Trolling for the Next Carrie Underwood
I know, I know. There's only one Carrie Underwood. But c'mon. You've got to think that every single person who stands before those American Idol judges on tonight's (Jan. 13) premiere is hoping for that same level of Underwood success. The kind that Simon Cowell anticipated when he told her, "I will make a prediction: Not only will you win this show, you will sell more records than any other previous Idol winner."
But rest assured, not all the auditions will be as good as Underwood's was. MTV warns that viewers should brace themselves for the girl who does Bette Midler's "The Rose" over a chorus of judges' laughter (including the newest addition to the AI table of judgment, Kara DioGuardi.) But not every entry-level singer is that horrible. There are reports that one contestant does Keith Urban's "Somebody Like You" and that his "twang fit the song perfectly." So I'm looking forward to that and any other countriness that finds its way into the show.
The best part about the auditions for me, beyond just the choice of a country song I love, is the unpolished, raw talent that is so obvious when you hear it. Like Underwood's was. She wasn't dressed to impress. She wasn't up there bragging about a lifetime of voice lessons. Her voice did all the work. (Well, that and the chicken-clucking thing she did at the judges' request.) It was just so perfectly clear that she had so much potential. I may not have the crystal ball Cowell apparently has, but I predict that it's time for another crazy awesome country singer, guy or girl, to win that show and go on to big, big things.
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Nancy says:
I thought Simon had predicted again that this year was going to belong to the guys again…He said they were better than the women contestants. Anyways, Carrie Underwood is Carrie Underwood and I will always be her biggest fan.
Lee says:
Simon always predicts it’s a guys year it seems. And I guess he always will till one of the male winners has Carrie Underwood success.
It gets old.I hear they’re planting a bunch more professionals this year just like last and we know how boring that turned out.There’s a reason those that have already had recording contracts failed.
I just hope they keep their word ( probably no chance) and show people who are at least trying to sing well and win and not the ones who are just there to get on TV.
Simon Jr. says:
It will be interesting to see if any real, great country singers like Carrie Underwood and Kellie Pickler, or just another boring, little bit country but mostly pop “think they are country” or “suddenly decide to go country” during the show country wannabe average singers like Phil Stacey and Kristy Lee Cook, made it on this season. Carrie and Kellie are the only ones who sang well enough to impress me enough to vote for them and they are 1 in a billion. Idol can hope and troll all they want for the next Carrie or Kellie however American Idol and country music lucked out when they discovered those 2 and I predict that it will be many years, if ever, before they find anyone else nearly as talented as either one.
Both Carrie and Kellie nailed their auditions and blew away all 3 judges and fans. Simon picked both to win the show and predicted Carrie would sell more records than any other previous winner. When judging Kellie’s first few performances he said “I kind of prefer you to last year’s winner (Carrie) actually… I do,” which he has NEVER said about anyone else so I could tell that like me, he knew both were the best! Like me, he probably also realized that Kellie was younger and had less experience and more great raw talent than anyone ever on the show. Most of the people she competed with were years older with years more experience, which is 1 reason why she did not win the voting for the entire season, although most weeks she outperformed most contestants and lead in votes. Since they competed on Idol, Carrie and Kellie have improved with more experience. Many Idol viewers and other music fans did not become fans until they heard their great albums.
Kellie and Daughtry are the real winners of season 5 and both have outsold many Idol winners and runners-up. Sony dropped the vote winners of their season, Kat McPhee and Taylor Hicks. Since Kellie made 2 of the best albums ever that the USA Today reviewer named in his top 5 at least and gave them 3 of 4 stars (same as Carrie’s albums), I’m sure Kellie’s sales would be a lot higher if Sony and 19 promoted her music anywhere remotely close to the level of promotion they gave Carrie, 4th place finisher Daughtry, Taylor swift’s label gave her, or any other best new country artist was given, so that her songs could have a fair chance to make top 5 on radio like she has proven she deserves. Instead they have always underpromoted her, and that’s why she’s the only best new country artist without a top 5 on radio. I hope this changes soon.
