Willing to speak her mind

Carrie Underwood’s views on gay marriage show she doesn’t fit the stereotype of a conservative country singer, writes Ed Power

“The best way to handle fame is to know who you are and what you want to do. And I just want to sing”

Carrie Underwood isn’t backing down. Several days ago, the multi-million selling singer declared her support for same-sex marriage in a newspaper interview. For a country star from the American heartland, it was a controversial step. As she is surely aware, a backlash is building.