Carrie Underwood Flies Away on a Sin Wagon
After watching some of the top contestants perform in front of the judges on last night's (Feb. 23) American Idol and having their song choices criticized, their vocals analyzed and their overall vibe assessed, I started thinking back to what that round of judgment must've been like for Carrie Underwood when she was on her way to winning. Simon Cowell usually makes some snide comment that a singer is utterly underwhelming, lacks star power or is too pageanty. But when I watch this video of Underwood doing the Dixie Chicks' "Sin Wagon" (yeah, that's right -- she said "mattress dancing"), it is so completely obvious why she won. And why she left such big shoes to fill on the show ever since.
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Tom says:
She gave it her all every week. American Idol was at its peak when she won; now it’s a hollow shell of its former self.
Peacock Queen says:
Carrie is one of a kind. There will never be another AI like her.
carrietx says:
Nice blog, Alison. Sin Wagon was our first glimpse of Carrie the pro with a cute, country sense of humor. Agree with you — easy to see why she won, and she just keeps getting better.
merlefan49 says:
The Dixie Chicks version is the best.
elizab says:
Carrie is indeed one of a kind and she is still very sweet,down to earth yet mature and more confident and keeps getting better and better. She has been a good ambassador of country music and remains true to herself.
S says:
Carrie is a good singer. She doesn’t sing flat and is able to hit the correct notes. Carrie and Kelly Clarkson are definitely the two best singers that came from AI.
Sherry says:
I agree completely. Carrie is the best ambassador country music could ask for. She truly has remained true to herself and it is obvious from her choices. She doesn’t do things just for the dollar value. She is continuing to grow as an artist and it seems an actress. Good for her!
ylewis says:
Carrie, Kelly C and of course
Kellie Pickler and Chris Daughty are my favorites!!!!
Trish says:
Hey Neal, Alison is one of the best writers in country music today. She should watch American Idol since 25 million people watch it every week. It has produced some of the biggest acts in music. Neal, have you ever heard of Underwood, Clarkson, Pickler, Daughtry, Hudson, Fantasia, Cook, Allen, etc..
jaline says:
carrie, kelly c, jordin sparks, david cook, daughtry, katharine mcphee, kellie p,and jennifer hudson, and the american idol version in britain the xfactor’s leona lewis….have all gained much success, some have gained much more incredible success than others but they are all doing very well with their careers…idol has opened a lot of doors for them. they are great singers and i dont think they should be belittled because they came off of a little show called american idol, this show has found some of the best singers out there, and some of my favorites, so like many american idol fans we are pleased with the outcome. at least we know they can SING LIVE FOR REALS, and there is no so called singers like “britney spears” who lypsync their way thru the music industry! millions watch american idol and its a great show if you dont like it thats your choice but at least have respect for allison and all those who follow this show you are so RUDE!!! allison wrote a blog about american idol and even though you dont care for the show she still got you to read her blog so i guess alison has done her job!
NOW RUN ALONG AND WHY DONT YOU spend your time checking out animal abuse prevention instead of supporting a rodeo too….LOL
Larry says:
Carrie is “THE AMERICAN IDOL” and always will be!!!!
carrietx says:
Agree with Trish. Additionally, if Alison perused animal cruelty prevention sites she would probably see even more of Carrie Underwood who is a staunch supporter of animal rights and puts herself out there without apology. Thanks, American Idol, for giving us a beautiful talent to enjoy, as well as a wonderful human being who shares her good fortune with those who can’t speak for themselves. Thanks, Alison, for watching with the rest of us.
Neal says:
Alison is one of the best writers in country music today??? You don’t get out much do you? Yeah, I’ve heard of all those people. 25 million people bought a big mac last year too, so what’s your point? Alison and apparently even you are more interested in pop culture than music, which is fine, but don’t try and come off as some country music expert. She’s the laughing stock of the internet blog sites. Everyone knows that. As far as Carrie underwood, she’s the most boring singer in pop culture. She hits her marks, she hits her notes and leaves all soul and groove at the door. Combine that with some of the most overproduced sound imaginable, and a studio band pieced together, and it’s nothing more than elevator music, and no I’m not a Swift fan either. That girl can’t sing at all, so don’t come back with the Swift/Underwood jealousy thing.