“Meanwhile, I was happy to receive an advance copy of the new, self-titled album, and wanted to share my first impressions. As you might recall, I was a big fan of her first album; indeed, it’s one of my top five Idol albums (at least).
I’m pleased to say this one’s a good one as well — mostly upbeat, plenty of perky, pop-oriented country tunes with recurring Dolly Parton-esque touches (and evocations of other top country singers as well). She sings with confidence and swagger, and — if all the planets align in accordance for radio — could have some hits.” Ken Barnes, USA Today
As I finish typing this, Idol season 8 is just starting and they showed a clip of Kellie’s audition and Carrie’s win at ther top of the show! I hope we see both as guest performers again this season! So far they are about the only 2 Idols to get invited back to perform every season, so I guess someone there knows they are the best.
Simon Jr. says:
Michael Gurr? just tried to sing and butchered Carrie’s “Starts with Goodbye” beyond comprehension at his audition. Ryan said he “murdered” it. He’s not even on the same planet as Carrie. NEXT!
Linda says:
I stopped watching AI after the first season, but I just wanted to say that I am still floored by Simon Cowell’s prediction about Carrie being the most successful winner and the fact that it’s become true.
mia says:
^^ yeah, i saw that! nice try- there was also a guy who changed some (many) of the words to Carrie’s ‘Last Name!’ anyways, Carrie Underwood is my favorite singer ever & is an inspiration to me. i absolutely love watching this show & how it brings back memories of when Carrie auditioned & how far she has come since that audition. Simon was absolutely right about Carrie, & i love it! one of the amazing things about Carrie is that she remains true to the modest, humble, & sweet country girl that auditioned for a singing talent show only a few years ago. American Idol really shows that ordinary, every-day people really can make it big, & Carrie is a prime example of this <3
countryiscool says:
Well, obviously some of you are not in MY time zone since IDOL hasn’t started here yet (west coast). I’m looking forward to it though and Simon is my fave judge-he can be mean sometimes, but I think he’s the only one that really gives a valid criticism- the others are there just to play off him. I think the judges should have a part in the finals too, not just allowing a bzillion teenyboppers to text/phone in some contestant that should never been there in the first place.I try to look at the show as pure fluff entertainment, and simply HOPE they find another Carrie or Kellie there.
Simon Jr. says:
I saw the guy who tried to sing Last Name and I think he said “my mamma would bake me a cake” LOL
1 audition city down and 7 to go. I heard a few ok singers but so far no cowboys or girls “wanted dead or alive.” Maybe Elijah Scarlett with the deeeeeeeeeep voice should have sang a Josh Turner song. I thought the most interesting or unique voice was Deanna Brown from Kentucky. When she talks she has a southern accent and I thought she would sing a country song, but she lives in L.A., is the spitting image of Deborah Harry (Blondie) and sings pop. I went to her myspace and she has her own songs and band. Those who have already recorded songs or sang with bands tend to have an advantage over those who haven’t, so she might do well.
The 2 hours of unlimited voting is one reason why the best don’t always win because certain fan bases figured out how to vote a bazillion times more than others. In season 5 it was Kat and Taylor fans and that’s why they won.
Virginie says:
The only IDOL season i’ve watched was season 4 when CARRIE won,i hope they would be able to find another CARRIE UNDERWOOD this season,there will be only one CARRIE UNDERWOOD
though and until now she is still my biggest idol from country music,i love her for being so humble,sweet and beautiful
and most importantly,being so very good and talented singer!!
Kate says:
To Simon Jr.
You are obviously a very big Kellie P fan and as a fan you are taking this opportunity (a Carrie blog)to promote the artist of your choice. Nothing wrong with that but I think you should drop the comparison thing because you are really comparing apples and oranges. To imply that Miss Pickler’s vocals are at par with a Carrie Underwood is an outrageous statement. Also to imply that Kellie’s success would be comparable to an Underwood and or Daughtery if only her record company promoted her more, is incredibly naive.
