NBC’s ‘The Voice’ has announced that they’ve enlisted more celebrity talent for their upcoming season – this will surely challenge those over at ‘American Idol’ the most watched show on television.

According to Rolling Stone, each of the show’s panelists will now be joined by two celebrity advisors from the music industry. Cee-Lo Green will be joined by other R&B heavyweights, Ne-Yo and Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds. Maroon 5′s frontman Adam Levine will have some help from Alanis Morissette and Robin Thicke while mentor Christina Aguilera will be joined by Jewel and industry-icon, Lionel Richie.

“I trust the show more than I trust the record industry at this point,” said Levine about reality show singing contests, in a recent Reuters interview. “It is a very tired format, but in a way this is a very fresh way of doing it.”

Another mentor, country-star Blake Shelton is pulling in two reality-show veterans – his wife, Miranda Lambert and Kelly Clarkson. That’s right, Seacrest.

“I chose Miranda and Kelly because they both survived reality television shows,” Shelton told reporters at an annual gathering of TV critics. “I just wanted somebody who could talk to them about what they were going through.”

Executive producer and reality show innovator Mark Burnett admits that the show’s success hasn’t yet fulfilled its expectations. Last year’s winner Javier Colon (who?) released his album and peaked at no.134 on the Billboard 200 album chart. That doesn’t even come close to the success of “Idol” winners in the vein of Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood.

It’s impossible to predict success in the ever-changing music industry and even making a name for yourself in the Billboard chart is a huge feat. Though this season could change everything, again.

The new season of ‘The Voice’ premieres February 5 on NBC.

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American Idol turned country star Carrie Underwood teamed up with veteran country crooner Brad Paisley to mock the big divorce of 2011.

The two were on stage presenting an award with Modern Family’s Eric Stonestreet. Brad busted out the guitar and all three began singing about the failed reality show marriage.

“I’m going to love you forever, or 72 days Amen. I’m going to love you for 20 million dollars, for a hit TV series or pics in Us Weekly, for 72 Days, Amen,” they sang.

They also made fun of Justin Bieber’s baby dilema and Taylor Swift’s dating life. I’m no fan of country music or award shows, but I am a fan of public defamation. This was probably the highlight of the entire award show.

Look at the video posted below. The fun begins at the 5:40 minute mark!

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American Idol alumnus Carrie Underwood called into Ryan Seacrest to update him on life and her new album.

She said about her new album; “I’ve been writing quite a bit and been in the studio a little bit so I have half an album done right now and trying to fill in the gaps and try to figure out what pieces of the puzzle are missing, but it’s a fun time right now just figuring everything out.”

And now that she’s married, she said; “We started out being married, he was still living in Ottawa and I was living in Nashville and now we actually live together under the same roof so that has changed.  It’s really nice having him around.”

To listen to the full interview, see below:

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Having just won the coveted title of “America’s Favourite Singer” on American Idol, Scotty McCreery is already thinking long-term about his career as a singer.

Catching up with The Boot during the Country Music Awards Fest, the Idol winner talked about the pressures of winning the show.

“It’s a lot of pressure. Just the title of ‘American Idol’ is something that people can look up to. I’m not Saint Scott, I’m not Mr. Perfect but I want to be that role model,” he said.

Alluding to fellow Idol winner and country superstar Carrie Underwood, McCreery wants to go down a similar path as her to achieve success.

“I want to go down the same road that Carrie Underwood did — kinda separate myself from ‘Idol.’ Because when you think of Carrie Underwood now, you don’t think “‘American Idol’ Season Four winner,” you just think “Carrie Underwood.” I want to cross that bridge.”

It’s good that McCreery is thinking big and not wanting to be just another faded American Idol winner (ahem…Ruben, Fantasia).

But just a teenager, McCreery doesn’t plan on moving to Nashville just yet to launch a country music career.

Still only 17 and in high school, he plans to stay in his hometown of North Carolina for now to see how things work out in the future.

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Carrie Underwood has officially become ‘American Idol’s’ top earner, surpassing season 1 winner Kelly Clarkson.

As of May 16, Underwood’s album sales topped 12,296,000 and she’s moved more than 18,482,000 digital tracks since winning season 4.

Clarkson is close, though, selling 10,600,000 albums and 15,900,000 digital tracks since 2002.

