Sunday May 11, 2008

Carrie Underwood has joined the cast of the Grand Ole Opry.

The former ‘American Idol’ winner — who has sold 7 million copies of her debut album Some Hearts — joined the long-running country music show Saturday. Garth Brooks handled her formal induction and Vince Gill sang a duet with her.

“This really seems like a great family to be part of,” Underwood said, as she fought back tears. “I promise I’ll do everything I possibly can to not make you regret it.”

Brooks, who presented her with the induction award — a 14-inch bronze replica of an Opry microphone stand — told her, “Nothing will last as long or be as important as this award right here.

“Being around you five minutes, I can see you get it. In coming from Oklahoma, I know you’re sharp as a wit.” Brooks, like Underwood, is an Oklahoma native.

Underwood, 25, becomes the latest young addition to the Opry cast in recent years, joining Brad Paisley, Josh Turner and Dierks Bentley.