Time magazine’s 2014 list of the 100 Most Influential people categorizes an Idol as an Icon! Congratulations to Carrie Underwood, who makes her first appearance on this list this year, with a writeup from her superstar pal and CMA Awards cohost Brad Paisley. After mentioning Carrie’s Idol roots and how she talked very early on about wanting to earn her place in the music industry, Brad says:
Not only has she earned her place, she’s also raised the bar: she’s a prolific songwriter, a trendsetter and an Opry member. But it’s her decency as a person that is so impressive. She’s an advocate for causes like animal rights and the Red Cross. She has publicly challenged lawmakers when she’s disagreed with them, and covered controversial issues in her music. She can sing the fire out of a song and tell a joke. I’m always amazed at her comedic timing and instincts when we co-host the CMA Awards. She has faith, a sense of self and loves a good challenge. When most singers tackle a Broadway musical, it’s in front of a thousand people. She did it in front of 20 million.
According to Page Six, both Carrie and soon to be Voice coach Pharrell Williams (who is also among this year’s 100 Most Influential) are set to perform at the Time 100 Gala in New York City on 4/29. EDIT: The Time Twitter account says Carrie “will be headlining the TIME 100 gala Tuesday.”
The Time 100 is meant to recognize the “people who most influence our world.” Carrie is 1 of 41 women on this year’s list (and 1 of 4 performing musicians), and beyond what Brad covers in his blurb, there’s arguably more to be said about the way she has represented her faith in the public eye. The print edition of the Time 100 features Beyonce on the cover, with a writeup by Facebook Chief Operating Officer Sheryl Sandberg.
Carrie’s team has been doing a very good job working outside of Music Row politics to ensure Carrie’s many career accomplishments are being recognized! Between this, the Academy Of Country Music Gene Weed Special Achievement Award she is set to receive in September for “unprecedent, unique, and outstanding individual achievement,” her nomination for the Billboard Milestone Award, and her inclusion among female country-rock royalty to honor Linda Ronstadt’s Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame induction, they seem to be positioning her as somebody whose stature goes beyond what mainstream country in its current state is capable of recognizing. So, well done to Carrie’s team and congratulations to Carrie on everything she’s been able to achieve so far. Keep it up!