Underwood has also spent a healthy chunk of the last two years on the road, racking up more money from touring. While Clarkson’s international presence is stronger than Underwood’s, who plays mostly to U.S. and Canadian audiences, she’s devoted less time touring and more time working on her as yet unreleased fifth album.

To compare the two, Clarkson’s tour revenues since her win is around $32,000,000, while Underwood has pulled in twice that amount since 2006, around $66,000,000.

As for the rest of the idols, we have rocker Chris Daughtry in third place with 6,104,000 album sales, while Clay Aiken comes in at fourth with 4,990,000 and Fantasia at fifth with 2,809,000.

Clarkson and Underwood are definitely my favourite ‘Idol’ winners, so I’m glad they’re on top. Underwood is lucky she has the country music scene on her side – that genre generates so much money, it’s ridiculous.

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Country star Carrie Underwood married NHL player Mike Fisher last night at a Southern luxury resort.

People reports their wedding planner called the ceremony “a spiritual expression of their love” – a special moment for a “very special couple.” 250 friends and family were apparently in attendance.

“We could not feel more blessed to have found each other and to have shared this day with our friends and family that mean so much to us!” the newlyweds told PEOPLE in a statement, signing their names “Mike & Carrie Fisher.”

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Although traditional weddings have big and elaborate wedding cakes, this particular wedding is going to be different. In a recent interview with CMT Radio, Carrie Underwood said that she will be having cupcakes instead.

“I consider myself a very traditional person. More than anything, we’re going to get married, that’s the important part. And we want everyone to have a good time, so we’re doing some things like that, that are a little bit different,” she said during the radio interview.

Underwood also said the wedding plans have been moving slowly given Fisher is still finishing his season with the Ottawa Senators.

“There’s a lot going on,” Underwood says. “They are still in the season. They actually only have a few more season games left. I’m touring until the end of June, and have a few shows in July, so we’re working on it here and there. We have a few things coming along.”

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Many celebrities spent the weekend in South Beach for the Super Bowl, reports E! News. The CAA held an exclusive party Saturday night at the W hotel. Attendees included Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes, as well as Cameron Diaz and Alex Rodriguez.

Carrie Underwood, who sang the national anthem at Sunday’s game, was also in attendance, as were Jessica Alba, Adrien Grenier and Derek Jeter.

Director Michael Bay hosted a Big Give, Big Game party for charity at his mansion that same night. CW couples Ed Westwick and Jessica Szhor and AnnaLynne McCord and Kellan Lutz were spotted there.

Jennifer Lopez was scheduled to perform at the Axe Lounge at Liv. at 1 a.m., but the starlet didn’t take the stage until 2 a.m. Chase Crawford and Jessica Alba were present for the show. The Hills stars Kristin Cavallari, Audrina Patridge, Spencer Pratt and Lo Bosworth were there filming for the reality show.

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Carrie Underwood is no stranger to performing since rising to fame after winning the fourth season of American Idol, but the Super Bowl can make even the most famous nervous.

According to People.com Carrie Underwood is performing “The Star-Spangled Banner” at Sunday night’s game, and is quite nervous to do so.

“I am going to be extremely nervous,” the 26-year-old country singer told CMT Insider. “If I look like I am about to get sick on the field, I may at any moment during the song.”

The Oklahoma native is no stranger to the game, having dated Tony Romo of the Dallas Cowboys, and although she is in favour of one team, she will not disclose who it is she is rooting for.

“I don’t want the other team’s fans to hate me forever,” she said, “I am just there to have fun.”

Super Bowl XLIV features the  New Orleans Saints vs. the Indianapolis Colts at the Sun Life Stadium in Opa Locka, FL.

The multi-platinum selling artist has switched from football to hockey, as she talks about her plans to wed Ottawa Senators centre, Mike Fisher, 29. Like any ordinary couple, they are working on their wedding guest list, “the more the merrier,” Underwood said. She also admits to experiencing trouble with her engagement ring.

“I’ve had to have it sized like twice because I have the smallest fingers in the universe apparently,” she said.

Kick-off is at 6:25 ET on CBS, tune in to catch Underwood’s performance, some hilarious commercials and of course, the best of NFL football.

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Michael Jackson’s three children will take the stage during a planned tribute to the pop icon during the Grammy Awards on Sunday, reports E! News. Several other family members will also be in the audience.