Stephen says:
Neal, come back to me when your favorites first three albums debut with more than 300k.
YOUR.FAVE.COULD.NEVER.
bella says:
i love american idol “YES” neal i said it…im a huge fan and im a proud fan of carrie underwood too!!…i think carrie underwood is one of the best voices right now in country music she reminds me of martina mcbride with her powerhouse voice!! she has outstanding accomplishments and she just “wows” me as she continues to grow. i do agree that after carrie won idol there has been no one to outsing her or out-do her success, she has left big shoes to fill and no one has filled them!!…she may just be american idols best success story ever…
i am not impressed with this years american idol as far as the girls…they didnt do well last night, perhaps they will improove the only one that stood out was katie stevens, she has a beautifull voice…we’ll see how the men sing tonight!
adrienne says:
neal- “she’s the most boring singer in pop culture. She hits her marks, she hits her notes and leaves all soul and groove at the door.and no I’m not a Swift fan either. That girl can’t sing at all.”…
i’m sorry i highly disagree with you…its your opinon if “carrie or swift” do nothing to inspire you that is your preference..and opinon, but for many of us “underwood and swift” fans out here they do exactly that, inspire, bless, and move us thru their music and their persona in general…and that is the point of why they do what they do anyway, to bless people like me thru music. not all underwood and swift fans are enemies, yea some can get pretty riled up which is pretty silly,but their are actually people like me who love carrie and taylor for their unique styles. both singers are very different yet they both bring something great to music. if you dont think so that is your opinion obviously you dont listen to either singer so why should you care, really?? carrie is a powerhouse and taylor has a soft pleasant sweet voice and they both play piano and guitar and i can appreciate and respect each of their own individuality and their artistry. you may not see it my way, thats fine i dont expect for everyone to praise carrie or taylor, i get it not everyone are fans, but for those who are, we love them just the way they are.
adrienne says:
i have some question for you Neal, it’s evident that your not a fan of carrie or taylor, so why do you choose to read a blog that is clearly a story written about carrie? why not turn away?? and find something that is more amusing to you?? why do you want to fight with the fans??
mary roberts says:
neal why were you wasteing your time on this sight about carrie? you should have been on your animal rights sight shows you must care or you wouldn’t be talking about carrie.
Neal says:
In case you didn’t know, this is NOT an Underwood/Swift FAN site. This is an open forum blog site. Your opinion is no more important than mine. If all you want to hear is praise for these people go to a FAN site, I don’t go there. Everything is fair game here.
merlefan49 says:
Wonder if Carrie and the other stars that support the AR knows some of the Animal rights groups are on the FBI watch lists for terrorism.
Tiffany says:
Carrie is definitely one of a kind. I remember looking so forward to watching her every week on Idol. She was great then and now. I see her now and sometimes forget she was ever on Idol. She has grown so much as an entertainer. I am thankful that Idol introduced us to the beautiful voice of Carrie. She has become my favorite singer and there is not one thing boring about her. She is a small town girl that has made it to the bigtime! I watch Idol now but I really don’t think there will ever be another Carrie Underwood. Thanks for the blog!
S says:
When I said that Carrie Underwood and Kelly Clarkson were the two best singers that came from AI I was talking about winners. I know I didn’t say that in my post but that’s what I meant. There are others that tried out for the show but didn’t win that I really like … like Daughtry.
barb b says:
neal your blogs are boring it sounds
to me that everyone on this blog thinks
that you are boring carrie boring not
on your life
adrienne says:
“no kidding sherlock its not a carrie/swift fansite!”
