS VEGAS (Reuters) - Carrie Underwood was named entertainer of the year on Sunday at the 44th Academy of Country Music awards, securing her status as country's hottest star on a night that felt like a changing of the guards.

Underwood became only the seventh woman in 39 years to win country entertainer of the year, snapping Kenny Chesney's four-year winning streak while also receiving the trophy for top female vocalist.

"I've had a lot of good moments in the past four years but this one takes the cake," a tearful Underwood said in accepting the entertainer of the year award.

"Thank you God. I never thought I'd be nominated, I never thought I would win. I don't know what to say. I've got nothing," the 26-year-old star said before letting out an emotional scream and spinning as she walked off stage.

Underwood has become country music's biggest star in the four years since she exploded onto the charts after winning TV's American Idol competition, but had been passed over for the top award. She was exultant Sunday night.

"I feel like I just won American Idol all over again," she said in accepting the top female vocalist award.

Source: Reuters

Congratulations, Carrie, on more much-deserved honors and accolades!

Carrie Underwood accepts the award for Entertainer of the Year


Carrie Underwood accepts the Top Female Vocalist award

Carrie Underwood performs "I Told You So"


Carrie Underwood performs "All American Girl"

(L to R) Jay DeMarcus and Gary LeVox from Rascal Flatts, Carrie Underwood and Kix Brooks perform in the opening number at the 44th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards in Las Vegas April 5, 2009.






Carrie Underwood Cares



Ever since we first took notice of Carrie way back in 2005, we at CarrieNEWS have been very aware of how generous Carrie really is. I'm happy to report on our new permanent feature here at CarrieNEWS.com which will highlight the many organizations which Carrie supports. I'd like to direct your attention to the left panel of this page to the section called "Carrie Cares." Here you'll find almost a dozen organizations with links for you to click on to make a donation, learn how to volunteer, or simply to find out more information. I hope you enjoy this new feature and if I've left any out (and I'm sure I have), please let me know at webmaster@carrienews.com.

   

Check out Carrie Underwood on the Orange Carpet


ACM Orange Carpet Special on GAC

Before the telecast of the 44th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards, GAC will give fans exclusive coverage of the glamorous orange carpet arrivals, Sunday night, April 5, at 7 p.m. ET.

The show takes place outside the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, where the awards telecast will also be held. Stars like Carrie Underwood, Brad Paisley and others will stop and chat with GAC hosts Storme Warren, Nan Kelley and Suzanne Alexander as they make their arrivals.

Source: Country Weekly

And be sure to vote for Carrie for Entertainer of the Year!


New Idol Poll



...<< MORE >>

Carrie Underwood Fashion Finalist




We have some exciting news to share! Carrie was voted as a finalist for the ACM Awards fashion poll at CMT.com. They would love your support to make sure Carrie fans come and vote for her as the most fashionable female artist!
Vote for Carrie here!

Carrie to appear on Oprah's Country Music Bash


From TheBoot.com...

Oprah Winfrey is set to host an all-star lineup of country stars on her talk show. Kenny Chesney, Darius Rucker, Sugarland, and Carrie Underwood will all visit the 'Oprah' show for a special country bash. The daytime diva also wants to make sure her guests' biggest fans are in the audience.

"Are you a fan of good country music? Is country music the soundtrack of your life?" Oprah asks viewers on her website. "If you are a HUGE country music fan and you'd like to be a part of the audience for this taping, we want to hear from you! We want to know who your favorite artist is and why! Email us now."

There's no word yet on the date of the Oprah-goes-country show, but you can already apply for a seat in the audience here.

More Ori


CarrieNEWS Exclusive...


You know we here at CarrieNEWS love to shine the spotlight on Carrie and everyone connected with Carrie in some way, shape, or form. If you don't know it by now, we've also become big fans of Orianthi Panagaris. You know her as the amazing guitarist who Carrie invited to help rock the Grammy house with "Last Name."  We recently caught up with Ori and she tells CarrieNEWS she "had an awesome time jamming out with Carrie and her band at the Grammys." Ori continues: "it was pretty surreal being up on that stage!"

Here's more of Ori's thoughts from her official MySpace blog, reprinted with Ori's permission, of course!
_____

Standing on the stage before the wall dropped in front of me at the Grammys was so surreal..my heart was beating so fast and I said to myself just have fun and jam out and dont think about how many people are watching! That was a cool thought until i looked at the front row and saw Nicole Kidman and some of rock royalty..and then it was like yep im playing at the GRAMMYS! A dream come true...I had a lot of fun jamming out with Carrie and her band. It was so nice of her to invite me up there!

