Carrie Underwood is one of the biggest names in the music industry today, but she never forgot where she started.
From Checotah, Oklahoma, 21-year-old, Carrie Underwood made a big leap of faith and signed up for the American Idol. She could have just been a small-town girl with big dreams, but now, she is living her dreams and has her very own Hollywood Walk of Fame star.
During her acceptance speech, Underwood was unable to hold back her tears looking back into how she started and on what she had become today.
American Idol Journey
Carrie Underwood was once one of the millions waiting for her big break. She found it when she joined The American Idol Season 4. Underwood admitted that she was scared of judge Simon Cowell, but her mother felt the opposite. While Underwood got butterflies in her tummy, her mom was so excited that her daughter’s auditioning. Today, Underwood sells-out arenas around the world.
It was in St Louis, Missouri that Underwood, who was a college senior at that time, had her initial audition. Her own rendition of Bonnie Raitt’s “I Can Make You Love Me” blew judges Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson which automatically earned her a golden ticket to Hollywood.
Carrie Underwood was able to find ways for her to advance in the competition even with some mishaps along the way. Throughout the course of the competition, Carrie’s wide vocal range was evident as she performed songs like, “Could’ve Been” by Tiffany, “Because You Love Me,” by Jo De Messina’s, and “Love is a Battlefield” by Pat Benetar. She also sang Elvis Presley’s “Trouble” and “Hello, Young Lovers” from the musical The King and I.
Host Ryan Seacrest introduced her as “The farm girl Carrie Underwood who’s more used to feeding cattle with her father than singing on stage.” During live shows, Underwood took a different approach and softened her country roots. She demonstrated her adaptable vocal skills while rocking some spectacular teased hair. After this jaw-dropping performance, judge Simon Cowell released a bold prediction.
Simon said that Underwood would not just win the competition, but she would also be selling more records than anyone who has ever won in the prestigious singing contest. This prediction came true as it was only Carrie Underwood and Kelly Clarkson, who was the winner of season 1, who were able to succeed even after the competition.
For her final performance, Underwood sang Martina McBride’s “Independence Day” and Guy Sebastian’s “Angels Brought Me Here.” It was also during this time when she sang her winner’s single “Inside Your Heaven.”
Soon after winning season 4 of the American Idol, Underwood released her first album Some Hearts in 2005. This contains Underwood’s first hit singles like, “Jesus Takes the Wheel,” “Don’t forget to Remember Me,” “Wasted” and “Before He Cheats.” The album was then hailed as the best-selling female country album for 3 straight years from, 2005 to 2007.
Still the Humble Carrie Underwood
Understanding where she came from and what she had gone through to reach where she is today, Underwood said that her success was a product of belief.
In her touching speech, the country singer thanked all the people who rooted for her. She also acknowledged the judges and the fans who believed in what she could become 13 years ago. She also thanked her husband and parents for being there for her.
Underwood specially mentioned her three-year-old son, Isaiah whom she described as the other man who also believed in her and the best thing that ever happened to her.
With such heartfelt speech, Underwood reminded us that even after becoming a mega-star, there are things that must come first in life such as our families. She also repeatedly said that believing is what kept her going despite all of the roadblocks in her Hollywood journey. As Underwood ended her heartfelt speech, she ended with these words,
“Believe in people. Believe in yourselves.”
Carrie Underwood’s Walk of Fame ceremony was only for a day, but her story and life lessons she communicated in her speech were words that we will not forget and put into action.
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