Carrie Underwood

“Play on when you're losing the game
Play on 'cause you're gonna make mistakes
It's always worth the sacrifice
Even when you think you're wrong
So play on, play on”

These are the motivating lyrics from one of Carrie Underwood’s many songs that inspire me and thousands others, in everything I do. Carrie, a legendary country singer and winner of American Idol’s season four, pushes me to become a better person, a better singer, and to always put 100% in. As Grand Ole Opry’s vice president and general manager, Mr. Fisher, said, “Carrie Underwood is not only a star, she is down to earth. She’s a woman with a powerful voice and an unshakable faith. And, she’s America’s girl next door. ”

Before the Fame
Carrie Underwood was born to Carole and Stephen Underwood in the small town of Checotah, Oklahoma on March 10, 1983. Her mom was an elementary school teacher and her dad was a paper mill worker. She had two older siblings - Shanna, 13 years older than her and Stephanie, 10 years older than her. By the age of three, Carrie started singing in her church and throughout elementary school; she sang many solos in student plays. In seventh grade, however, more and more people from her town started to notice her undeniable talent. In high school, she stayed involved in the music program and was extremely motivated to become famous.

Carrie registered at Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. When it came time to pick a major, she had to become serious about her career choice. Almost entirely giving up her dreams about singing, she chose broadcast journalism. She led the university’s television program and contributed to the school newspaper

Becoming Famous
While in college, her friends suggested that she try out for American Idol. At first, she was against the idea but, with lots of pestering, she was convinced. She drove all night with her mom and friends and arrived in St. Louis at six in the morning, just in time to be at the stadium at eight. She sang to James Breen, American Idol’s supervising producer, “Phones Are Ringing All Over Town” by Martina McBride. After being invited back, she sang another Martina McBride song for executive producer Nigel Lythgoe called “Independence Day” and was invited back once again to sing in front of the famous judges, Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell, and Randy Jackson. For them she sang Bonnie Raitt’s “I Can’t Make You Love Me” and was awarded a golden ticket to Hollywood- her first plane ride ever.

One by one, all the other contestants were eliminated until it was down to her and Bo Bice in the Finale on March 25, 2005. After plenty of nerve- racking moments, she was crowned the American Idol Season 4 Champion

After the finale, Carrie went on to sign to 19 Recording and Arista Records and released her single “Inside Your Heaven” which debuted as the Best Selling Song in the nation and made her the first country artist to become number one on the Hot 100 Billboard. She then released “Jesus Take the Wheel.” Soon after, she released her first album “Some Hearts” in November 2005. In November 2009, her third album came in stores, Play On and she toured all over the country.

Awards
Carrie has been recognized many times for Entertainer of the Year, Song of the Year, Album of the Year, Top Female Vocalist, and keeps earning more and more awards and nominations. Also, her first album, Some Hearts, went platinum seven times and her other album, Carnival Ride, went three times platinum and she just recently released her third CD, Play On, which has already sold thousands of copies. But on March 15, 2008, Carrie accomplished one of her biggest goals in life. While she was singing at the Grand Ole Opry, she was surprisingly invited to become a member! She happily said yes and then immediately started to shed tears of joy. At the induction ceremony on May 10, 2008, Garth Brooks told her that that award would be more special than any other CMA or ACM or any other award she would receive. She then promised to make people not regret bringing her into “this great big ole family that looks like such a great family to be a part of.”

Current Information
Just recently, Carrie married professional hockey player, Mike Fisher, and is planning to build a dream home in Ontario where they can live together with her dog, Ace. Also, last year, she made about nine million dollars and is currently releasing music videos for songs on her newest album!

How She Inspires Me
After everything Carrie has accomplished, you would think she would be ignorant and cocky. But, she stays true to who she is, remembers the things that were important to her when she was not famous, and she truly understands how lucky she is. Also, she gives back to her community and stays away from dirty things that other celebrities easily give into.

As you probably guessed, Carrie’s most common and best way of speaking to her fans is through her songs. She talks about many aspects of her life through her lyrics, including faith, dreams coming true, family, and pushing through life. For example, one of her most famous songs is titled “Jesus Take the Wheel” and shares her faith to anyone who listens. Also, she grew up in a small town and had many hardships just like anyone else. Now, she writes about never giving up in life, and I know in my hardest times, singing some of these songs makes me feel a lot better and gives me courage. Finally, she knows that she is very blessed to have accomplished what she has. “Some hearts just get lucky sometimes,” and “Thank God even crazy dreams come true,” are just some lines that illustrate these traits.

Every year, Carrie earns millions of dollars. She created CATS or Checotah Animal, Town, and School Foundation as a way to give back to the town that raised her. As she once said “Everybody has the power to do something, to be a contributing force and I would rather people look back on my life and say, ‘She made the world a better place.’ We can all do things like that, and I believe that when opportunities arise for you to do good, you should do good.” She also supports the United Service Organization (USO), PETA, and many others. One of her biggest community service trips, however, was her trip to Africa. She visited orphanages to help raise awareness and fight malaria. Her trip was part of Idol Gives Back, which she plays a huge role in. Carrie is a great example of giving back, not for publicity, but for doing the right thing.

Unlike other celebrities, Carrie does not give into the media’s rumors and other celebrities’ dirtiness. Carrie ignores any false gossip, even though there is rarely any about her, because there is nothing to gossip about. Carrie never forgets the morals she has been taught and thinks before acting. Also, her outfits, songs, videos, and the way she purveys herself is always positive and clean. She is a model that I look up to in almost everything I do.

Finally, she teaches me about hard work. Although Carrie has a great amount of natural talent, becoming as good of a singer as she is today, was not easy. She sang from the age of three and never stops. It takes plenty of patience, persistence, and work to obtain the vocal range and depth of her voice. When I hear her sing, I am motivated to put as much work as it takes to get as great of a voice as her.

Carrie Underwood is a famous country singer that encourages thousands of people every day. She displays that no matter what size of town you come from, you can become famous. Also, she writes about things that are important to her like her faith, gives back to her community, and keeps a good reputation. Finally, her personality shines through and she is not afraid to wear her heart on her sleeve. Carrie Underwood is the best example of somebody who had their dreams come true with hard work and determination.