Earlier in the day I watched Kanye West soundcheck, Sugarland, Katy Perry and radiohead and I walked past Bono.. Keith Urban was backstage on his cell and i really wanted to say hi, but I didn't want to be rude! Taylor swift came up to me afterwards and said that she really loved the performance..which was cool.. I got to meet one of my idols...BB King, I have been listening to him since i started playing guitar! so awesome.. he was very gracious and let me get a photo with him.

I am sending my thoughts and prayers to everyone that has been affected by the devastating bushfires back at home in Australia.

Peace and love
Ori

_____

Here's a flashback to the Grammys...




And here's an acoustic version Ori recorded of her song, "Drive Away"



Keep an eye on Orianthi Panagaris as she continues her rise to success. Thanks to Ori for her eagerness to help connect with Carrie's fans around the world. We'll be sure to keep in touch with her and let y'all know about the latest "Ori news!"

Carrie Underwood’s Faux Bob: Love It or Hate It?


From PeopleStyleWatch.com...



American Idol’s season 4 champ Carrie Underwood returned to her alma mater Wednesday to perform her updated version of Randy Travis’s country classic “I Told You So” (with the musician himself). Carrie also updated her look, sporting a new faux bob with her frock by Tracy Reese dress. While it may have looked like Carrie had cut her hair, her rep confirms that her still-long blonde locks were merely pinned up. And she topped it all off with a big black bow! Tell us: What do you think of Carrie’s faux bob? Would you wear it?

Vote in the "People" poll here. But, first vote on our own CarrieNEWS poll right here and we can compare the results!



BTW, Yahoo! Buzz Index lists Carrie at #3 of the most searched in music and she's up 352% in the past 24 hours!


Randy Travis talks about Carrie Underwood (and much, much more)


In this very cool interview, Randy Travis talks with John Melendez from The Tonight Show about Carrie, Idol, and his amazing career in country music. I hope you enjoy this as much as I did!

Watch more The Tonight Show videos on AOL Video


Highflying Carrie


As you probably know, Carrie taped her Idol performance with Randy Travis on Tuesday. Carrie was spotted at LAX before departing Los Angeles on Wednesday in these pics. Find out where to buy the T-shirt she's wearing, at the bottom of this set of photos.

Carrie Underwood taking her shoes off going through Airport security at LAX, Los Angeles

Carrie Underwood taking her shoes off going through Airport security at LAX, Los Angeles

Carrie Underwood taking her shoes off going through Airport security at LAX, Los Angeles

Carrie Underwood taking her shoes off going through Airport security at LAX, Los Angeles

Carrie Underwood taking her shoes off going through Airport security at LAX, Los Angeles

Carrie Underwood taking her shoes off going through Airport security at LAX, Los Angeles

Carrie Underwood taking her shoes off going through Airport security at LAX, Los Angeles


Get your own Hello Kitty T-shirt (just like the one Carrie's wearing in these pics). 
To celebrate Hello Kitty's Birthday, Sanrio has donated $5 for each exclusive T-shirt produced to her friends at The Humane Society of the United States. Get your Hello Kitty T-shirt here.

Grace-ful Alexis


I'm not particularly thrilled with Alexis getting booted off Idol tonight. What do you think?


Pics from Elton John AIDS Foundation Oscar Party


17th Annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Oscar Party - Inside

17th Annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Award Viewing Party - Arrivals
17th Annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Award Viewing Party - Arrivals

Special appearance by Carrie!


EW Popwatch was on the scene for yesterday's Top 11 performances. But, Carrie and Randy pre-taped their performance for tonight's show and Popwatch takes you behind the scenes...

