Carrie Underwood defends country music

Carrie Underwood insists country musicians aren't "trying to be cool".

The star enjoys massive success in her native America, but is lesser known in other parts of the world.

Carrie is disappointed that many people don't appreciate country music, and insists the genre is a force to be reckoned with.

"I love country music and I think everyone else should too," she laughed in an interview with British newspaper The Metro. "Other artists, such as Brad Paisley, are playing shows outside the US and bringing country to new people. Changes in technology mean people don't just listen to rock or pop. You hear a song you like on the radio or TV and you download it and discover more of that artist's music. It's more about songs and artists than genres these days.

"[Country music] is very honest. Come to one of our award shows and you won't see people lip-syncing. It's about singing and the music and I respect that very much. It's about being honest with your feelings. We're not trying to be cool. It's just about life."

Carrie rose to fame as the winner of American Idol in 2005 and has since gone on to enjoy success with albums including Some Hearts and Play On.

The 30-year-old's fourth studio album Blown Away was released last summer and the blonde beauty is proud of the tracks on there, even if they aren't as soul-baring as other offerings in the charts.

"I don't want to listen to everyone's problems and I doubt anyone wants to listen to mine," she explained.

"It's hard for me to really be open about my true feelings all the time, so it's fun to also be able to tell a story or be a character."