Carrie Underwood - America's Country Idol
Over a thousand of Nashville's most celebrated artists and songwriters, as well as music industry professionals from around the world, recently gathered at the star-studded gala for the presentation of the 43rd Annual ASCAP Country Music Awards, proving once again that ASCAP songs are at the heart of country music's enduring success. This year's celebration took place at two of Nashville's most distinctive landmarks: The Ryman Auditorium and the BellSouth Tower. Among those in attendance were Kenny Chesney, Gretchen Wilson, Carrie Underwood, Rascal Flatts, and others. The evening opened with a stellar performance of "I Saw The Light" by Rascal Flatts, and throughout the evening hit songwriters performed live renditions of the past year's Top 5 most performed ASCAP songs. Craig Wiseman performed "Live Like You Were Dying," Brett James sang "When The Sun Goes Down," Monty Powell performed "Days Go By" and ASCAP Voice of Music Award honoree Kenny Chesney delighted the audience with a knock out performance of "I Go Back."

Carrie Underwood looked beautiful...and all grown up! Her new album "Some Hearts" is in stores November 8th, 2005.

Carrie Underwood Fact Sheet

• Name: Carrie Underwood
• Birthdate: March 10, 1983
• Hometown: Checotah, OK
• Birthplace: Muskogee, OK
• Debut CD: Some Hearts
• First Single: “Jesus Take the Wheel”
  
• American Idol winner
• 2005 Teen Choice Award “Choice Reality Star-Female”
• Voted the “World’s Sexiest Vegetarian” in PETA’s annual online poll – 2005
• Musical Influences: Martina McBride, Loretta Lynn, ‘80s “hair bands,” John Denver, Reba McEntire, Garth Brooks

Interesting Facts:

• Salutatorian of graduating class of Checotah High School, 2001
• Loves animals, horror movies, Dallas Cowboys football and Star Trek: The Next Generation
• Large CD collection includes three favorite albums: Martina McBride’s Greatest Hits, Randy Travis’ Always & Forever and Foo Fighters’ In Your Honor, as well as music by Green Day, Rascal Flatts and Garth Brooks.