Carrie Underwood and Randy Travis pre-taped their performance for tonight's results show, sending the audience into a rapturous tizzy. Well, after waiting some 20 minutes while Ryan shot a promo looking all casual in just his tailored white dress shirt (homeboy is looking fit these days), and then Cory dragged people from the audience for some spontaneous musical performances on the catwalk behind the judges' desk. Four audience members sang in total while we waited for Ryan to change into his Wednesday suit and the production to finish setting up the quite complicated stage set for Ms. Underwood and Mr. Travis — i.e. two stools, two Grand Ole Opry mic-stands, and a guitar for Travis that he barely played. Although the audience wannabe Idols were all surprisingly decent, the undeniable highlight was Lil Rounds' big sister, Tiffany. Cory helped her step up to the catwalk, erroneously introduced her as "Tiff Rounds" (Rounds is Lil's married name; Tiffany told me her last name is Cobure), and then out came a soaring gospel number called "Encourage Yourself," so captivating that the band's drummer quickly started keeping the beat behind her. Outsize vocals evidently run deep in that family. Also, I gotta give it up for the four people who sat in for Randy, Kara, Paula and Simon during the pre-tape; they each delivered a hilariously spot-on impersonation of their respective judge when Cory asked them to critique the wannabe Idols.

Finally, Ryan was changed, and it was time for Carrie and Randy to sing. Before they began, the former American Idol told Ryan the current Idol crop "did such a great job" singing her songs, and Travis confessed he felt out of his depth giving the Idol hopefuls advice, since he doesn't possess much of any technical knowledge about music. "I don't really know what I'm doing," smiled Travis, "but I have fun doing it." Then the two transformed Travis "I Told You So" into a plaintive, quite affecting duet, and, dagnabit, I had fun listening to it.

>> Read more on the Top 11 performances here.

Bookmark and Share

<< MORE >>

Catch Carrie Underwood on this week's CMT Insider


Check out CMT Insider on CMT.com.  See show times, videos, photo galleries and more.

Check out this week's CMT Insider. Host Katie Cook brings you a recap of Brad Paisley, Carrie Underwood and Randy Travis as they take part in American Idol's Grand Ole Opry Week.

CMT Insider
Premieres Saturday, March 21 at 1:30 PM ET/PT

Bookmark and Share << MORE >>

Idol poll doubleplay






On Music Row: Idol audience presents marketing bonanza for Row stars



American Idol will feature the Grand Ole Opry on March 17 and 18 and showcase Opry members Carrie Underwood, Brad Paisley plus Randy Travis, who is the show’s musical mentor this season. In addition, Sony and Warner Bros. are leveraging the show’s audience of more than 24 million in some interesting and unconventional ways.

Underwood’s recording of Motley Crue’s “Home Sweet Home” was chosen as the season’s soundtrack for its weekly Idol-going-home segment. It is currently on sale as a digital track.

Underwood will also sing “I Told You So” with Travis this week and the digital duet will immediately be available for sale online. This track appears concurrently with her hit solo version of the song now climbing the charts.

>> Full Story

One Underwood for two Gokeys: 'American Idol' launches trading cards



LOS ANGELES - "American Idol" fans will soon be able to trade Carrie Underwoods for Danny Gokeys.

"Idol" production company FremantleMedia and trading card publisher Upper Deck are launching a new line of trading cards featuring images of past and current contestants as well as the judges and host of the Fox singing competition. The 138-card line is set to debut April 21.

"The 'American Idol' brand has always been really strong in the interactive space," said Nora Wong, FremantleMedia senior manager of consumer products.

"With the trading cards, it's an old school way of interacting with the fans. It's another form of expression for the fans to demonstrate their connection with the show and collect their favourites."

Six special cards autographed by past "Idols" will be randomly slipped into the five-card packs. Regular cards will feature rejected hopefuls such as William Hung and Nick Mitchell, past winners like Ruben Studdard and David Cook, and popular finalists including Adam Lambert and Jennifer Hudson.

What about long-gone first season co-host Brian Dunkleman?

"That remains to be seen," said Wong. 

More information here.


Stars Step up to the Plate




From CountryWeekly.com...

Carrie Underwood, Vince Gill, Darius Rucker, Joe Nichols and Luke Bryan are among the stars who will be taking their swings for charity at the City of Hope Celebrity Softball Challenge, June 10, at Greer Stadium in Nashville.

The game, one of the highlights of CMA Music Festival Week in Nashville, raises money for the City of Hope, a leading center for the treatment of cancer and other serious illnesses. Two teams of country stars, representing the Grand Ole Opry and "After MidNite With Blair Garner," compete in the contest, which usually features plenty of pranks and surprises. And this year, the game is returning to an evening time slot, beginning at 7 p.m., giving fans and artists a comfortable break from the summer heat.  More stars will be announced soon. Tickets for the City of Hope Celebrity Softball Challenge are available now through ticketmaster.com.


