Country music superstar Carrie Underwood is opening up about everything from grappling with all that comes with fame and her personality to her marriage with husband Mike Fisher and what she wrote about herself in her high school yearbook, in the June issue of Marie Claire’s (on stands May 21st).

On her personality: “I’m not a mushy person at all. We were never a huggy family. Or a ‘let’s talk it out’ family. Technically I have siblings but they are quite a bit older than me – I was the accident – so I have the only-child syndrome going on. I’m a little more selfish, a little more independent, a little closed. I do wish I were softer. I wish I were able to form relationships better. But hey, I mean…I’m not a sociopath.”

On anxiety: “At the beginning of my career, I used to have panic attacks. People were touching me, screaming – it made me really nervous. In public, I just get nervous. It’s a physical reaction, feeling like the walls are closing in. The fans are great. It’s not their fault. I don’t ever want to come across as ungrateful. But on my end, it is hard for me to process. Because I am still just me.”

On awkward moments: “My husband calls me the queen of awkward moments. Anything that can be made awkward, I will make it awkward.”

What she wrote in her high school yearbook: “You were supposed to say what you would be doing in 10 years, and I said, ‘I will be rich, famous, and married to a hot guy.’ I guess I should have added a few more things.”

On having kids: “I don’t feel old enough to have kids. I know I am mature. But being responsible for another human?”

I feel like such a proud big brother!!!!

My long time friend Jessica Sanchez has finally premiered her DEBUT single “Tonight” featuring 3x GRAMMY Award winning singer Ne-Yo! The power duo also performed the club banger on Thursday night’s episode of “American Idol.”

Watch the music video above and let MJ know what you think… do you LOVE her or what?

It’s that “most wonderful time of the year” time of year and… you’re procrastinating sorting out your holiday gifts, aren’t you? And who doesn’t have those one or two people who are really, really difficult to shop for?! I know I do.

So that is why I am sooooooo thrilled to be an American Express ambassador for their #PointsForPresents Holiday program this year! Over the last few weeks I have been digging through their extensive catalog of goodies and I’ve compiled a few of my faves to help you — my fabulous and in-the-know readers — pick out some seriously stellar gifts (all shoppable using American Express Membership Rewards) that seriously everyone will love!

American Express helps ease the pain of shopping by allowing their Cardmembers to earn and use Membership Rewards points. Surely you already know you can earn points for almost every purchase you make (and with no expiration date)… But — did you know you can use your points on a wide variety of gift cards, retail purchases, travel and entertainment events? Aha!

KEEP READING TO SEE WHICH GIFTS ARE MY PEACH PICKS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON…

Phillip Phillips Online

Phillip Phillips, winner of American Idol Season 11, was presented with a Gold Record for his first single “Home.” When receiving the award, given to him in Los Angeles, Phillips exclaimed, “Wow! I can’t believe this!”

Believe it, Phillip! You deserve it!

Phillips was given the award by his fellow season 11 contestant Colton Dixon at the Nokia Theater on July 23rd. The surprise came while the contestants were touring on their American Idol LIVE! Tour.

Not only did Phillip’s single become gold, but it also shattered an American Idol record by selling over 278,000 downloads in its first week released! Wow! I can’t wait to see what Phillip will do next!

Do you like Phillip Phillips’ music? Let me know via Twitter @MicahJesse!

© RD / Kirkland / Retna Digital / Retna Ltd.

It’s official: Mariah Carey is the latest successful pop diva to join American Idol!

The 42-year-old will join the judges table for season 12. Her salary is expected to be somewhere north of $12 million — the sum paid Jennifer Lopez during her first year on the show — and possibly as high as $17 million.

Wowza! Go Mimi!

“It’s the biggest recording artist than any of these [singing competition] shows have ever had,” Fox entertainment president Kevin Reilly told critics at their press tour in Beverly Hills on Monday. “It’s an artist many of these contestants have tried to emulate.”

The addition of Mimi comes on the heels of Steven Tyler quitting the show, and Fox being unable to convince Jennifer Lopez to sign on for a third round. Lopez was holding out for a raise beyond her $15 million second-year salary.

As of now, Randy Jackson (who is also Carey’s manager) is now expected to stay on board, though nothing has yet been announced.

Either way, Fox is expected to now focus on its search for another male judge. According to reports, former American Idol contestant Adam Lambert is being considered.

What do you think of Mariah joining the show? Will she improve Idol‘s ratings?

Yessssssssss!!!!

You can now stream the entire “Sparkle” soundtrack, featuring new music from the movie’s stars Whitney Houston (R.I.P.) and Jordin Sparks, as well as hitmaker Cee Lo Green.

Whitney‘s final recording of “His Eye Is On The Sparrow” is too beautiful for words and makes us miss her even more!

Keep sparkling the star you are, Whitney! You will never be forgotten!

When one door closes, another door opens.

At least on American Idol, that is!

Steven Tyler, an American Idol judge for three seasons, told the world yesterday that he is not coming back as a judge on the next season of Idol.

The singer and frontman of Aerosmith said that he is leaving to focus and give more attention to his band which is coming out with a new album shortly.

Hours after the news was released, the Internet was abuzz that Mariah Carey was already in serious talks with American Idol producers to replace J.Lo who also announced she would not return to the competition show.

Mariah is managed by Randy Jackson, the only remaining judge on the show who has been there since season one. The singer, actress, and wife of Nick Cannon is known for her incredible voice, and we think would be a great mentor to future singers on the show. Guess we will have to stay tuned for the verdict!!

So do you think Mariah will make a good judge on the show? Tell me via Twitter @MicahJesse!