I see you brought out the ‘infamous’ Simon statement which by the way Simon Cowell addressed himself. He said in an interview (either with Larry King or on Ellen)that he should never have said that, and that it was a stupid thing that was said off the top of his head in the heat of the moment…
Cassie says:
I feel the same way Virginie. Carrie was the first idol contestant I had ever voted for even though I had watched every season before season 4. There was just something so special about Carrie. Her innocent charm and amazing talent just made you fall in love with her. I still watch idol and though many contestants have talent..none has matched what Carrie has. Carrie is still the shy, humble, beautiful and talented farm girl from OK. I will watch this year and enjoy. But there is only one Carrie Underwood. I thank idol for giving us Carrie. Idol may have launched Carrie but her amazing talent has made her the superstar she is today!!
vp says:
My husband enjoys the auditions more so than the show, so I watch with. Anyone who I pick to be in the final two never win but usually end up in the top 12. When Carrie broke into the the chorus of “I Can’t Make You Love Me”, my husband and I looked at eachother, and both said wow at the same time. I told him before she got her ticket to hollywood, “this girl will win it all and if she doesn’t they will have got it wrong and she will still go far”. That was the only time I ever predicted anything.
She had something different right out of the gates, it is hard to put a pin on it, maybe her charm and likability, maybe the farm girl thing, the voice was obviously there and it was big, yet soft at the same time. I’ve yet to see anyone walk in and and make that impression again. Hopefully this year it can produce another great country singer. As for finding another Carrie I’m not so sure that could happen, her accomplishments are undeniable, and almost unbelievable.
Lee says:
I wasn’t too thrilled with that opening show.
Once again too many bad singers and a few mediocre.
Why put on that guy butchering Carrie’s songs? Not entertaining just irritating.
The new judge wasn’t all that like she thinks either.Could her ego be bigger - she rivals Simon.But I guess that’s what the producer wanted.Once again they get it wrong in thinking America wants to see bad singing , fighting , crying.What we want is to see some unknown (never having made a cd)that is good that we can root for.Not only on the show but afterwards.That’s what Carrie accomplished.Four years after winning and still she has people rooting for her at every turn.
Shell says:
Kate- Thank you for telling it like it is. I get so upset when Kellie P is compared to Carrie. Just beause kellie was on Idol, that doesn’t qualify her to be the Superstar that Carrie is. I just love how the Pickler fans take every advantage to spam the Carrie blogs.
There is only one Carrie, and they can look all they want for another, won’t happen!!
CJ says:
I love AI but I hate the first part when they audition. I like it from when they all get to Hollywood. Every year I am amazed at the young talent there is out there. I also think they will never find another Carrie Underwood. She is one of a kind. A all around perfect pkg.
Jamie says:
I watch AI, but it will never again match Season 4 for me. Carrie blew me away at the audition, it was apparent she was something special. It wasn’t just her voice but her shyness, her humbleness, and an innocent charm and charisma. They will be hard pressed to find someone with Carrie’s persona and commercial success. She captured American’s heart then and continues to be adored by an expanding fan base. You are right there is only one Carrie Underwood and she is special indeed. To quote my local DJ “She is in a class by herself!”
TxAgg says:
The thing about Carrie is that she had the talent all along and just needed an opportunity to get it out there. And she found that with American Idol. She does and always has had the ability to really stand on her own. But I do believe she is grateful to AI for giving her the opportunity and she has not forgotten that fact.
Amy says:
I really never watched AI. I tried but it was too boring. All the artists are the cookie cutter types & they will find another Carrie Underwood.
CJ says:
Well Amy if you never watched it how do you know if they will find another Carrie Underwood or not.
Janelle says:
To think that Carrie is so young and is already so successfull, she could be the biggest country star of our generation!!