Motley Crue And Carrie Underwood To Team Up In The Future?


'I think we both want to write songs together,' guitarist Mick Mars says at event for Crüe Fest 2 tour.


>> Full Story

Vote for Carrie Underwood for ACM Entertainer of the Year


From CMT.com...

Fan voting began Monday (March 16) for the Academy of Country Music's entertainer of the year. Kenny Chesney, Brad Paisley, George Strait, Carrie Underwood and Keith Urban are nominated for the honor to be presented during the 44th annual ACM Awards show taking place April 5 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Voting continues through the last hour of the show which airs live on CBS. Online voting is underway at Web sites established by the ACM and CBS.

CarrieNEWS needs your help


We're always trying to make CarrieNEWS into the type of website you'll get the most enjoyment from and we'd love to get your feedback on the question below. We love to spotlight people in Carrieworld who are connected to Carrie in some way because we feel it helps round out the story. But, how do you feel about focus of our stories?




Ori on Carrie


I'm sure y'all remember Carrie's fantastic performance of "Last Name" at last month's Grammys. But, don't forget the equally fantastic performance by guitarist extraordinaire Orianthi Panagaris. Ori brings distinctive classic rock sensibilities to the performance and, if you're anything like me, you can't wait to hear more from her. In this video, Orianthi talks about how she felt before the Grammys. Enjoy!


Sony Music Nashville Boat Show




Carrie Underwood is presented a plaque on March 5, 2009, for selling 10 million albums.
Photo Credit: Tony Phipps

Congratulations, Carrie, on all of your amazing success! We here at CarrieNEWS.com are extremely proud to be here to help shine a light on your amazing body of work (which just keeps getting better and better!).

For more cool pics of other artists at the Sony Music Nashville boat show, visit CMT.com!

The Polling Place



From Idol to Opry


Carrie will be performing at the Grand Ole Opry on June 9th and you can enter to win a trip to Nashville (including airfare!)!
Visit Opry.com to enter!
 

Breaking News: Grand Ole Opry Week on American Idol


Opry.com reports...

America's top-rated television show is about to join forces for a week with the "Show That Made Country Music Famous"! American Idol will feature a Grand Ole Opry theme on March 17 & 18, as contestants will select and perform songs popularized by Opry members!

In addition, Carrie Underwood and Randy Travis will sing together on Randy's classic hit and Carrie's current single, "I Told You So," plus Brad Paisley will make the television debut of his new single, "Then," from his forthcoming summer album. 

-

CarrieNEWS: What a fantastic showcase this will be. Not only for Carrie, but for all of country music! This is awesome news!

New Idol Poll








ETA: Jasmine and Jorge were sent packing and it looks like you guys were spot on. According to our poll, you gave Jasmine 0 votes and Jorge got only 1. With such insight, I should ask y'all if you know tomorrow's lotto numbers!

Happy Birthday, Carrie Underwood!


Happy Birthday, Carrie!!
...from everyone at CarrieNEWS.com

 

Be sure to go to our splash page and post your own birthday wishes for Carrie!

Also, be sure to download Carrie's new Idol send-off tune, Home Sweet Home. It's available on iTunes for only 99 cents and
part of the proceeds go to the Humane Society!


<< MORE >>

Music nominations keep adding up for Carrie Underwood


Carrie Underwood has received another nomination for next month’s 44th annual Academy of Country Music Awards.

Underwood, from Checotah, and producer Mark Bright earned a nomination for her sophomore release, "Carnival Ride,” for album of the year.

Her other nominations were revealed last month in a televised news conference. Underwood, 25, now is nominated for album of the year, video of the year for "Just a Dream,” top female vocalist and entertainer of the year.

>> Full Story at Newsok.com


Congratulations, Carrie!!!



More on "Home Sweet Home"



In my previous post, it highlighted some key points on this project. But, I thought y'all would like to read the full press release from Sony Nashville...

CARRIE UNDERWOOD RECORDS CONTESTANT FAREWELL SONG
FOR AMERICAN IDOL
 
“Home Sweet Home” to Be Released as a Digital Single, with a Portion of Proceeds Benefiting The Humane Society of the United States

 

NASHVILLE – Season 4 American Idol winner, four-time GRAMMY winner, and 2009 ACM Entertainer of the Year nominee Carrie Underwood has recorded a song for the new season of American Idol.  The song, a remake of Mötley Crüe’s “Home Sweet Home,” will air each week as the farewell theme for contestants leaving the show.  The song will make its debut on American Idol on March 11, as the next contestant becomes eliminated from the show.  “Home Sweet Home” will release as a digital single, found exclusively at iTunes through March 16, and will subsequently be available at online music retailers everywhere.


