Carrie Underwood Slams Politically Motivated Celebrities 11/5/08

Country star Carrie Underwood has slammed fellow celebrities who use their public profile to rally support for politicians.

The former American Idol contestant doesn't agree with well-known people who make their political affiliations known to the public - insisting voters' decisions shouldn't be swayed by the power of celebrity.

In the run up to Tuesday's (04Nov08) U.S. presidential elections, Hollywood stars including Leonardo DiCaprio, Lindsay Lohan, Matt Damon, Bruce Springsteen, and Sean 'Diddy' Combs all threw their support behind America's new president, Barack Obama. Most notably, powerful TV titan Oprah Winfrey backed the new American leader on his campaign for the White House, despite the fact she had never publicly backed a presidential candidate in her 25 years on U.S. TV.

And Underwood is adamant the process is wrong - insisting she loses "all respect" for stars who publicize their political views. She tells America's TV Guide, "There is someone I do support, but I don't support publicly. I lose all respect for celebrities when they back a candidate."

"It's saying that the American public isn't smart enough to make their own decisions ... music is where you go to get away from all the BS."