I work for the newspaper in Carrie's hometown so I got to spend the day there (I actually work at the other office in the neighboring town). She received a lot of honors today. In Oklahoma May 13 is Carrie Underwood day, she received a Rising Star award in the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame, something from her college and several other awards. She was allowed to sing the Star Spangled Banner and that was it. They also announced from Randy her song for next week

Oh and they actually had swat members on the tops of all the buildings. You'd think the president was here or something!

here's a couple of pics. They aren't anything great since I was at the back of the crowd there to take mostly crowd pics. Our reporter is the one who went in on the interviews.

Receiving a letter from a state rep.


Receiving a key to the city from the mayor


Carriage ride in the parade (sorry the orange shirt guy got in the way and you can barely see her)


Finally the dog fan whose jacket says "Yo Carrie!"

How cool! I just love Carrie. I hope she wins!

My husband came in the other room the other night after watching the show, and said he thinks Carrie is going to be the winner this year.

It is kind of fun and exciting when one of the contestants is from your town or area. Last year was fun for us ~ Fantasia is from the next town down the road from us. We got to go to the viewing party at the coliseum (free to the public) on the night when they announced the winner. When the tv cameras showed the crowds in the cities for Diana and Fantasia ~ we were in the Fantasia crowd. Clay Aiken was the host that night ~ so we got to see him. The excitment was contageous.

WOW!! Thanks, Barb, for the cool shots!! Can't wait to see Carrie this week!!

Kris

I agree I think that Carrie will be the next winner...it is so obvious she has the total package.

You're lucky you got to go! I bet ya'll are excited to be the home of the American Idol 2005.

It's pretty neat. If you've ever been in a small town you know how rumors like to fly. Supposedly she's been coming home here and there (well they are saying sneaking home) but I don't see how with her hitting all the circuit tv stuff.

'Sneaking home?' Haha, poor Carrie. I would think she's getting ready for the tour now...probably practicing. Only like, 14 more days till the tour starts...

actually she was at home. She picked up her new car from the dealership and went to see a few of her old teachers at the High school before heading back.

Oh really? Well that's good. I'm glad she got a chance to go home before the tour.

I knew she would win but I think that is a bit much just for a singer! LOL!

I heard "Inside Your Heaven" on the radio for the 1st time yesterday. I still think Carrie is a great singer, but that SONG!! Please!

Ya--I've actually been thinking of buying Behind These Hazel Eyes. I like at least two of the songs on it (the ones that I've heard on the radio that I know for sure are her), possibly more.

I like Kelly too. BTHE is a GREAT CD. I totally recommend it.

I had the chance to meet Carrie at the Tampa concert a few weeks ago, and she was just lovely. Here's a picture of her out at the buses....