Carrie Underwood has opened up about the “frustrating” and “rewarding” life of living off-grid with her family.
The former “American Idol” winner shared that her life in the spotlight is different from what she is at home, where she’s always “covered in poop.”
Carrie Underwood also recently revealed that she believes she and her family can be “self-sufficient” on their Tennessee farm away from the buzz of Hollywood.
Underwood may be a country music sweetheart and a regular feature in Hollywood with her judging gig on “American Idol,” but when she’s at home, things can get real.
During the recent episode of “American Idol”, Taylor Swift night on Monday, April 27, she told US Weekly that although it comes with its challenges, there are upsides to it.
“My goal is to just do as much as I can myself,” she told the news outlet. “I love it. It’s a challenge, and it’s frustrating, and it’s exciting, and it’s rewarding, and just all the things.”
The “Before He Cheats” singer then added that her life on the stage as an “American Idol” judge and country singer is the “polar opposite” of what she is at home.
“I go home, and I had to have talks with my family at one point, because I was like, ‘OK, when I’m away, I’m like, Cinderella at the ball.’ I’m a princess, and it’s great,” she explained. “And then I come home, and I’m like, covered in dirt. I’m covered in poop. It’s just the polar opposite. I’m like, cleaning up after everybody and barefoot in the kitchen. But I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
The Country Music Star Believes Her Family Can Be ‘Self-Sustained’ On Their Farm
Underwood has been living on the 400-acre farm since 2019 with her husband, Mike Fisher, and their sons, Isaiah and Jacob.
She often takes to social media, showing off some of her farm animals and routines that often include planting and harvesting crops in her garden.
Earlier this week, she said that she believes her family is getting to the point where they can be entirely “self-sustained” on their farm located outside of Nashville, noting that she loves “growing things.”
“If I had all the time in the world, I would… not really need to go to the grocery store for too much,” the singer told Fox News Digital.
“But it’s a lot of fun,” Underwood continued. “You know, I love our chickens. We have cows, we have sheep, we have donkeys. We have horses. I have my garden, and it’s a great way to connect with the earth. That’s my contribution to the family.”
Carrie Underwood Makes Use Of A Farm Manager
In her chat with the news outlet, the country music star revealed that she has a manager who helps run her farm.
This is likely due to her Hollywood career taking most of her time, especially now that she’s a judge on “American Idol.”
“I feel like a lot of other responsibilities are mine,” the singer said. “We have a farm manager who is wonderful… He’s taking care of my sheep while I’m gone.”
“He looks after the horses and things like that,” Underwood continued. “We do as much as we can, but I’m obviously not there all the time, and neither is my husband, so we do have help.”
Lionel Richie Speaks On The Country Star’s Biggest Challenge As A Judge
Since returning to the show as a judge, Underwood has grown to become a fine addition to the panel as she often gives contestants “constructive criticisms” on their performance.
However, she has been called out by some fans of the show for her remarks to contestants, with her fellow judge Lionel Richie revealing her biggest challenge as an “American Idol” judge.
“I think for her, the toughest part was saying ‘No.’ It took her about halfway through her first season,” Richie told Us Weekly during Monday’s episode.
He added, “And I get it, we’re here to not tear them down, but to encourage. But at the same time, not to lie to them. It’s a great balancing act.”
According to Ritchie, once Underwood moved past the initial hurdle as a judge, things became much easier for her and the contestants, with the country star giving helpful criticisms of the performances.
Carrie Underwood Shares Why She Gives Contestants ‘Constructive Criticism’
Earlier this month, Underwood weighed in on why she always gives “constructive criticism” on contestants’ performances during an episode of the “American Idol Podcast” with host Danielle Fishel.
Noting how she was booed after a particular harsh comment in an earlier episode, the country star said she doesn’t care.
“I can’t lie, I’m a terrible liar,” she said, per People Magazine. “As a fan of the show, if there was ever somebody that kind of had an off night and everybody’s like, ‘Oh my God, that’s so great.’ I’m sitting at home being like, ‘What? Liars!’ You want them to pay attention to those things going forward.”
Underwood noted, “They’re obviously talented, or they wouldn’t be here right now.”