Celine Dion, Carrie Underwood and Usher are just a few of the celebrities who will participate in the tribute.

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Carrie Underwood and Ottawa Senator Mike Fisher are officially engaged. The Montreal Gazette is reporting that Fisher got down on one knee Sunday afternoon in front of close family and friends. They later sent out text messages to friends announcing the good news.

“He was pretty excited.” said the source, who did not want to be identified. “She’s a great gal and I think they’re made for each other.”

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Pamela Anderson has declared Jessica Simpson a “bitch and whore.”

Anderson made her bold statements on an Australian radio station. Her anger comes after Simpson wore a shirt that read, “Real girls eat meat,” something that Anderson – a huge PETA supporter and vegetarian – couldn’t stand for.

Simpson’s shirt wasn’t intended to spark a feud with Anderson, but perhaps Carrie Underwood instead. Underwood used to date Simpson’s boyfriend, Tony Romo, and has frequently been on – and topped – PETA’s “Sexiest Vegetarian” lists.

Anderson, for her part, went on to tell the radio station why she was proud to be a vegetarian: “I think it’s healthy, good for your body and good for the environment.”

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Country music sensation Carrie Underwood received a great honour this weekend—by being inducted to the Grand Ole Opry.

The “American Idol” season four winner made her debut on the television program in 2005 and told the sold-out crowd, “this really seems like a great family to be part of. I promise I’ll do everything I possibly can to not make you regret it.”

Opry member and country music star, Garth Brooks, presented Underwood with the prestigious award telling her, “Nothing will last as long or be more important than this award right here tonight. Congratulations.” Opry only accepts members through invite and it is based on the artist’s commitment to the show and overall contribution to country music.

Underwood, 25, is the current Female Vocalist of the Year for the Academy of Country Music and the Country Music Association, and is also currently headlining her Carnival Ride tour.

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Looks like her hit anthem, “Before he Cheats,” hits Carrie Underwood a little more personally than many may have assumed.

In an interview with InStyle, the American Idol winner admits that she has been cheated on, but she refuses to name who did it to her.

“I’ve been cheated on a time or two. It’s tough. I wouldn’t recommend doing any property damage, though,” she says, in reference to her hit single.

“Now I’m to the point where you get one shot. Life’s too short.”

“I’m a ‘let it go, move on’ kind of person. And ice cream is my friend. If anybody sees me eating a sundae and I look unhappy, something bad has happened. I am drowning my sorrows in fudge and caramel and whipped cream,” she says.

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Rumours of a relationship with Jessica Simpson have been put to rest by football quarterback Tony Romo after he’s come clean about his relationship with country star Carrie Underwood.

In Touch Weekly reports the Dallas Cowboys player confirmed his relationship with the American Idol winner during an interview with a small town paper from Charleston, Ill., where he played college football.

Sports editor Brian Nielsen of the Journal Gazette/Times-Courier says, “After I asked him all my usual football questions, I said, ‘My wife really wants to know if the Jessica Simpson dating rumors are true.’” He laughed and replied, ‘No. Tell her I’m dating Carrie Underwood.’”

Underwood was seen at Texas Stadium on Christmas day, where she was seen with Romo and gave him a hug on the field before his game against the Philadelphia Eagles.

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So it probably wasn’t an uber sexy performance, a la Jennifer Lopez or Jessica Simpson, but the American troops no doubt appreciated a visit from their American Idol Carrie Underwood.

Carrie, who has become something of a country music superstar since winning the singing competition, appeared before hundreds of service members at Camp Arifjan’s Combined Operations and Intelligence Center in Kuwait.

“Thanks for giving me such a warm welcome,” said Underwood to the fans. “We’re happy to be able to come here and spread some holiday cheer.”

She signed autographed photos and CDs for the American troops, which they will supposedly be passing on to their young children back in the States. Expect a couple of them to snuggle up to a Carrie Underwood 8×10 in the next weeks, though.

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Carrie Underwood was the big winner at last night’s Country Music Television Awards, walking away with two awards.

The American Idol winner took best breakthrough video and female video for her hit “Jesus, Take the Wheel.”

“This is my very first acceptance speech so I made a list,” Underwood said before reading a lengthy list.

“Music videos are a huge tool,” she said after the ceremony for the awards, chosen by fans. “Fans love them because they add a new dimension to the song and we love them because it’s just another way to get (the music) out there. For my first video to win two awards tonight was amazing.”

