Kristin Chenoweth: Country community is friendly

Kristin Chenoweth says the country music community have made her feel ‘welcomed and loved’.

The singer-and-actress is currently promoting new album Some Lessons Learned. The tracks have a country music vibe and Kristin was nervous about how she would be received by other artists. However, she is thrilled they have given her a warm reception and encouraged her all the way.

“I know that there are a lot of country singers who have put in a lot of time, and I don’t want it to feel like I’m just coming in and saying, ‘Move over.’ But so far, I’ve just felt really welcomed and loved,’ she told USA Today.

Kristin has revealed an appearance on Glee inspired her to make a country album. The 43-year-old star says songwriter Diane Warren gave her the confidence to enter the recording studio.

“Diane Warren is the one who really encouraged me to do this,” she added. “She had heard me sing a country song on Glee, and she said, ‘You can do this. This is you. I believe in you.’”

Kristin ‘ who was a presenter at the 2011 CMT Music Awards ‘ will now perform at the Grand Ole Opry on September 17. She can’t wait to take to the stage, revealed her family are extremely proud.

“This is huge. In my family, it’s like, ‘Oh, you’re singing at Carnegie Hall? That’s great.’ But if you’re singing at the Opry, it’s, ‘What?!’ That’s opera, where I’m from,” she smiled.