i never said it was, pay attention i said its clearly a blog written about carrie so why read about someone you dont like…TURN AWAY IF SHE BOTHERS YOU THAT MUCH?? i didnt say it was a fansite where did you get that idea??!! my mistake was addressing someone who is immature and a waste of time. i dont value disrespectful opinons such as yours and its okay to disagree and have an opinon whether your pro-carrie or anti-carrie opinons should be welcomed and respected at all costs except for those who are rude and you are RUDE!! HONESTLY “WHO CARES” your just a narrowminded pest. it seems your opinion isnt valued much here anyway because most bloggers are just pissing on you anyway..either way you are just causing drama trying to fight with people…
i also said i didnt expect people to praise carrie or swift and i dont expect people to be fans…(did you read my post at all, can you comprehend?)…but it would be nice if people acted like adults you are just disrespectful and rude..thats why you are rubbing people the wrong way. it makes sense if you dont like a person and their music dont read about them…you came to this cmt site to check it out and when you saw carrie’s name in bold with her picture, that should have been a red flag for you to dissapear!..obviously for some reason or the other this person is drawing you in….which is fine more attention for allison and her articles and more attention for carrie…you are one annoying pesky little fly that needs to land somewhere else…
Ace says:
Out of 8 seasons, there are only 3 “American Idol”… Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Hudson and Kelly Clarkson.
jordin says:
im going to stick to the topic and not fall into the traps of those posting negative remarks. they want a reaction and im not going to give them the satisfaction…
having said that, i love american idol they produce real singers, real talent, its a great opportunity for anyone with a beautifull voice to make themselves known to the world .a lot of great singers came out of that show especially my favorite singer carrie underwood!!..the first day she auditioned for american idol and sang “i cant make you love me” she won me as a fan i have followed her ever since. the funny thing is, i dont even like country music. i never in a million years would have thought that i’d be a country fan, i thought it was boring, depressing, and just so honky tonkish.. no offense to anyone who loves traditional country music, but loretta lynn, dolly parton, barbara mandrell, george straight, and so on are just so dreadful to listen too, sure they are super talented and they are legends in their own right however that style isnt for everyone and its definitely not for me…pure country music was never appealing to me, and then carrie came to the scene and my whole world changed because of her i gave shania, faith, martina, the dixie chicks, taylor swift, kellie picker, and some miranda lambert…i never knew this kind of country music existed..i guess it would be contemporary country, but i love love love carrie she is just amazing! i am going to her concert and eveytime i go she is so friendly and down to earth and joking with the audience…her personality really shines on stage and i wish her the best. she is one of the best to come out of american idol and i think she’s better then kelly clarkson, her career is only 5 years old and yet her success may already surpass that of kelly’s, carrie only gets better and exceeds her and everyone elses expectations and leaves everyone in complete awe with all her accomplishments under her belt…way to go carrie i love strong woman in country music!!
Sandman says:
I would like to comment on some of the posts here, To Neal in particular. Now you have to understand one thing. Carrie Underwood is a superstar and a gold mine for the record industry. Everything she puts out winds up in the number one slot on the country charts. She is probably responsible for the increase popularity of country music. She also just so happens to have an amazing voice and can really sing any style exceptionally well. Just listen to “Oh Holy Night” to confirm this for yourself. Finally she happens to be very beautiful. This is not just my opinion. Just ask the editors of magazines like Cosmo. Carrie just happens to have the whole package, which is a rare thing.
shell says:
There is no one that can fill Carrie’s shoes, she is real deal! Maybe she didn”t have a dramatic story, but she is a small home town girl that made it. After she made it big, she didn’t flaunt her superstardom or wealth, she stayed true to who she is.
Netteo says:
I knew from Carrie’s first audition that she should win. I have seen her live numerous times and can tell you she just gets better and better. I had forgotten about this performance. Thanks for reminding me - I just went back and watched some of her performances and they where great. Last night watching the girls sing on AI I was a little bored. There are several really talented girls on there but I wasn’t moved to pick up the phone for any of them. I am sure I will start liking a few of them but not yet!
Michelle says:
Carrie isn’t boring like some artists that are out there these days but i am not going to name name’s and people who don’t love Carrie should stay away and stop bashing on Carrie Underwood and all of Carrie’s performances on idol was so awesome…Carrie deserves all the success that she has gotten ..
MiaT says:
WOW… You really get people talking Alison!