The release of the single will support a cause dear to Carrie’s heart as Carrie, 19 Recordings, and Sony Music Nashville will donate a portion of the sales proceeds from “Home Sweet Home” to The Humane Society of the United States (www.hsus.org).


A longtime supporter of The Humane Society, Underwood comments, “I’ve always loved this song, and besides being very fitting for Idol, to me, the title is also very fitting with animal rescue and finding animals their own homes.  So we felt it was important to tie the release into an amazing animal charity like The HSUS.”


“Home Sweet Home” joins a list of such past Idol send-off songs as Daniel Powter’s “Bad Day,” Chris Daughtry’s “Home,” and Ruben Studdard’s re-working of the Kenny Loggins favorite, “Celebrate Me Home.”


Since winning American Idol in 2005, Underwood has become one of the most popular performers in the nation.  Her debut album, Some Hearts, is the biggest selling American Idol debut project to date, having sold more than seven million copies in the United States.  With the release of her current album, Carnival Ride, she has now sold 10 million albums in just over three years and has had nine #1 singles.  Carrie is currently climbing the country airplay charts with her most recent smash, “I Told You So,” also from Carnival Ride.




Carrie Underwood Makes 100 Hottest Blondes List



Where did Carrie come in on the list? Check it out here!


Carrie Underwood Remakes Mötley Crüe Hit for American Idol


Carrie Underwood has recorded a version of Mötley Crüe's "Home Sweet Home" for American Idol. Starting on Wednesday (March 11), the song will be played when contestants are voted off the show and will be available as a digital single on iTunes on March 16. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). "I've always loved this song, and besides being very fitting for Idol, to me, the title is also very fitting with animal rescue and finding animals their own homes," Underwood said. "So we felt it was important to tie the release into an amazing animal charity like the HSUS." Underwood won American Idol in 2005.

Source: CMT.com


Sounds like this will be something to really look forward to. What do you think?



Carrie Underwood Praises Randy Travis


"I've always loved Randy Travis," Carrie told Dial-Global. "He's got such a distinct voice. When I was very young, I didn't know who he was or what he looked like, but I could pick out his voice. 'Cause it's very memorable, and I knew all the words. I had the cassettes, and I think for some reason he kind of reminds me of my dad."

>> Full Story at GACTV.com


Carrie, North of the Border


Here's something just in from our random picture department...


Carrie Underwood, center, watches the Ottawa Senators take on the Toronto Maple Leafs in NHL hockey action with unidentified friends in Ottawa on Saturday Feb. 28, 2009. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Sean Kilpatrick) Photo Tools

19 Entertainment profits soar


Inside Carrieworld...

19 Entertainment has reported a strong 37% increase in adjusted operating profit for 2008 fuelled by American Idol, the Spice Girls reunion tour and managing David Beckham's business interests.

19's live music business includes income from tours by the Spice Girls, Carrie Underwood and Chris Daughtry.

>> Full Story

<< MORE >>

A Birthday Wish for Carrie Underwood




Like last year, we’d like your help in putting together a special birthday wish so we can share our love for Carrie.

AceUnderwood.com (our sister site) is inviting you to send a video birthday greeting to Carrie for her 26th birthday on March 10th!

But, for 2009, we have something really special planned!

This time, we’d love for you to include your pet in your video! And not just rat terriers (like Ace), and not only dogs or cats or birds or fish, but any pet at all! You can even include your pet donkey, your rhino, a pig, or even your pet shark!

Videos no longer than 1 minute in length will be featured on the home page of AceUnderwood.com and at CarrieNEWS.com!

Just go to www.youtube.com/aceunderwoodfans.
On the left panel under “connect with aceunderwoodfans,” click on “Join Ace on YouTube” and you’re ready to upload your video!

You only have until March 10th so there’s only one more week!

Grab your video camera and your favorite pet (dog, cat, goldfish, etc.) and submit your birthday message for Carrie today!

New YouTube channel for Carrie Underwood's dog, Ace


You know him. You love him. You probably already know about the Ace Underwood Fan Club at aceunderwood.com.



