Carrie Underwood inducted into Grand Ole Opry

By Amy McRee, NEWS 9

She's barely been on the music scene three years yet Carrie Underwood's joined the ranks among country's elite.

The Checotah native's now a part of family which already includes some Oklahomans and a long list of country legends.

And there is no doubt it's a family that's suits her well.

With a spring in her step, Carrie Underwood took command of a stage worthy of her presence.

Yet, contrary to her song, her name is known by millions due in part to all-American girl charm.

And one mighty voice. A polished performer who's come a long way from her Opry debut... just 2 weeks after winning the singing competition that changed her life.

The audience sat in awe as the Opry chronicled Underwood's amazing musical journey.

From her first exposure to the Opry, as a child, who dreamed even then, of performing on its stage, to the actual night that set Carrie's induction in motion, it has truly been a journey.

"Coming from Oklahoma I know you're sharp as a whip, I gotta tell you, I know you'll enjoy, but it is you will be reigned with awards from the CMAs, the ACMs, Grammy's, all that stuff, but nothing will last as long or more important than this award," Garth Brooks said.

"I just want to thank everyone at the Opry because it really seems like a great family to be a part of," Underwood said. "Gosh, I knew I was going to cry, I tried so hard not to cry all day, but it means a lot to me."

Another emotional moment came when Oklahoman Vince Gill sang a duet from a song off the album that solidified her stardom which sold over seven million copies.

"Having Garth Brooks here and Vince Gill, they are people who are from Oklahoma and they are people you can look up to knowing they came from a place like you did," Underwood said. "Vince has taken care of me ever since I first got to Nashville so it was very special having both of them as idols of mine."

On one of the most important nights of her life, Oklahoma support was all around her. The only thing missing were many of her supporters back at home, people she knows have believed in her all along.

"I have the most amazing support group, I mean I go back home to Checotah and people still like have stuff in their windows, in the store windows, and the amount of support that I've gotten in my career has just been overwhelming."

On a stage of an institution that honors great musicians and great people, it certainly seems fitting this Oklahoma girl has a part in country's grandest tradition and a place of pure contentment.

"I can't imagine wanting any more than I have right now," Underwood said. "I'm just taking the blessings as they roll in and they've been rolling in."