Early in my songwriting career, when I was learning a lot about writing songs, I'd force myself to sit down until I came up with something.

I'm a big sports fan in general.

American Idol allowed us to find Carrie Underwood.

A lot of people don't have near the amount of success as I've been blessed to have, and it's all about working hard and hoping that continues.

People hear me talk and they know my background and they immediately stereotype me as being a real, real country guy, and that's the right stereotype. But you also want people to know you're a little broader than that, too.

I'll always have songs with a farm connotation on my albums. It's in the fabric of my music, and I plan to keep it that way.

It's pretty cool to see how far music can take you.