Carrie Underwood’s ‘Jealousy and Envy’ Sparked Acrobatic ‘Ghost Story’ Performance at CMTs
Carrie Underwood isn't letting anything hold her back these days. The country artist has been taking major risks in her performances lately, including descending from the ceiling on a circus ring at the 2022 ACM Awards and an aerial rendition of "Ghost Story" at the CMT Music Awards on Monday (April 11). The latter was Underwood's idea, which she admits was born out of her own envy.
“I would see our aerialists perform every night in our show, so it came from a place of envy — jealousy and envy,” she tells Billboard, referring to the performers at her Reflection: The Las Vegas Residency. "They get to fly and it’s so beautiful, graceful and athletic."
The "If I Didn't Love You" singer originally wanted to try out the silks routine for herself. She then had the idea of using the acrobatic stunt for her song "Ghost Story." Underwood brought the idea to her choreographer, Brenda, and could tell she was a little skeptical.
"I could tell she was assessing me and seeing if I was strong enough to do that. I went home and worked on my own and I feel like I had to do a little bit of convincing everyone around me like, ‘I’m not going to fall. I feel really confident, I’ve got this, trust me,’" she shares. "Then everyone got excited about it. I worked a few more times with Brenda and felt very comfortable with it.”
Underwood is no stranger to physical fitness and challenges. The singer has her own fitness app, fit52 with Carrie Underwood, and her 2020 book Find Your Path details both workouts and healthy recipes the country singer loves. She also collaborated with and served as the face of Calia by Carrie, an activewear brand from Dick's Sporting Goods, for many years before stepping away in November of 2021.
Underwood will release her new album, Denim & Rhinestones, in June, and will most likely tour it before the year is over. There's no word on whether or not she'll be bringing the silks on the road with her.