Country star CARRIE UNDERWOOD has won the hearts of lesbians around the world. The 29-year-old Grammy winner, who's straight and married to NHL hunk MIKE FISHER, publicly declared she's a big supporter of same-sex marriage.
And global lesbian blogs and gay websites erupted in praise. "I've always loved Carrie Underwood… she is an amazing singer and she's totally hot! now I have one more reason to adore her," one lesbian poster wrote, echoing sentiments from gays everywhere.
Carrie's statement was a huge step by conservative Nashville standards, however, and the criticism from anti-gay quarters was quick, harsh and filled with disgust for the "Jesus Take The Wheel" singer.
"Just lost my respect, will not buy any recordings. Whoever thinks (gay marriage) is right is so wrong," stated one poster on the "Taste of Country" website.
Another wrote: "I guess next she will say it's OK to marry your siblings!!!!!!"
Carrie, however, didn't back down, ignored the outcry against her and went one step further, staunchly standing behind her good friend, gay country star CHELY WRIGHT, who waged a battle against anti-gay sentiment in the Nashville music world.
"Lesbians want to claim Carrie because she has such compassion and empathy for gay people and their issues," said an insider.
Although Carrie shocked her conservative and fundamental religious group fan base, the petite Oklahoma native publicly stated: "As a married person myself, I don't know what it's like to be told I can't marry somebody I love, and want to marry," she said. "I definitely think we should all have the right to love, and love publicly, the people that we want to love."
Carrie stood behind her words when she openly supported her good pal, singer Chely Wright when she married her partner Lauren Blitzer last August.
Chely, 41, documented her struggle as a gay singer in her documentary "Wish Me Away," admitting that her sexuality nearly ended her music career and brought her to the verge of suicide.
"Carrie was a rock for Chely during the bad times. They're as close as sisters," the source said.
"Carrie did the right thing by openly supporting gay marriage. And the gay community is thrilled to count her support among their ranks."
