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Carrie Underwood is one of the biggest names in country music, and she credits some legendary trailblazers with inspiring her. The “The Champion” singer listed a few iconic artists as her role models, including Reba McEntire, Dolly Parton, Faith Hill and Martina McBride. Underwood explained, in a recent statement shared by her record label:
“I think my biggest influences musically, or career-wise, would have to be women like Reba, like Dolly, like Faith Hill, like Martina McBride. You see all of these women just juggle everything masterfully and many of them are moms and they’re superstars and they’re talented, and you know, I know how hard they work because I’m in their shoes somewhat and doing the same juggling. You know, you have the kids and the career and you’re just trying to crush everything you do and being pulled in a million different directions. And to see women like that who are just beautiful and smart and strong and talented, knowing that they have come first and they’re still getting to do what they love and they’re still getting to be the mom and the wife and all the things — that’s just such an inspiration to me and just lets me know that I can do it too.”
Underwood also nodded to another strong woman in her life: her mom, Carole. Underwood said her mom is the No. 1 female influence in her life, crediting Carole’s “grace and integrity… I mean, she was just the best role model anybody could have ever had.”
Underwood is one of many artists included in the star-studded lineup at the iHeartCountry Festival presented by Capital One, set for May 7 in Austin, Texas. Fans can tune in and stream the 2022 iHeartCountry Festival on iHeartMedia's Country music radio stations in local markets across the country, as well as on iHeartRadio.com and the iHeartRadio app on May 7th at 8pm ET/5pm PT (7pm CT). Tickets are on sale now via Ticketmaster.com.