Advertising

The Seattle Times Company

NWjobs | NWautos | NWhomes | NWsource | Free Classifieds | seattletimes.com

The Seattle Times

Music / Nightlife


Our network sites seattletimes.com | Advanced

Originally published Friday, September 19, 2008 at 12:00 AM

Comments      E-mail article     Print view

Carrie Underwood's winning ways didn't stop after "Idol"

The music industry has had little to celebrate lately, faced with declining revenues, illegal file sharing and general irrelevance. But beacons of hope...

The Denver Post

Concert preview

Carrie Underwood

Fisher Stevenson opens, 7:30 tonight, Puyallup Fair, 110 Ninth Ave. S.W., Puyallup; $50-$75, includes fair admission (253-841-5045 or www.thefair.com).

Puyallup Fair

Mainstage concerts continue through the final weekend of the fair, with Michael W. Smith and Steven Curtis Chapman sharing a bill at 7:30 p.m. Saturday ($20-$50), and kiddie-rock band The Doodlebops at 1:30 and 4 p.m. Sunday ($15-$30). Fair hours: 10 a.m.-11 p.m. today and Saturday and 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday.

The music industry has had little to celebrate lately, faced with declining revenues, illegal file sharing and general irrelevance.

But beacons of hope do exist — and one of the brightest of the past three years has been country-pop superstar Carrie Underwood, who plays the Puyallup Fair tonight.

Bucking the trend of most musicians, Underwood's CD sales and awards have rolled in with regularity. More important, her wholesome image has connected with people in a genuine way, providing an antidote to the slick, forced personas of most would-be pop stars.

"Right after I came off 'American Idol,' I used every single opportunity that I could to prove myself," said Underwood. "I consider every vocal performance and every award show the same way."

The winner of the fourth season of "American Idol" and the show's first overtly country singer, Underwood has set a number of records approached only by fellow alumna Kelly Clarkson. Her 2005 debut, "Some Hearts," has moved more than 7 million units — the best-selling album by an "American Idol" contestant, and the best-selling debut by a solo female artist in country-music history.

Critics may charge that her songs appeal to a demographic that likes its entertainment with a spoonful of corn syrup. But a glance at her background reveals the integrity and intelligence behind her decisions.

After winning "Idol," the Oklahoma native made a point to finish her college journalism degree. Add to that her USO tours in Iraq and her cozy relationship with PETA (she's been a vegetarian since age 13), and a more complex portrait of Underwood emerges.

"You might hate me. You might not like the songs that I choose," she said. "But hopefully you're going to be able to say, 'OK, she's trying really hard. She's giving it all she's got.' "

Trying — and succeeding. It came as no surprise when Underwood scored multiple Country Music Association nominations last week, including Best Female Vocalist and Album of the Year. At the ripe old age of 25, Underwood already counts various CMA trophies, Grammys and People's Choice awards among her achievements.

"I don't think there's any one thing that I'm reaching for," Underwood said. "I'm just kind of going with it. I've gotten so lucky thus far, so I'd feel guilty wanting more."

Despite that aw-shucks proclamation, Underwood also admitted she's interested in expanding her focus in the future.

"There are so many avenues open to artists now that want something to do to break up the monotony," she said. "It's not monotonous for me now, but you can look into television avenues and Broadway, or you can find new talent to produce."

Underwood also has the good sense to take others' advice when it's needed.

"I would love to spend more time songwriting," she said, referring to the increasing creative presence on her most recent album, "Carnival Ride." "But I'm not one of those artists that says my songs must be on my album. If they're good enough, they'll be on there, and if they're not, they're not.

"I need constant reassurance [that] what I'm doing is good. Ultimately things are my decision, but you also need people that are in touch with the outside world. I live in a bubble, as much as I fight it. And I feel like the more I have others' opinions around me, the more things will be all right."

Copyright © 2008 The Seattle Times Company

CD review | Wale's 'Attention Deficit'

Dozens of acts, several stages beckon at first Seattle cabaret festival

Deck the Hall Ball lineup announced; tickets on sale Saturday

Simon Rattle, Berlin Philharmonic to tour U.S.

Taylor made? All eyes on Swift at CMA awards

Advertising

Video

Ken Auletta talks about "Googled"
Ken Auletta talks about Google with Brier Dudley at the Seattle Central Library.

Medal of Honor
Pelosi answers questions at Swedish Medical Center
Pelosi speaks at Swedish Medical Center
"Pistol" Pete Ryan
Mourners gather at KeyArena for slain officer's memorial
Procession for slain SPD officer
Election Night: Approve R-71
Election Night: Reject R-71
Election Night: Joe Mallahan

Marketplace

nwautos

2009's most fuel-efficient sedansnew
Choosing a new sedan? Weigh the impact of your choice on your wallet and on the planet.
Post a comment

Open Houses

Find this weekend's open house listings.
Or search by location:

 
Most read
Most commented
Most e-mailed
 
 
Advertising