MiaT says:
PS…Loved the AI Underwood year. I had her pegged from the start.
yoli says:
I am with Jordin, I never thought I would ever become a country music fan, until I became a fan of cu on american idol…also most of my younger family members are ts fans and now we all listen to country music…I just love it!
barb b says:
carrie is my favorite american idol
and she will always will be we just
love her here in south florida
Judy says:
There will never, ever be another Carrie Underwood to come on AI, and continue to do what Carrie has accomplished. She is a one of of kind awesome person. She is gorgeous and has a voice that is too great for words….
Stan says:
Neal, you rock! Very well said. To the point and spot on!
Rain1 says:
Neal & Stan are the most depressed & boring people on the Internet.
…Wow, I’m rock! Very well said. To the point and spot on
Stan says:
I thought you were Rain1? Now you’re rock? You may be the most confused person on the internet
OldGoat34 says:
Carrie doing Sin Wagon on AI was one of my Favs I watch it over abd over all the time.That and God Fearing Women Get The Blues.
GalPal says:
Neal Neal Neal-what planet are you from and what record deal do you have? It was great that you threw the Carrie/Swift in the mix which shows me that you MUST be a Swift fan. Carrie is a great singer along with the Kelly, Chris, Jordin-America got it right. Taylor not so much but we owe a lot to Kanye for her success. If you are such a snob when it comes to Carrie-please feel free to go elsewhere-
Robin says:
Neal - that’s where you miss your mark about Underwood. “She’s boring” - I’m assuming you mean her music is boring.
The singles she released to radio
“Jesus Take the Wheel” is far from vocally boring
“Don’t Forget to Remember Me” I liked it, but it’s not sun with alot of vocal grit or nuance (I would suspect intentionally), so perhaps some think it is boring
“Wasted” is one of her best country song yet and by has a great deal of vocal nuance and character
“Before He Cheats” is one of the best pop/country crossover songs of any crossover songs ever and that’s all about the vocal nuance and storytelling
“So Small” I love this song and has a great deal of vocal power, but like “Don’t Forget to Remember Me” because of the lack of nuance perhaps some would think it’s boring
“All American Girl” isn’t about nuance, isn’t vocally boring and isn’t intended to be a big “song” but a “relate to” song
“Last Name” - not my favorite Underwood single, but not vocally boring. Tons of character and vocal nuance in this song.
“I Told You So” - great storytelling in this vocal performance so far from boring
“Cowboy Casanova” - again, so much vocal nuance to call boring
“Temporary Home” - one of her greatest vocal/story songs/personally important (to her) songs to date.
And, that’s just her pop country single releases. She has some great songs that were not only vocal powerhouse, but were vocally unique and her voice (not her jumping around on stage), told a story (much like the difference between Dolly Pardon’s “I Will Always Love You” and Whitney’s cover version). Carrie’s unreleased song from “Carnival Ride” of “I Know You Won’t” will probably go down as one of the greatest vocal recorded performances in the history of all genre’s albums.
While many singers are only “high note hitters” - Carrie is not one of them. When she was on AI, there were other great high note hitters (Jessica Sierra comes to mind), that didn’t have “the vocal quality and vocal storytelling” that Carrie did. That was the difference in 12th and 1st place. Carrie isn’t a star and a great artist because she hits “high notes” it’s that she has a special “quality” about her voice that reaches beyond the note she sings. It is the actual sound of her voice that brings her to the head of the class. Then on top of that, she takes that incredible instrument and is able to tell a story (vocally) with it even if something is not her own experience. Her vocals are believable.
Robin says:
Also, wanted to note that AI is over. There is NO ONE on this show this year that has a special voice (even if they can hit all the right notes).
Eileen says:
I am with Robin. Carrie is a great singer. And I also loved her ballad I Know You Won’t. I was very disappointed it didn’t come out as a single.
merlefan49 says:
You know there is more to Country Music than Carrie Underwood who is pop country.
Sherry says:
Carrie is wonderful and the music world is better because of her. Enough said!
Neal says:
Robin I find it impossible to slosh through your boorish manifestos, but skimming lightly over it, I find it to be nothing more than your personal opinion, and your opinion is no more important than mine so get off your high horse. You think she is one of the greatest singers ever, I see her as exciting as watching grass grow.