Janelle
Kim says:
Maybe I am just harder to convince, but Carrie has yet to “stick the landing.” It seems to me that she’s still riding Idol fame. Two albums going on three isn’t enough (for me) to declare her the “biggest country star of out generation.” There just isn’t enough to go on yet. AI is the defining pop culture trend of the decade. So she has a legion of pop followers still. So when the “idol” tag wears off, will Carrie be able to sustain her status when there is serious competition remains to be seen in my opinion. Superstars rise and fall in the pop world every year. and, yes I know she’s won a bunch of awards and all that. If you look over the years, there are plenty of artists that won a bunch of awards and then proceeded to fizzle into oblivion.
I agree she’s a great vocalist, but I am still looking for more from her, things that AI can’t teach. I think she still has a lot to learn, and she appears to be.
Davidia says:
I hate it when people think AI is the ultimate talent finder. It isn’t. Some of the people on it just want their 15 minutes. AI’s ratings have declined every year for the past 2 at least, so their days are numbered looks like. Less and less people find it worth watching. I stopped watching when they got the washed out professionals on there. That’s not my idea of finding talent. that’s recycling mediocre-ness that they know they can manipulate. And not as many people are watching. That seems to have the most impact on a contestants popularity after, talent not having anything to do with it. Its more unbelievable than ever. Seems like another pop culture reality TV trend doomed to fade and more often than not so have the stars.
Shell says:
Look how many contestants gained from AI, even the losers.
I think there are people with talent out there that need a way to help promote them.
Carrie had it, and AI just gave her the opportunity to show the world. Carrie got where she is from her exceptional talent and class!
Kate says:
Well gee Kim,
I thought martina and faith and alison and leanne, and ryhanna, beyonce,alicia, kelly clarkson… are pretty stiff competition …isn’t that enough for you?
You’re not harder to convince Kim…you’re just one of those people who continue to rationalize that it’s AI that has made Carrie famous because you can’t accept or explain the degree of her fame and the short amount of time she acheived it.. In 2006 some people referred to Carrie as the ‘flavor of the month’. And guess what it’s 2009 and a number of them are still hanging on to or hoping that she’s the flavor of the month. When does it stop becoming the ‘flavor of the month’? Is there a ‘perpetual’ flavor of the month status?
You say Carrie still has a lot to learn. Well I should hope so , she’s only 25. We all still have a lot to learn, God willing.
K says:
There will NEVER be another Carrie Underwood. No one on AI (except for maybe Kelly) can rival Carrie’s rich, huge three-octiave voice. No one on AI has ever gotten perdictions like Carrie did, no one on AI has had a career thus far except for Carrie. She is one-of a kind, just as her voice is. No one can match Carrie’s personality or voice, in my opinion. No matter how many country singers are discovered on that show, Carrie will always be number one. Artists like Bucky and Kellie have said Carrie opened the doors for them to sing on Idol; if it wasn’t for her, these artists wouldn’t have had the courage to be country singers on a pop show.
Carrie has already had a remarkable career, and she continues to impress. Her voice gets better and better, her videos are improving, and she is THE BEST country vocalist around, as far as this generation of country singers goes.
She has so many remarkable accomplishments that, in my opinion, speak volumes about HER TALENT, not her looks, or Idol fame. She has accomplished things that cannot be forgoten, even if she ever does fade.
She’s become the youngest member of the most prestegious “club” in country after only three years, she’s received dozens of awards, including prestigious ones like Best Country Song, and Female Vocalist. She’s broken dozens of records, including having the most successful debut album by a female in country history.
So yeah, whether Carrie’s success sticks for years remains to be seen. But, Carrie has accomplished so many honors that artists are never forgotten for (Grammy’s, Opry Membership, Female Vocalist wins) that it’d be hard to say Carrie wasn’t a part of country history.
She does have a lot to learn, but don’t we all? Carrie has really only been singing professionally for three and a half years, remember. She never had any formal singing training, and has said she was so shy as a young girl, that even her friends couldn’t coax her to sing. She has only ever been on the Idol tour, and has just started on her first major headlining tour. Which is doing quite well, by the way. She has little experience as a writer (one song on her debut, and four on “Carnival Ride.) She has said that she hadn’t ever explored her talents for songwriting really until her second disc.
