Leanne Rimes: "Carrie Underwood Hasn't Paid Her Dues"  11/14/06

Leanne Rimes has come to the defense of fellow country singer Faith Hill, whose shocked reaction was caught on camera at the Country Music Awards last Monday (06NOV06) when Carrie Underwood beat her.

Hill appeared to be angry when she lost out on the Best Female Artist prize to the American Idol star and was seen mouthing a shocked "What?" before walking off.

Rimes writes on her official website, "Okay, I usually keep quiet on topics like this, but I feel I need to stand up for my friend, Faith.

"She was just being honest and emotional like every other person sitting at home with an opinion.

"These awards shows are so political and we all get fed up with them.

"We all work very hard and have for many years so to see someone come in and win Female Vocalist that has been here for a very short time, is a little disheartening."

"She probably felt, as I did, that Carrie has not paid her dues long enough to fully deserve that award.

"As artists and public figures, we have to keep our feelings so repressed so we don't get called ungrateful. Please cut her some slack!"