Former American Idol winner Carrie Underwood has become the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry.
The 25-year-old was invited to join the venerable country music show, running since 1925 out of Nashville, Tenn., on Saturday after she performed I Told You So — a cover of a Randy Travis song that's on her latest album.
Carrie Underwood, seen here performing at the CMT Music Awards last April, won American Idol in 2005.
(Mark Humphrey/Associated Press)
"I felt like I just won something amazing all over again," said the singer, who adds that she was surprised by the invitation.
"The Opry has meant so much to me growing up, seeing people perform and wanting to do that."
The Oklahoma native will be officially welcomed on May 10.
Underwood has had a winning streak since capturing the television singing contest in 2005. She sold 7 million copies of her debut album Some Hearts and hit the top of the charts with singles such as Before He Cheats and Jesus,Take the Wheel.
Her followup album, Carnival Ride, came out last fall and triggered two No. 1 songs: So Small and her current single All-American Girl.
The Opry is the longest continuously running radio show in the US.
It has been the home of country music legends such as Roy Acuff, Hank Williams Sr. and Patsy Cline, and more recent stars including Alan Jackson and Martina McBride.
Artists are invited to join based on their commitment to the show, as measured by the number of guest appearances, and their overall contribution to country music.
With files from the Associated Press
