Carrie Underwood wowed fans at the Kodak Theater Sunday night with her rendition of George Michael’s “Praying for Time,” even earning a standing ovation from the crowd. The country star, who got her start on the American Idol stage, was one of many celebrities on hand at the Idol Gives Back taping to lend their support to AI’s annual fundraiser, airing April 9 on FOX.
After the performance, Hollywood.com was waiting backstage to talk to Underwood about everything from her unusual song choice to being back in the Idol family.
HW: What are you wearing and how did you choose it?
Carrie Underwood: A dress! A very long dress… It’s Farah Angsana. My song was serious and I was sitting down. I figured since I was sitting I might as well wear something that was over the top.
HW: How does it feel to be back?
CU: It’s wonderful! It’s always great coming back to Idol. Every time I turn around, there are new people that I’m like, “Oh my God! I haven’t seen you in forever!” Every time they want me to do anything, I’m here for it. Of course, tonight is a wonderful thing to be a part of! [PAGEBREAK]
HW: How did you choose to sing the George Michael song “Praying for Time”?
CU: When they asked me to be a part of this again… it’s not about self promoting or singing your latest single. It’s all about getting people to call in and do something. It’s a song that I’ve always loved. I’ve always loved the message. It took me forever to be able to sing that through without crying. I know if that song makes me feel that way, maybe it’ll make other people feel that way as well and make them feel strongly about doing something.
HW: Are you watching the current season of American Idol?
CU: I watch as much as I can. We got TIVO on my bus. I’m on tour right now and it’s prime show time. I think it’s a great season. There are a lot of great people. They all have their own individual style. I’m not going to say a favorite. They don’t need that. They’re all putting it out there and doing the best job they can.
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HW: What advice do you have for the current contestants?
CU: I don’t know that there’s anything anybody could’ve said to me that would’ve prepared me. It’s more like, “If you’ve got any questions, I’m here.”
HW: Who gets you to rise to the occasion to help others?
CU: I think rising to the occasion is all about opportunities that are presented in front of you. The opportunity was presented to me to come here and perform tonight and I took it. It’s all about the choices that we make. The opportunity will be presented to the world to call in and donate money and hopefully people will rise to that occasion. It’s just doing what our opportunities give us. [PAGEBREAK]
HW: Simon Cowell said he predicted you would outsell all the others. Have you?
CU: It depends. In the US, yes – outside of the US, not so much. It’s kind of subjective, however you want to look at that.
HW: In this political season what cause are you involved with?
CU: I stay out of politics. I try to stay as well informed as I can. I try to watch debates and figure out exactly who stands for what. [PAGEBREAK]
HW: What issue is important to you?
CU: Education is something that has always been. I’m from a family of teachers and I really wish that somebody would step up and do something for education because that’s a huge investment in our future, and I know what teachers get paid. My sister’s a teacher, my mom’s a teacher, my cousin’s a teacher, and it’s pathetic!
Idol Gives Back airs at 7:30/6:30c on April 9 on FOX.
