Underwood Talks Gay Marriage Backlash

By HILARY FOX
Associated Press
LONDON
Carrie Underwood is all about the music, not politics.

Yet the 29-year-old country music star has found herself in a media storm after voicing support for gay marriage.

In an interview with British newspaper The Independent, Underwood, who is married, was quoted as saying she believes everyone should have the right to love. She also noted that her church was gay-friendly and it wasn’t her job to judge people.

Underwood’s comments created a backlash online from those angry with her stance.

Speaking in London, Underwood was uncomfortable revisiting the subject and said she was staying away from reading the reactions.

That said, Underwood is a former “American Idol” and Grammy winner who knows what she says will be heard.

The American star is in the U.K. to win over English hearts with her music. Her latest album, “Blown Away,” is her first actual British release. She’s also playing a sold-out show Thursday at London’s Royal Albert Hall that will feature her latest material as well as older hits like “Before He Cheats.”

She’s promising a laid-back show, compared to past American gigs which had flying pick-up trucks on the stage.

The Oklahoma-born star has been to London before but just on a tourist trip to see the sights.

Underwood hopes breaking into the U.K. market will in some way rebalance the flood of successful English acts like Adele, One Direction and The Wanted who are taking over the American charts.