COUNTRY STRONG

Sources say the happier-than-ever music superstar has been reflecting on faith, family and turning 40

-  JAIME HARKIN

All eyes were on Carrie Underwood when she arrived at the 2023 CMT Awards on April 2. How could they not be: The singer was positively glowing in sparkly shorts and a matching jacket as she made her way down the red carpet, stopping to tell CMT she was ready to party and adding that husband Mike Fisher was home “holding down the fort” with their two sons. Inside the Austin venue, Underwood was in great spirits. “She was rocking out and singing along to Wynonna Judd’s performance,” says an eyewitness, adding that Underwood jumped to her feet to applaud Equal Play Award winner Shania Twain.

It’s high time the country music superstar had a chance to let loose. In mid-March, Underwood wrapped up her five-month, 43-date Denim and Rhinestones Tour, and, according to insiders, she’s more than ready for a breather. “Carrie is looking forward to a small break,” shares one source. A second source says Underwood’s 40th birthday on March 10 has been a turning point for the busy mom. “She’s really embracing this new chapter,” dishes the source. “Carrie’s proud of everything she’s accomplished. She feels so blessed and wants to focus on all of the different avenues of her life.”

DELICATE BALANCE