American Idol & Country Music?

Carrie Underwood


American Idol is not simply for aspiring pop stars any longer. Last seasons final episode - which pitted rock and roll musician Bo Bice against country and western singer Carrie Underwood - is substantial validation that Americas Idol does not have to be the typical “pop music” star.

More than 50 million people called or text messaged votes for Bo or Carrie in American Idol’s fourth finale competition. Ultimately, viewers could not resist the sweet country crooner from Oklahoma. She had even won the kudos of Simon Cowell, the English judge aknowledged more for his piercing critiques than his regards. All through the rivalry, Cowell had continuously said American Idol was Carrie’s game. When she won America’s Idol, Carrie guaranteed her people that she would continue to sing in the musical style that had always been in her heart - country music.

In fact, Carrie Underwood has frequently stated that her taking part in American Idol - rather than the country competition Nashville Star - was good for the tV audience. "I think it's really good for country music to have somebody advance as far as I have, because maybe it opens some people's eyes that didn't like it before," she told USA Today before American Idol’s final episode.

Carrie - a 22-year-old college senior - beat out more than 100,000 original participants and 22 semi-finalists to win American Idol. Even American Idol’s harshest belittlers have to agree that’s quite a triumph for anyone, but perhaps an even larger feat for a country and western singer. Her first single Inside Your Heaven, came out in mid-June, sold 130,000 copies and moved straight to the top of the Billboard 100. Most of America cannot get enough of Carrie Underwood, but what about the country music fans?

Despite her proclamation of her commitment to country music, Carrie has not really done the same as was planned: the country music buffs response has been halfhearted at best. Inside Your Heaven might have been #1 on Billboard, but it barely made a nick on country music charts and has received very little play on country music radio.

Still, Carrie was invited to - and performed at - the 2005 Nashville. She’s performed at the Grand Ole Opry, has her own mini-site on the Country Music Network’s website, and she’s well on her way to turning into a successful country star.

After her American Idol triumph, Carrie signed a record contract with Arista Records. Inside Your Heaven was just a small preview of what’s to come - her first CD will be released this fall. however, a recording contract is simply the beginning. Carrie has also signed many moneymaking endorsement deals. She will be appearing in commercials to promote Hershey’s candy and Sketchers shoes. Further, in an internet opinion poll run by PETA, subscribers named Carrie the sexiest vegetarian alive along with Coldplay frontman Chris Martin.

As of today, Carrie is on tour with the all runners-up of American Idol - performing and bringing country music to idol fans in cities throughout the United States.