Considering all these factors, and the fact that Carrie is mind-blowingly successful despite still being relativly new to the business and the business world, it’s pretty amazing what she has done for the genre.
Ya, AI gave Carrie a deal, but that’s it. SHE was the one who made the album, promoted the records, toured non-stop, did dozens of photo shoots and interviews, charity work, awards show apperances, television show appearances, ect.
Ya, AI gave her the deal, so what? After that SHE did all the work and put in all the hours to make a name for herself. There are plently of artist like Leann Rimes and Britney Spears who got their starts on talent shows just like AI. If you bashers are going to use the “she hasn’t paid her dues because she came from a TV show” excuse, you are being hypocritical by only bashing her.
vp says:
Carrie has said it many times that she continues to learn, which is great, that means she will only get better. I’m sorry though although she is always publicly thanking AI, I think she has shed that cloud over her head along time ago. Possibly after she got her 3x CMA FVOTY (her peers don’t seem to care where she came from just what talent she has, they don’t care about her fan base), perhaps its when she got her 9th staight #1, three of those are which she co wrote, I don’t need to list her accomplishments, but I think all the accomplishments that followed her sophmore album, shed that layer of AI that everyone seemed to think she was cover in.
As for her pop following, just think of all those pop fans that stayed with her from AI, where did they go to here her on the radio, the country stations, which in turn creates new country fans. She has brought so much attention to the country music industry that if you check the popularity since she jumped in is up like something ridiculous like 35%. Now there is something to be said about that.
K says:
Funny, VP, I was thinking the same. Yes, it’s awesome that Carrie always thanks AI for helping her get her start, but she passed off that “AI winner” label a long time ago.
With her catalog of number ones, dozens of all-industry awards including Grammy’s, album sales and more, she has proven she is way more than an AI winner. She is an artist who makes awesome music and sings ever better, AI has nothing to do with what she has done the past few years.
mia says:
i agree- American Idol was the chance of a lifetime for Carrie. she had the perfect, powerful, angelic voice before auditioning for the show, & she is THE all-around package of amazing. Carrie still thanks American Idol because this is how she gained many fans & a following, which clearly was a huge gift after getting a record deal & releasing an album.
funny- i just heard someone today bringing up the issue of Carrie’s start being on a talent show, American Idol. yes, Carrie won American Idol but she worked extremely hard over those months of performances, critiques, fellow contestants constantly being eliminated, & so on. my response was that yes, Carrie competed on & won her season of American Idol, but it is the success & stardom that she continues to achieve in the years following the show that is what really shows her amazing abilities. there can be many contestants & a handful of winners, but only those with the entire package can be truly successful once the show ends, & Carrie Underwood definently has the entire package & i wish her all the success in the world!
countryiscool says:
Still riding the IDOL fame, are you kidding? Carrie is doing just fine ON HER OWN now. Artists may get their chance on reality TV, but it is up to THEM to CONTINUE the success and Carrie has done just that. She will be around for YEARS to come. I also love Kellie P and feel the same way. They were both cut from the same cloth so to speak, but those AI days are in the past. I wish them both the best of luck, and feel no need to compare the two, or them with other artists. Each artist is an INDIVIDUAL with their own styles, sound, and personality and there is certainly room for everyone. I prefer not to limit myself to only ONE fave artist, there are many I love–all for different reasons, and all for their own brand of music.
Rachel says:
I don’t know about everyone else, but I sure am not doubting the fact that yes she won AI, but she isn’t riding that anymore. Some people have said she didn’t have to work to get where she is. How? She was performing LIVE on television for millions of people. She was being critiqued in front of millions of people. Probably pretty nerve wracking. People were eliminated every week. She had to learn at least one song a week, and change it up a little bit. And this went on for the course of the season. No way she didn’t have to work hard. I can also bet that all of the people who say that are fans of people that walked into a studio to try and get a deal. They only had to perform once, and not in front of millions of people once a week. Don’t get me wrong, everyone had to work hard, whether they were on AI or not, but AI is not an easy thing to do.
