Carrie Underwood unveils wax figure at Madame Tussauds

Times Square got a double dose of Carrie Underwood today as the three-time Grammy Award-winning recording artist unveiled her wax figure at Madame Tussauds New York. Underwood was welcomed by a barrage of camera flashes as she posed side-by-side with her wax likeness, which she saw for the first time today.

The creation of Underwood’s figure began earlier this year when a team of Madame Tussauds studio artists flew out to meet Carrie on tour for her figure sitting. Underwood was an enthusiastic participant in the figure making process – not only did she spend more than an hour with the studio artists, but she also generously donated a replica of the dress that she wore to the 2006 CMA Awards, when she was first named Female Vocalist of The Year, to Madame Tussauds for her figure to don. The dress was designed by Trish Townsend and constructed by Dez Zamek.

“We are thrilled that Carrie was able to join us today to help unveil her figure. Not only is she a bona fide superstar with fans around the world, but she is also an incredibly kind and generous young woman – a true role model for young people today. We know that our guests will love her figure, and we can’t wait for them to see it,” said Janine DiGioacchino, General Manager of Madame Tussauds New York and Madame Tussauds Washington D.C.

Underwood's wax likeness is now part of the attraction's "VIP Room" and is posed in a standing position with hands on hips. Visitors will be able to take pictures with and even hug her figure.

“I am honored to have been asked to pose for a Madame Tussauds wax figure as this is truly a once in a lifetime experience. I am really excited to attend my unveiling today!" said Underwood.

On November 12, Underwood will host the 2008 CMA Awards with Brad Paisley on ABC. She was also recently nominated for two 2008 CMA Awards, Female Vocalist of The Year, a title she currently holds for 2006 & 2007, and Album of The Year for CARNIVAL RIDE. In May, she was inducted as the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry and named Top Female Vocalist at the 2008 Academy of Country Music Awards for the second consecutive time. Her current album CARNIVAL RIDE, which contains the current smash “Just A Dream,” contains the #1 co-written hits “So Small,” “All-American Girl” and “Last Name.” Since her debut in 2005, Underwood’s two albums have sold nearly 10 million copies and she is the all-time U.S. top-selling American Idol contestant.

About Madame Tussauds New York:
Madame Tussauds New York is an interactive "must do" attraction that provides guests with unique opportunities to create memories with some of the world's biggest icons. Recent additions include Cinema 4D – New York’s first and only 4D theater where guests can experience everything from the salty smell of ocean water to the tingle of snow flakes falling on their cheeks – as well as the immensely popular Miley Mania exhibit, where guests can get up close and personal with Miley Cyrus (or her wax figure at least.) Sports fans can even live out their Super Bowl dreams with Eli Manning’s figure, while soap lovers can check out a new interactive TV audition area, where they can re-enact a scene from All My Children, see their performance played on monitors next to the set and snap photos with Susan Lucci’s wax figure. Other recent wax additions include Tyra Banks, Leonardo DiCaprio and Rachael Ray. Prominently located in the heart of Times Square, Madame Tussauds New York is open 365 days a year at 10 a.m. For more information, visit www.nycwax.com or call (800) 246-8872.

About The Tussauds Group and Merlin Entertainments Group
The Tussauds Group merged with Merlin Entertainments Group in 2007, bringing together two of the premier entertainment and attractions companies on the globe. Merlin Entertainments Group is the leading name in location based, quality family entertainment and is the world’s number two visitor attraction operator, delivering unique, memorable and rewarding experiences to its 32.2 million visitors worldwide. By the end of 2008, Merlin will have 58 attractions and 6 hotels, in 12 countries, across three continents as well as a dedicated and passionate staff of more than 13,000 employees. In addition to seven worldwide Madame Tussauds attractions, Merlin Entertainments Group presently operates 26 SEA LIFE attractions (including 3 Marine Sanctuaries), 4 LEGOLAND theme parks, The London Eye, 5 Dungeons attractions, Italy’s Gardaland, the UK’s Alton Towers, Thorpe Park and Chessington World of Adventures theme parks, Germany’s Heide Park, the UK Warwick Castle and Earth Explorer.