Bree says:
I have always watched AI, thanks Alison for this blog, sadly this year they seem to have lost their way, they sent better singers home than the ones the kept-poor judgement this year-great talent has come from there, Carrie, Kelly C, Daughtry, Jordan, none as good as Carrie for Country-she has done a lot for country bringing in people who never listened to country, and now we have others who are doing it to, crossing lines that were forbidden before-A big yell out to Carrie and others.
Robin says:
merlefan49 - no one said that Carrie is the only one in country music. But, we are talking about “her” here. And, I stand by my statement on “I Know You Won’t”. There’s not another recorded song in ANY genre that is better sung (hitting the notes, telling the story (feeling it), and the vocal nuance) than this song by Carrie.
I don’t love all her songs just because she sang them. In the end it’s about the song. She does pick songs well, but not every song is going to be a winner. I hate “Last Name” even though she does it extremely well. I don’t hate it because of the way she sings it, but because I hate the song. So, in the end, it’s not about “her artistry”, it’s about the song.
Robin says:
Neal, that whether you like her or not has nothing to do with Carrie and her abilities. It has to do with you.
Her song interpretation can be broken down and analyzed. By the way, I bring my opinion with examples and back up. While you don’t have to do that, it certainly lends credibility to an arguement that your not “just a hater”. You certainly do have the right to throw randomness anywhere you want. But, it hardly lends credence to your argument when you don’t like it that someone else actually can break down their opinion.
barb b says:
robin you go girl tell it like it is
there will never be another carrie she
is one of a kind I commend you for defending
our carrie
GalPal says:
“Robin I find it impossible to slosh through your boorish manifestos, but skimming lightly over it, I find it to be nothing more than your personal opinion, and your opinion is no more important than mine so get off your high horse.” Why Neal as I slog through your comment…wait…I find that what you said is nothing more than your personal opinion which is definitely not important-since those were big words you used, you can put your dictionary away now. Your opinion is derogatory at best-this may be an open blog but it’s about Carrie. Just go away and find someone else to talk about-
leaveHERalone says:
carrie is by far hands down the best in this generation of country music. her vocals are ridiculously crazy and she is so versatile, she is a country star yet she can sing “novemeber rain”, “sweet child of mine”, “go your own way” , and “home sweet home”…and then turn around and sing a soft ballad like “i know you won’t” and “I told you so”…she sings, 80’s music to you name it carrie will nail that song!…a lot of rockers are proud that carrie has covered their song doing the song justice..sebastian bach was one of them to comment on her awesome performance on one his songs. i think carrie blew america away on american idol, she has the ability to connect with her audience even with as little experience as carrie had back then on that stage, she still captured america, she has the “it” factor that has made her a superstar!!….i read many posts here and everyone has a right to their opinion whether your a carrie fan or not, theres always going to be people blogging about how much they despise so and so…they have a right to an opinion but the people who are arguing back with them you are giving them exactly what they want, i understand you are a carrie fan,i am a fan too, however their opinon is exactly that just an opinion they cant go anywhere with it but fustrate some of the fans when they blog, that all they can do,…so really guys it do they matter???…NO WAY..fans are still going to follow and support her regardless what anyone says, fans are still going to buy her records and give her number 1’s, fans will go to her concerts and she will outsell her tours AGAIN!!…FANS ARE ALWAYS GOING TO SUPPORT CARRIE…she has her foot in solid ground in the music indusrty she will be here for as long as carrie wants to keep on going…so fans let them talk…its all gibberish anyway let them talk who cares..carrie will be just fine…
Samantha says:
Neal - I don’t particularly agree with what you say but this quote was hilarious and had me LMAO!
“Yeah, I’ve heard of all those people. 25 million people bought a big mac last year too, so what’s your point?”
