Carrie Underwood Makes Country Music History at CMT Awards

The small town young woman from Checotah, Oklahoma likely surprised no one more than herself when she was awarded country music's Entertainer of the Year award at the 2010 Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards held April 18, 2010. Not only is this a prestigious award, one that is voted on by country music fans, but Underwood became the first female to win the award more than once, having also won it in 2009.

Other Award News

Earlier that same evening of April 18, 2010, Underwood was honored by ACM with a special trophy for having already having garnered top female vocalist, entertainer of the year and top newcomer in her storied career--and all by the age of 26. Brad Paisley, another country superstar, said of Underwood after her special award, "That just says everything about how great she is" (STLToday.com)

Grand Ole Opry

March 15, 2008 stands as yet another highlight night in the career of the former American Idol winner. That's the night she received a surprise invitation to join the Grand Ole Opry by country music legend, Randy Travis. On May 10, 2008, Underwood was officially inducted into the Grand Ole Opry ranks by fellow Oklahoma native and country music superstar, Garth Brooks.

Underwood's thoughts on the Grand Ole Opry, from her official website: "The induction award they gave me says, 'Hey, you're a part of the family.' It means a lot to me because it's the heart of country music, the church, the sacred place, the super-elite club that says you love this music."

Origins

It's true that Carrie Underwood now calls Nashville, Tennessee her home, rather than the small Oklahoma town where she grew up. But she remains true to much of what she learned and enjoyed as a child, including singing traditional hymns. Growing up she sang at the Checotah Freewill Baptist Church, among other local venues.

During an interview at the Grand Ole Opry, where the interviewer noted that Underwood's contribution to an Opry gospel compilation was the hymn, How Great Thou Art, Carrie said, " I really love the traditional hymns. A few of my favorites are "The Old Rugged Cross," "Just As I Am," "Because He Lives," and of course, "How Great Thou Art." Find any old hymn book and I'm sure to love every song in there!"

Carrie Underwood has won the admiration of her fans and the respect of her peers in the music business with not only her musical talent, but also her graciousness and by being true to who she is. Even if she stopped performing tomorrow, she would have attained more popular and critical success than many other performers are able to achieve in decades.

Sources: STL Today
Grand Ole Opry
Carrie Underwood official website