Carrie Underwood Sets Limits

Carrie Underwood records the holiday classic "I'll Be Home For Christmas" for the 2008 CD, Elvis Presley Christmas Duets. Photo courtesy of RCA Nashville/Sony BMG Music Entertainment.

Dec. 1, 2008 — Not that long ago, Carrie Underwood was a college student who took a shot at expanding her place in the world by trying out for "American Idol." It famously changed the trajectory of her life, turning her into a superstar in a matter of months.

One of the benefits of the celebrity she’s attained is the possibility of once again expanding her place in the world — this time by adding movie work to her recording career — and it’s something she does think about. But she won’t go crazy with it, even if she does end up in a film.

"We had a lot of offers for different roles, but my schedule is full," she told The Wisconsin State Journal. "If something came up that sounds like fun, I would do it. Not a huge role; I probably can't act. Maybe something little and fun."

One form of expansion Carrie didn’t have to create when she started making albums came in musical style. Because the "American Idol" format demands that its contestants perform in different genres, she hasn’t necessarily shocked her fans with the variety in her set lists. The same concert features covers of Randy Travis’ traditional country ballad "I Told You So" and Guns N’ Roses’ hard-rock number "Paradise City."

"I grew up listening to everything, and those are two of my favorite songs," she said. "I feel lucky I can do that and nobody sits there thinking, ‘Whoa, what just happened.'"

Carrie can be heard of late singing "I’ll Be Home For Christmas" with the King on the album Elvis Presley Christmas Duets. Among the other acts on the CD are Martina McBride, Gretchen Wilson, LeAnn Rimes and two members of Little Big Town, Carrie’s current concert tour mates.