Keith Urban took home the video of the year award for “Better Life.” He performed the song during the show with a choir from the Gulf Coast and showed scenes from the hurricane damaged area.

“We just wanted to present a better tone for Better Life, and I had been down to New Orleans and was struck by a combination of things — how much has been done and how little has been done,” Urban said. “We just wanted to bring a little more awareness back to the cause down there.”

Jeff Foxworthy hosted the ceremony.

2006 CMT MUSIC AWARD NOMINEES & * WINNERS

Video of the Year

* Keith Urban – “Better Life”
Brad Paisley – “Alcohol”
Brooks & Dunn – “Believe”
Faith Hill with Tim McGraw – “Like We Never Loved At All”
Gretchen Wilson – “All Jacked Up”
Kenny Chesney – “Who You’d Be Today”
Toby Keith – “As Good As I Once Was”
Trace Adkins – “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk”

Male Video of the Year

* Kenny Chesney – “Who You?d Be Today”
Keith Urban – “Better Life”
Toby Keith – “As Good As I Once Was”
Trace Adkins – “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk”

Female of Video of the Year

* Carrie Underwood – “Jesus Take The Wheel”
Faith Hill – “Mississippi Girl”
Miranda Lambert – “Kerosene”
Sara Evans – “A Real Fine Place To Start”

Group / Duo of the Year

* Rascal Flatts – “Skin (Sarabeth)”
Brooks & Dunn – “Believe”
Little Big Town – “Boondocks”
Sugarland – “Just Might (Make Me Believe)”

Collaborative Video of the Year

* Bon Jovi featuring Jennifer Nettles -”Who Says You Can’t Go Home”
Brad Paisley featuring Dolly Parton – “When I Get Where I’m Going”
Faith Hill with Tim McGraw – “Like We Never Loved At All”
Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon – “Jackson”

Hottest Video of the Year

* Billy Currington – “Must Be Doin’ Somethin’ Right”
Dierks Bentley – “Come A Little Closer”
Keith Urban – “Making Memories Of Us”
Trace Adkins – “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk”

Breakthrough Video of the Year

* Carrie Underwood – “Jesus Take The Wheel”
Jason Aldean – “Hicktown”
Miranda Lambert – “Kerosene”
Sugarland – “Something More”

Most Inspiring Video of the Year

* Brad Paisley featuring Dolly Parton – “When I Get Where I’m Going”
Brooks & Dunn – “Believe”
Carrie Underwood – “Jesus Take The Wheel”
Reba McEntire – “You’re Gonna Be”

Video Director of the Year

* Sophie Muller / Faith Hill with Tim McGraw – “Like We Never Loved At All”
Michael Salomon / Toby Keith – “As Good As I Once Was”
Shaun Silva / Kenny Chesney – “Who You’d Be Today”
Trey Fanjoy / Miranda Lambert -”Kerosene”

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There are two approaches artists can take after winning American Idol: embracing the victory or trying to distance themselves from the show.

Kelly Clarkson chose the latter, and would love if nobody ever mentioned her name and the show’s title in the same sentence. Clarkson, the show’s first winner four years ago, put up a fuss when producers asked if they could use her music in this, its fifth season, and prefers not to talk about the show in interviews. There’s more to me than winning a talent contest, she might explain. And while she has a point, there’s no way anyone outside of Fort Worth, Texas, would ever know the name Kelly Clarkson had it not been for the hit show.

Then there’s Carrie Underwood. She has “handled” her win with grace, never shying away from that fact that she is now one of country’s hottest artists because of her success on American Idol. Does winning the show take away form her credibility? Absolutely not. People aren’t buying her album because they like the show. They buy her album because they love her music. The show was just a gateway into their homes, and Underwood appreciates the opportunity.

“The country world seems so grateful that America voted in one of their own,” Underwood tells andPOP. “They’re proud to call me the American Idol and I’m proud to be called that. I don?t see myself trying to detach myself from [the show] any time soon.”

Underwood’s debut album, “Some Hearts,” is still the top country album on Billboard, three months after its release. “Jesus, Take the Wheel” is the most played song on radio, and “Inside Your Heaven/Independence Day” is the highest selling single in stores. To sum it up: there is no bigger country artist in North America at the time of this article posting.

