CMT Cameras Follow Carrie Underwood As She Realizes Her Dream of Becoming a Country Artist

BEVERLY HILLS, CA. (CMT) - She won America's hearts and votes week after week competing on the Hollywood stage armed with songs from the country artists she's always admired. Now, "American Idol" winner Carrie Underwood is paving her own way to stand in the country music spotlight, and CMT captures it all for the one-hour episode of CMT IN THE MOMENT: CARRIE UNDERWOOD premiering Fall 2005.

From the moment she steps off the "American Idol" stage, CMT provides an insider's behind-the-scenes look at the road Underwood travels to pursue her musical dreams. Underwood's journey includes her "official" introduction to Nashville with performances at CMT's 100 GREATEST DUETS, her very first performance at the Grand Ole Opry and a fan-packed performance on "Today."

Underwood, the newly crowned "American Idol," started singing in public when she was a small child and made her first studio recordings at age 13. Hailing from Checotah, Oklahoma, the 22-year-old began her career singing in festivals throughout the South and Midwest. On "American Idol," Underwood regularly sang songs by country superstars Martina McBride, Rascal Flatts and the Dixie Chicks. Underwood, who is now signed with 19 Recordings/Arista, will release her debut album later this year.

IN THE MOMENT was created and is executive produced by George Moll of County Line Productions. Moll created and produced the hit VH1 series "Behind the Music" and has also developed and produced original programming for CMT, TV Land and BBC. Paul Villadolid and Sarah Brock are executives in charge of production for CMT.