 "Photo: (MCT)")
Music lovers don't always accept country music with open arms. But if you find yourself to be a fan of fun, catchy beats, lyrics with actual meaning and happen to follow pop culture at all, you have definitely heard of Carrie Underwood.
If you are one of those people who shun country music without a second thought, kindly lend your ear to the fourth "American Idol" winner and she will definitely change your opinion.
Tonight, Underwood and country singer Josh Turner will be playing the Mullins Center at 7:30 p.m.
Three seasons ago, Underwood performed the Heart classic, "Alone." After this, American Idol judge Simon Cowell predicted she would not only win the competition, but also sell more records than any other previous Idol winner. With over seventeen major musical awards, including four Grammys, Underwood is well-deserving of your attention.
Coming three seasons after the first and most popular "American Idol" winner, Kelly Clarkson, Underwood has proved Cowell's prediction correct. Underwood's first album, "Some Hearts," was the fastest-selling debut country album of the SoundScan era, which began in 1991.
"Some Hearts" has reached a septuplet platinum, while Clarkson's albums "Thankful" and "Breakaway" only hit two and five times platinum. Underwood's most recent album, "Carnival Ride," which was released in October 2007, has already reached double platinum.
During Underwood's competition on "American Idol," she was the second Idol to never have been voted in the bottom three during the entire competition.
What sets Underwood apart from most country singers is her lack of stereotypical hokey-ness. Her songs have soul, rhythm and beat that makes her listeners want to get up and dance.
Not many country singles make it to mainstream radio stations; however, not every country singer records crossover hits like "Before He Cheats." The single was such a success that it made RIAA history when it surpassed two million paid downloads and qualified as a double platinum digital single.
Her single "Wasted" is currently nominated by the CMT awards for Video of the Year, while "So Small" has also been nominated for Female Video of the Year.
Turner will open the Mullins Center show. Turner fans might recognize such hits as "Your Man" and "Would You Go With Me," both 2007 Grammy nominees.
Turner's career officially took off in 2001 with his debut performance at the Grand Ole Opry. He performed the song "Long Black Train," which he had written himself. In the middle of the performance, the audience was so impressed they gave him a standing ovation.
In 2004, Turner won two Inspirational Country Music Awards for "Long Black Train." He won for song of the year, as well as songwriter of the year.
"Would You Go With Me" is thought to be Turner's most popular hit. The single reached 48 on Billboards Hot 100 in 2006. Turner's third album, "Everything is Fine," was released in late October 2007. With his deep melodic voice, his southern beats will remind you of a relaxing summer's day.
Tickets are still on sale at the Mullins Center box office and range from $35-$55.
Kaitlin Morris can be reached at kamorris@student.umass.edu.
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