CARRIE UNDERWOOD PLAYS ON

December 16, 2010

Her face regularly graces magazine covers, she drew in a mainstream crowd as country's It Girl before anyone had heard of Taylor Swift, and Thursday night she packed Rogers Arena with thousands of devotees.

Looking out over the sea of screaming fans, it's hard to believe it was only five years ago that Carrie Underwood began making waves with her sensational voice that even the surly Simon Cowell couldn't deny.

Underwood has made the most of championing the fourth season of American Idol, carving out a successful career highlighted by multi-platinum albums, multiple Grammys, and countless other awards.

Rising out of the stage on a royal red couch, dressed to the nines in sky-high black heels, pants, and a long, sparkling grey jacket, the always glamorous Underwood kicked off the show with "Cowboy Casanova", following up with "Quitter", both off her third studio album Play On, released in November 2009.

She is unquestionably a natural born talent. The blonde bombshell houses an impressive voice in her petite frame and also plays the piano and guitar – which she picked up for "Some Hearts", the title track from her debut album released in November 2005.

Tied with Reba McEntire as the Female Country Artist with most #1 hits on Billboard Hot Country Songs from 1990 to present, Underwood is also sitting pretty at #50 on the Artists of the Decade list by Billboard.

The down-to-earth girl from Checotah, Oklahoma, seemed at home on the stage as she charmed the Vancouver crowd, inviting them to keep the party going, to dance and sing, setting up "Wasted".

The once aspiring journalist turned singer songwriter, who auditioned for Idol on a whim, has faced the post-contest pressure to succeed head on. Her charms, chops, and charisma set her apart and have won over legions of fans.

Seamlessly blending country with the punch of pop and rock, Underwood had her audience under a spell. Her stage presence commands attention and fans couldn't help but be drawn in by her sweet, girl-next-door persona.

This "All-American Girl" recently acquired some authentic Canadianess, marrying Ottawa Senators forward Mike Fisher, and drew huge cheers from the crowd when she changed the lyrics of her hit to "All-Canadian Girl".

For "Take Me Home Country Road", Underwood emerged in a sequined mini, standing in the flatbed of an old fashioned, baby blue truck, suspended above the floor crowd. Fans cheered as the truck traveled around the stadium, stopping in the middle for "This Time".

American country music trio, Sons of Sylvia, who along with Billy Currington served as the opening acts, joined Underwood on stage for a memorable rendition of "What Can I Say". The songstress still managed to save some favourites – "Before He Cheats" – for the end.

No doubt it has been a crazy ride to super-stardom, but it's safe to say this is only the beginning. America’s country singing sweetheart will watch her star continue to rise. And tonight she brought thousands of Vancouver loyalists along for the ride.