But, did you know you can now visit the new YouTube channel for Carrie Underwood's dog, Ace?!

Check it out at www.youtube.com/aceunderwoodfans and join the Ace Underwood YouTube group, today! You'll be glad you did!

Inside Carrieworld with Alison Bonaguro


Inside Carrieworld...

Our friend Alison Bonaguro over at CMT.com is quite the blogger. In fact, if I didn't know better, I'd say that Alison is one of Carrie's biggest fans. You'll always find a kind mention of Carrie and, quite often, she has some nice scoops on news that may have been overlooked elsewhere.


In this post from yesterday, Alison discusses how Randy Travis and Carrie are so respectful to each other regarding Carrie's Opry performance of "I Told You So" and of the induction invitation. I think you'll really enjoy it here.

And in this post, Alison talks about a great auction to help support St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. You can bid on this children's boot which Carrie signed at last year's Konocti Harbor concert.


CarrieNEWS.com also supports St. Jude. You can check out the auction here.

Here's a little about Alison from CMT.com...

Alison Bonaguro contributes to the Chicago Tribune, CMT.com and this fabulous blog. When she's not writing about country music, she's listening to it, calling radio request lines and recruiting new fans. She lives with her husband, three kids and hundreds of country CDs in the suburbs of Chicago.

You can check out Alison's website here. You can even see what the mysterious Mrs. Bonaguro looks like! Say "hi" to Alison and tell 'em CarrieNEWS sent ya!


HOW GREAT THOU ART CD Nominated for a Dove Award


From Opry.com...


It was recently announced that HOW GREAT THOU ART: GOSPEL FAVORITES LIVE FROM THE GRAND OLE OPRY has been nominated for a Dove Award in the Special Event Album category. The 40th Annual GMA Dove Awards will take place on April 23 at the Grand Ole Opry House. For ticket information, click here.

HOW GREAT THOU ART: GOSPEL FAVORITES LIVE FROM THE GRAND OLE OPRY celebrates and showcases the amazing gospel music that is performed regularly at the Grand Ole Opry each year by country music's biggest stars. This unique collection features twelve gospel songs recorded live at the Grand Ole Opry by artists including Trace Adkins, Dierks Bentley, Charlie Daniels Band with Mac Powell, Sara Evans, Vince Gill, Alan Jackson, Patty Loveless, Loretta Lynn, Ronnie Milsap, Brad Paisley, Ricky Skaggs and The Whites, and Carrie Underwood.


Carrie Underwood helps out Habitat for Humanity


From Clothes Off Our Back: Celebrity Clothing Auctions...


Own the Habitat for Humanity hardhat autographed by Carrie Underwood. Ms. Underwood signed the hat to support Habitat’s mission of providing safe and decent housing for all.

Proceeds from the auction benefit families served by Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles through the Hollywood for Habitat for Humanity program.

Winner will receive a Certificate of Authenticity from Hollywood for Habitat for Humanity.

Visit the auction here.


And the Oscar Goes To...




LOS ANGELES, Feb. 23 /PRNewswire/ — Sir Elton John and David Furnish hosted the 17th Annual Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF) Academy Awards(R) viewing party. The event was held on Sunday, February 22, 2009 at the Pacific Design Center and was co-sponsored by Chopard, Jo and Raffy Manoukian and Vh1. EJAF's party to celebrate the Academy Awards(R) was one of the night's best attended parties and raised nearly $4 million.

The annual gala continues to be the leading fundraising event in Hollywood on Oscar night. This year's gala brought some exciting moments including a live performance by Sir Elton John and special guest Raphael Saadiq, as well as a emotional first-hand account by Kerrel McKay who spoke about her experiences as an HIV/AIDS activist in her home country of Jamaica. McKay also spoke about a public service campaign orchestrated by the Caribbean Broadcast Media Partnership on HIV/AIDS, supported by the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

 

Carrie Underwood poses on the press line at the Elton John Academy Award viewing and after party in West Hollywood, Calif. on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2009.

