CARRIE TO PERFORM DURING “GRAND OLE OPRY WEEK” ON AMERICAN IDOL WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 2009

“I am so excited that two of my musical passions, American Idol and the Grand Ole Opry, are joining together to create a really special week of music,” says Underwood. “I am always thrilled to return to the Idol stage, and am so proud to this time be bringing with me one of my heroes, Randy Travis. I knew the Opry first, but Idol gave me my start and helped lead me to the Opry stage. It’s a great feeling to be able to help bring these two worlds together.”

Carrie Underwood made her first live performance on the Grand Ole Opry on June 10, 2005, just two weeks after winning American Idol. Her love for the Opry started as a child as she grew up watching and listening to the show, dreaming of one day performing there and even becoming a member herself. She was invited to become a member by Randy Travis in March 2008 and her official induction took place on May 10, 2008 by Opry member Garth Brooks. Since winning American Idol in 2005, Underwood has become one of the most popular performers in the nation. Her debut album, Some Hearts, is the biggest selling American Idol debut project to date, having sold more than seven million albums in the United States. With the release of her current album Carnival Ride, she has now sold 10 million albums in just over three years and has had nine No. 1 singles. Her many accolades include 8 Billboard Awards, 6 Academy of Country Music Awards, 5 Country Music Association Awards, 5 American Music Awards, 4 CMT Music Awards, 4 GRAMMY® Awards, 5 People’s Choice Awards, 2 BMI Songwriter Awards, and many more.