Now, compared to other female country artists that are current (and note again I said “CURRENT”) she’s got the most talent. But I do agree with the person who said she lacks soul. Her voice is superb. She’s absolutely gorgeous and seems really nice…down to earth. But when I listen to her music…I just don’t feel it. Her voice lacks that emotion that many country artists have. Now it could be that I just don’t connect with her and that’s why I don’t feel anything. It’s just a subjective observation and doesn’t make what I feel fact…just an opinion. Like I said, she’s really, really talented.
christina says:
how is she boring. becasue she doesnt dance around half-naked in her videos and on stage. come on people she is one of the best singers of our times. and she respects herself.
barb b says:
that is why she has #11 or #12no 1 singles
you dont feel anything because you have no heart
she has more emotions when she sings than any
other singer and that is a fact!!!!
taylor says:
samantha - “THANK YOU”. although i DO NOT agree with your opinion, i respect you for being an adult. if only more people can be honest and respectful as you are :) that would be nice.
for me, i feel carrie is the best singer in my generation. i do feel her emotion in every song, especially the songs that are closest to her heart like; “jesus take the wheel”, “temporary home” and “dont forget to remember me”, just to name a few…i think she knows how to draw people into her world, people like me who are blessed to be fans, i wouldnt change a thing about her,shes amazing. since the first time she sang on american idol i became an instant fan, even as unexperienced as she was back then,i knew carrie had a special gift. her vocals are outstanding and she has so much power and so much feeling in her range…i dont know if i feel this way, because i’ve seen her in concert and hearing her perform live is a great experience,it was absolutely emotinal and beautifull to witness such a talent, she gave me chills. i really appreciate carrie for uplifting my spirits thru her music when i have bad days her songs pick me up, and some of her songs are spiritual which i connect with and some are just sassy and fun which i love to sing along to, there just happy songs you can rock out to if you want. carrie is the best singer ever, the nicest sweetest and most humbling person and a great role model i love that she stands up for what shes passionate about, and that she works hard despite what anyone says in the industry she keeps on going, she isnt a quitter and she isnt afraid to take risks, i love that she is an overachiever and that she is a perfect example of dreams coming true just goes to show you that with hard work and preseverance you can achieve it if you believe it!… she also helps out with charities close to her heart and i think that is very very important to give back to your community.. and she hasnt forgotten where she comes from…shes very grateful for her blessings…thats why God continues to bless her as times goes by. she is a very talented and a very beautifull person, and i wish good people like carrie the best.
i think their is a special artist for everyone, not everyone will connect with only one artist..thats what i love about music theirs someone for everyone :)
taylor says:
BARB B -i think you are confused about fact and opinion let me explain:
carrie has an amazing career and she has plenty of # 1 songs she is the first country star ever to have that many consecutive #1’s for both records, shes a chart topper, her album sales are high and sell very well, she outsold her first headlining tour, not too mention the awards from cma,ama’s, grammy’s, and the grand ole’ opry her achievements are very respectable no doubt and hands down she deserves the recognition… you see everything i mentioned is a “FACT”
“EMOTION” is not a fact, it is a personal feeling someone feels and not everyone will feel like this….
i love carrie but theres no need to get upset if someone doesnt feel the same way as we do :)
merlefan49 says:
@Robin
I stand by my statement on “I Know You Won’t”. There’s not another recorded song in ANY genre that is better sung (hitting the notes, telling the story (feeling it), and the vocal nuance) than this song by Carrie.
Please check out Miss Leslie and Amber Digby.
jelan says:
i don’t like Miss Leslie and Amber Digby…they do nothing for me…and they don’t compare to carrie..thats my opinion…and i will continue to think that carrie is the best ever just like robin :)
merlefan49 says:
@Shelly,
Well said! I do think they compare to Carrie.
Robin says:
I have heard Miss Leslie and Amber Digby and I stand by my statement. They having nothing that compares to Carrie’s recorded version of “I Know You Won’t”.
merlefan49 - “they” aren’t being compared to “Carrie”. Their recorded music is being compared to “I Know You Won’t”, by Carrie. And they have nothing that compares.
Robin says:
“by Carrie”, meaning recorded “by Carrie”, not “written by” Carrie.
merlefan49 says:
Robin,
I was talking about vocals
KatieR says:
All I can say is, she’s no Natalie Maines….
Emily says:
Wonderful explanation of facts avaiablle here.