(AP Photo/Dan Steinberg) 

 

This year's guests included the event's esteemed co-chairs Victoria Beckham and John Walters in addition to Hollywood luminaries such as Sir Ben Kingsley, Claire Danes & Hugh Dancy, Gerard Butler, Ben Stiller & Christine Taylor, Quincy Jones, Keifer Sutherland, Whoopi Goldberg, Sharon Stone, Eva Longoria Parker, Kate Beckinsale, Carrie Underwood, Natasha Bedingfield, Chace Crawford, Olivia Wilde, Rosanna Arquette, Josh Groban, Elle Macpherson, Gordon Ramsey, Eric McCormack, Tim Allen, Rashida Jones, Molly Sims, Russell Simmons, Dita Von Teese, Zac Posen, Natasha Henstridge, Terrell Owens, Chris O'Donnell, Paz Vega, Chris Noth, Taye Diggs and Ricki Lake.

Guests arrived for cocktails followed by dinner and viewing of the 81st Annual Academy Awards in the custom-built tent adorned in black and cream hued modern "supper club" decor created exclusively by Antony Todd. The five-course meal, as created by Chef Wayne of Crumble Catering, included carnaroli risotto with dry Marsala wine and crystallized natural flowers, choice of sauteed beef filet or roasted halibut and a dessert puffed chocolate tartlet with raspberry bitter orange sauce, among others.

As is tradition, immediately following dinner, auctioneer Jamie Niven of Sotheby's led the evening's live auction. Items auctioned included the opportunity to dance with Ellen DeGeneras on her Emmy Award winning talk show, which sold for $20,000; two jewel encrusted 10th Anniversary Elton John AIDS Foundation collection watches designed by Chopard went for $250,000 each; a one-hour tennis lesson by tennis champion Andy Roddick sold at auction for $31, 000; taken directly for the Academy Award stage was the "Milk" soap box used by Hugh Jackman in his opening homage to this years' Best Picture nominees; and a three-day, four-night stay at the Normandy, France home of the Forbes family, Chateau de Balleroy, sold for $80,000.



Carrie Underwood Arrives for the Oscars


Arriving in Los Angeles just ahead of this year’s Academy Awards, Carrie Underwood was spotted landing at LAX Airport on Saturday night (February 21).

>> Full Story and Photo Gallery

Carrie Underwood: Simon Cowell has a soft side



SIMON Cowell may be TV's Mr Nasty, but American Idol fourth season winner Carrie Underwood was full of praise for the British judge.

"I think Simon has actually got a wee bit nicer over the past couple of years,'' she said, speaking at the launch of the American Idol Experience attraction at Disneyworld, Florida.

"He's always been pretty nice to me and I think it's really good that somebody will give you a dose of reality even if it might be said in a harsh manner. I can think of nicer ways to say things than he tells them, but it's nice that he's got a very strong opinion.''

Reese Witherspoon's action film dream


Read on for a cool Carrie mention...



Reese Witherspoon wants to star in an action film. The Oscar-winning actress would love to become an action hero like Angelina Jolie, and would even consider hitting the gym to get the right physique for the part.

The diminutive star is quoted as saying: "I would like to do an action movie. I love to watch Angelina Jolie in movies like 'Mr. and Mrs. Smith'. "I think movies where women have great strength and character are interesting. I'm dying to do one." Reese recently revealed her nine-year-old daughter Ava gets embarrassed by her mother's singing. The 32-year-old star said: "I love to sing around the house and in the car, but my daughter hates it. She said, 'Mom I really appreciate you taking me to the concert, but will you please not embarrass me in front of Carrie Underwood by singing because she's a real singer and you're just, like a movie singer.' " Reese also has a five-year-old son, Deacon. Both children are from her marriage to actor Ryan Philippe.

Source: PR Inside

Carrie watches Senators at Predators



Carrie Underwood (L) watches the Nashville Predators play the Ottawa Senators in their NHL hockey game in Nashville, Tennessee, February 16, 2009. REUTERS/M. J. Masotti Jr.

 
 

Carrie Underwood on ET



Carrie will be getting even more national exposure as she's being featured on Monday's edition of Entertainment Tonight.
Be sure to catch "A day in the life of Carrie Underwood" on tomorrow night's edition of ET!


Carrie Underwood: 'I'm Anti-Valentine's Day'




Note to potential Carrie Underwood suitors: Keep your Valentine's Day chocolate and roses.

"I'm anti-Valentine's Day," says the country singer, 25, who just scored her fourth Grammy last Sunday. "I don't believe – and this goes for anybody – your man shouldn't love you for one day out of 365. He should love you 365 days out of the year. I want Valentine's Day every day."

But she does have a special guy in her life: Ace, her rat terrier. "My little man!" she says. "He's here with me. We'll be on a plane together Saturday."

