Who knew Good Morning America host, Robin Roberts, is a Country Music fan? She is – and for the second year in a row, Roberts has a primetime special, In the Spotlight with Robin Roberts: All Access Nashville (10:00 p.m. ET/PT, ABC), that’ll take us into the homes and intimate lives of a handful of the top superstars.
Roberts has been into Country Music for “as long as I can remember,” and clearly sees a common thread among the artists that still takes her by surprise.
“I keep thinking that no way can they truly be this humble, can they be this down to earth. Come on! It has to be an act, but, it’s true,” Roberts says.
In fact, the group featured on the special includes Kellie Picker, who almost didn’t let the ABC cameras in her home for fear of being labeled stuck up.
“We had to ask again and again and again,” Roberts recalls. “I don’t know any other star that would go, ‘Oh no, I don’t know anybody to think that I’m better than they are.’ Usually they want them to think that. That’s not the case at all with these Country Music stars. We found them so refreshing, especially in the climate that we live in right now.”
So, what keeps these successful performers down-home? Family, Roberts tells us.
“When I was at Brad [Paisley’s] home with his beautiful wife, Kimberly Williams-Paisley, Brad’s mom and dad (Sandy and Doug Paisley) were there,” she points out. “They helped take care of the children and Brad’s father is out on tour with him. In some ways, a lot of people know Brad’s father as much as they know Brad.
“Miranda Lambert, who is up for nine awards, talked openly about her humble beginning,” Roberts adds.
And apparently having a sense of humor helps keep them grounded, too.
“Oh my gosh, I’m tellin’ you, Brad Paisley is a big jokester. Kellie Pickler cannot stop talking. It’s hard to get a word in edgewise and she’s got these great jokes.
“Carrie [Underwood] is one of those who always catches you off guard because she’s just so sweet and she’s beautiful and very soulful. She doesn’t like a lot of fuss around her. When you’re around her you absolutely feel good.”
And the special is airing just ahead of the Country Music Awards, which are scheduled to air November 10th, 8:00 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.