Her fan base is different than any other American Idol winner before her because she’s not a pop artist?she bleeds country. Some songs on the album ? like the first single, “Some Hearts” ? are being played on mainstream radio.

The Oklahoma-native, who turns 23 in March, says nobody at her record label tried to influence the sound of the music or asked her to produce crossover hits.

“All the people that were around me knew what I wanted to do. It wouldn?t make sense to make me sing strictly pop music. That?s not me. Country music is where I feel comfortable. I think everyone knew that and not to mess with it,” she says.

Underwood is aware that she has a “girl next door” image, but she says she’s not deliberately trying to commodify any type of image. However, she understands, as a celebrity, people will look to her to be a role model?like people look to all celebrities not named Dick Cheney.

“A lot of times people tell me, ‘you’re such a good role model,’ but that?s not what I’m trying to do. I think its great people can look up to people but I’m not perfect.”

Rest assured however that Underwood has never keyed an ex-boyfriend’s car. Odd transition between paragraphs? Perhaps. But listen to the song “Before He Cheats” and it will make more sense. The song deals with her being cheated on in a relationship, and then retaliating by unloading her frustration on a car.

“It’s fun to step out of the box for a second and be crazy,” Underwood says, on the line from Nashville. “If somebody does you wrong, you just want to hurt them. But I’ve never done anything like that. I wouldn?t recommend that.”

What does Underwood ? who admits to being cheated on a “time or two” ? recommend?

“The worst thing you can do is just move on and not let it bother you. That will make the other person go crazy more than any thing else you can do.”

Those people who cheated on Underwood are probably going crazy every time they see her music videos being played, or when they think about how famous she has become so quickly. That fame, Underwood says, still hasn’t sunk in.

“Everything that has happened to me has been Cinderella story-ish. I’m just lucky,” she says. “I feel like the outsider in the music business. I’m just a fan myself.”

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Kelly Clarkson pulled a John Kerry this week and flip-flopped her stance on allowing the use of her songs on American Idol.

Clarkson, the first Idol winner, owns the rights to her songs, and is therefore allowed to permit or forbid contestants on this season of the show to sing tracks from her repertoire.

At first, she did not give producers of Idol her blessing to make use of her music, but later in the week, and after a scolding from Simon Cowell, changed her mind.

If they approach Carrie Underwood, the winner of last season’s American Idol, they won’t have to deal with all the setbacks. She would be flattered if contestants chose to sing her songs.

“If anybody wants to sing my songs, I’d be happy to let them,” Underwood tells andPOP. “I’d be honoured.”

She says she has yet to be approached about the issue by American Idol producers, but she thinks it’s probably because the season is still in its auditioning stages.

“When I was auditioning, none of us, especially the girls, wanted to sing Kelly and Fantasia songs, because we didn?t want to be compared to them.”

Underwood’s album, Some Hearts, has been the top country album in the U.S. for over a month.

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What’s the mark of a true pop princess? A Skechers logo. Now, “American Idol” winner Carrie Underwood is going to be granted her tiara as she joins the likes of Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera to become the sneaker company’s newest It girl.

Underwood’s global endorsement deal with Skechers, announced on Tuesday, will give the business the exclusive right to advertise footwear using the singer’s image through December, 2006.

“Being a part of Skechers is exciting,” said Underwood. “It is such a hip company with a great attitude and image. I’ve been wearing Skechers for years, so for me this is a really great project. I can proudly endorse Skechers — and happily add more pairs to my closet!”

The footwear company plans to feature the 22-year-old Oklahoma native in an ad campaign that will launch this fall, coinciding with the ?American Idols Live! Tour 2005? and the release of her debut country album in November.

“We are extremely excited to have Carrie represent Skechers in our marketing campaigns, and to be affiliated with such a dynamic performer,” said Michael Greenberg, president of Skechers. “She is the kind of star young women can relate to — as if they know her. Like our previous campaigns with celebrities, this campaign will be an incredible union of Skechers’ attitude and Carrie’s natural image and style.”

Underwood already boasts a loyal legion of fans who voted for her to win the fourth edition of ?American Idol.? The Northeastern State University senior beat out more than 100,000 hopefuls to be crowned the winner of the popular Fox series in May. Her first single, “Inside Your Heaven,” debuted at No. 1 on four music charts.

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