Trip to Disney

Underwood was one of dozens of former American Idol contestants who turned up for the grand opening of the American Idol Experience at Disney's Hollywood Studios in Orlando on Thursday. The attraction allows Disney World guests to perform on an Idol-like stage while audience members vote for their favorite. And the winner lands a fast pass to the front of the line at a future Idol audition.

Also in attendance at the opening: current Idol champ David Cook, David Archuleta, Fantasia Barrino and past fan favorites Sanjaya Malakar, Bo Bice, Brooke White and Jason Castro.

"I think it's awesome," Underwood said of hearing the current crop of Idol wannabes sing her songs. "When I went through, I wanted to be Kelly [Clarkson], I wanted to be Fantasia. It's just so crazy now to think, 'Oh my gosh, somebody actually wants to be me!' "

Source: People.com

P.S.: Happy Valentine's Day to everyone in Carrieworld!!!


Carrie Underwood's Newest Video


Here's Carrie's newest music video, "I Told You So (Live)" as performed at The Grand Old Opry. Be sure to click and view as often as you can because it helps Carrie's music rise up the charts. Enjoy!


<< MORE >>

American Idol Experience Launches with Carrie Underwood


LAKE BUENA VISTA - For the first time, all seven "American Idol" champs were together on one stage Thursday night for the kickoff of the new American Idol Experience attraction at Disney's Hollywood Studios theme park.

"This is like a high school reunion for Idols," said David Cook, who teamed up with Carrie Underwood for a duet at a private premiere party attended by media and invited guests.

Also taking the stage in the 1,000-seat Idol Experience Theater were Jordin Sparks, Taylor Hicks, Fantasia Barrino, Ruben Studdard and the first Idol, Kelly Clarkson.

They were all given silver commemorative trophies modeled after microphones.

"This is a lot of fun for us to be together at one time," Underwood said.

Carrie Underwood waves to fans Thursday, Feb. 12, 2009 during the grand opening of 'The American Idol Experience' attraction at Disney's Hollywood Studios theme park at Walt Disney World in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

(AP Photo/Disney, Kent Phillips)

"American Idol" host Ryan Seacrest and judge Paula Abdul joined in a demonstration of the attraction: a live musical competition based on the hit Fox television show. Missing were judges Randy Jackson, Kara DioGuardi and Simon Cowell.

Abdul, wearing a turquoise and red miniskirt, noted Cowell's absence with, "This stage is like the real thing, but it feels warmer … friendly … and really 'American.' "

The American Idol Experience involves amateur singers performing before three "judges" (actors who are mock versions of the "Idol" judges) and a "host" who resembles Seacreast. But the audience decides who gets a "golden ticket" that grants "head of the line" access to audition for the real TV show.

During the opening presentation, the media saw something theme park guests won't see: Cook, the reigning Idol, sang "Light On" and Carrie Underwood, the fourth Idol, sang "All-American Girl."

Singers David Cook and Carrie Underwood perform a duet Thursday, Feb. 12, 2009 during the grand opening of the new American Idol Experience attraction at Disney's Hollywood Studios theme park at Walt Disney World in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

(AP Photo/Disney, Gene Duncan)

The two hooked up for a duet of Fleetwood Mac's "Go Your Own Way."

Also in the audience were "Idol" runners-up, including Sanjaya Malakar, David Archuleta, Ace Young, Jason Castro, Mandisa, LaKisha Jones, Phil Stacey, Carly Smithson, and Michael Johns.

Comic Steve Harvey was there as a special guest of Disney. Harvey, spokesman for Walt Disney's teen-motivational "Dreamers" Academy, brought 100 deserving teens to the grand opening.

The "Idol" winners and Seacrest were in a motorcade parade leading up to the theater, where a blue carpet awaited (to match "American Idol's" branding color scheme). Disney characters Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and Goofy were there, too.

Carrie Underwood poses Feb. 12, 2009 with Mickey Mouse during the grand opening of 'The American Idol Experience' attraction at Disney's Hollywood Studios theme park at Walt Disney World in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

(AP Photo/Disney, Kent Phillips)

The attraction, featuring four shows daily, officially opens Saturday.

Source: Tampa Bay Online


Blue Carpet Media Event


Carrie's Disney Duet with fellow Idol David Cook


Carrie's Disney Performance of "All-American Girl"


<< MORE >>