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Whole New World
RD: And overall, what do you think of fame: Is it a good thing or not?Underwood: The good hugely outweighs the bad. But every once in a while, things get a little crazy. Sometimes I fear for my safety a little bit, and for my parents' safety. Somebody will park in front of my parents' house and sit there for hours. I'm afraid somebody's going to steal my dog or something.
RD: You're a big animal lover, right?
Underwood: I have two cats and a dog that, thank goodness, my parents are taking care of, because I'm traveling so much now. Before I went on American Idol, I was working for a veterinary clinic. I don't think enough people stand up for animals. My heart goes out to them because, to me, every single animal has a heart and a mind and a soul. I don't believe in doing crazy things to get attention for them -- just quietly protesting and doing my part.
RD: How do you quietly protest?
Underwood: I'm a vegetarian. And I encourage people to spay and neuter their animals. I would never hunt, nor would I ever be with somebody who did. But if you love to go hunt, then that's your business. I'm not a preacher.
RD: You're a believer, though. In one of your hit songs, you sing about Jesus.
Underwood: It's how I was raised. I honestly believe that there is something out there watching over me, whether it's angels or God, pointing me in the direction I need to go.
RD: After winning American Idol and releasing an album, you went back to finish college. Why?
Underwood: I didn't want those three and a half years to be wasted. I was so close to that finish line.
RD: Now that you've experienced your own Cinderella story, what other goals do you have for the future?
Underwood: Of course, someday I'd like to get married and have children -- and I know I can't stay in the music business forever. After, I definitely want to devote more time to my other passion, animals.
RD: You saw Kenny Chesney in concert when you were 16, and now you're going to be opening for him during his summer tour. What does that feel like?
Underwood: I never in a million years thought I'd be touring with him. He's probably the biggest act in country music today, and I'm just honored to be on the roster with him.
RD: It's a whole new world for you.
Underwood: I feel like I grew up in one life, and then as soon as I got on American Idol, that life ended and I started a completely different one. People ask me, "How has your life changed?" How has it not changed? I mean, everything is different.
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