As the U.S. presidential election draws to a close, country music star Carrie Underwood has come forward and admitted that she’s not a fan of those celebrities who felt the need to “publicly support” their chosen candidate.

Underwood said that she’s lost “all respect” for the celebs in question – Oprah Winfrey, Scarlett Johansson and Heidi Montag, to name a few – because she believes the American public shouldn’t be bullied into supporting a certain candidate just because the celebrities do.

“There is someone I do support, but I don’t support publicly,” Underwood explained to TV Guide. “I lose all respect for celebrities when they backa candidate.”

The American Idol winner continued: “It’s saying that the American public isn’t smart enough to make their own decisions.”

“I would never want anybody to vote for anything or anybody just because I told them to,” she added.

Well said! I’m not a fan of Underwood’s (though I did find her little tiff with fellow singer Jessica Simpson mildly amusing), but I think she definitely has a valid point. I understand the right to free speech and all, but there’s a fine line between supporting the candidate of your choice, and influencing your fans to follow your example.

Let’s not forget — celebrities are role models, and being a role model to so many is a very powerful thing.

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American Idol winner Carrie Underwood has drawn first blood in her bitter fight with country music rival, Jessica Simpson, dissing the busty blonde’s singing ability and her apparent weight gain.

A pal of Underwood’s told OK! magazine: “[Carrie] finds Jessica’s love of putting her life on display pretty desperate.”

When Underwood saw Jessica’s new cover story with People magazine – the one where she gushes about how Tony Romo (Carrie’s ex) is the love of her life – things got even cattier.

“[Underwood] laughed at the People cover,” the friend explained, “because it’s the same one Jess did about John Mayer [back when they were "in love"] – same smile, same look, except she’s a little fatter.”

Ouch! And that’s not all the Idol singer had to say about her bustier rival!

“Carrie doesn’t think fans will spend money to watch Jess warble through a few badly written songs,” Underwood’s pal added.

I’d tend to agree with that last part…

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