That's what she said: Carrie Underwood

Carrie Underwood last week received CMA nominations for album and female vocalist of the year, and she’s scheduled to play in Topeka at the end of this month. She recently talked to the Denver Post about her crazy life as the new queen of country music.

•“Right after I came off ‘American Idol’ I used every single opportunity that I could to prove myself. I consider every vocal performance and every award show the same way.”

•“You might hate me. You might not like the songs that I choose. But hopefully you’re going to be able to say, ‘OK, she’s trying really hard. She’s giving it all she’s got.’ ”

•“I don’t think there’s any one thing that I’m reaching for. I’m just kind of going with it. I’ve gotten so lucky thus far so I’d feel guilty wanting more.”

•“I would love to spend more time songwriting. But I’m not one of those artists that says my songs must be on my album. If they’re good enough they’ll be on there, and if they’re not, they’re not.”

•“I need constant reassurance (that) what I’m doing is good. Ultimately things are my decision, but you also need people that are in touch with the outside world. I live in a bubble, as much as I fight it. And I feel like the more I have others’ opinions around me, the more things will be all right.”