Anyways, Carrie is amazing. I think AI will produce great people and singers, but to me, Carrie will always be the best to come off of it. She won’t be slowing down anytime soon either.
K says:
And, also, AI has one great quality: It sets studio singers apart from those who can’t sing well without enhancements. It’s so refreshing to see AI judge true talent, not studio- enhanced talent. So often, you see famous singers who sang in clubs, and got deals the “old fashioned way,” but many of them cannot sing well, while the ones from talent competitions can. I think it’s ironic how people bash shows like Nashvile Star and American Idol when those are the programs that showcase real talent, not fake.
I don’t understand why people bash Carrie because she got her start on a talent show. The world has evolved, and there are dozens more ways to “pay your dues” than just playing clubs for ten years. Carrie has proven she has true talent that is in no way fake, and she is truly the real deal. How many artists have real talent nowadays? She has proven she can sing any genre from pop, rock, country, gospel, classics and more. has proven she has talent as a songwriter, with several songs co-written by her making her albums. She has proven she is a passionate preformer, with her dozens of emotional performances (ACM’s- Jesus Take The Wheel, Just A Dream CMA’s, How Great Thou Art, I Ain’t In Checota Anymore)
julissa says:
american idol should hang up the towel…they wont find another carrie undrwood she’s one in a million…she was born to be a star…and she’s the best they have
countryiscool says:
Yes, because we all know Taylor wouldn’t have made it having to sing without enhancenments on IDOL. She is strictly studio material. And PS, my comment on her has NOthing to do with Carrie, just stating a vocal fact.
Lee says:
But Damien she is the one in the title of this blog and about whom the comparisons are being made.
So go away with your hate.
Carrie is a wonderful singer and AI will never find another like her.She is everything an idol should be. Talented , smart , humble ,just pretty much all around amazing.
Tenn says:
It’s very common for singers to enter singng contests, I’m sure many of her peers that vote for her for awards have done just that to get a boost. Patsy Cline, Frank Sinatra and Celine Dion all got a boost start from Talent shows. It will be tough for Idol to find another Carrie Underwood but they may find someone pretty good, you never know
shana says:
i think carrie has set the bar so high that its almost impossible for anyone to beat her, her career is doing so well she has many achievements, it’s incredible what she has done within 4 years of her career. i’m not saying that others cant get to where she is, but they have BIG shoes to fill so they better have the voice and the appeal that carrie does. i’m so proud of her, she went after a dream and now look at her, crazy dreams to come true!!….love ya carrie
mariah says:
people that bash carrie just bash her because thats all they can say about her.as if thats a bad thing, talent shows have been around for a long time, carrie started singing very young in church, she had record deals but that fell thru she struggled like everyone out there trying to get signed with a record deal, she then decided it was to much stress and pursued school, idol came around and she decided this was her last chance before she gives up singing entirely, lucky for us she pursued her dream, and now the people that support and love her are blessed with miss carrie. britney, christina, justin, came off talent shows, there was star search, and the mickey mouse club, a lot of people who are successful today came off talent shows so if your going to bash carrie for that you might as well bash every artist out there because more then likely they’ve all been on a talent show at least once in their life….
carrie can sing, she can play piano and guitar and now she’s writing her own music she deserves the respect that she is getting and it’s not because of american idol, all idol did for her was got her foot in the door but as far as her achievements it was “ALL” Carrie Underwood…..say what you want about her she’s big in music, with her peers, and with her fans…she is not going anywhere else, you bashers and haters need to accept that carrie is a very well deserved artist regardless of where she came from.
CarrieNEWS.com says:
Alison,
You are spot on! Thanks for the great analysis regarding Carrie’s audition and of the promise of even more to come from other artists!
barb b says:
carrie will always be my favorite
idol she has the most powerful voice
that is why she wins so many awards
simon you were so right……..
Lindab says:
AI is boring now. Carrie is fgabulous and I think it wil be avery long time before another real talent like hers comes along. I wish her continued success. She is the real thing.