Carrie Underwood ‘Would Rather Encourage Than Criticize’

Carrie Underwood has sold millions of albums, played to sold-out arenas and taken home dozens of awards, including five Grammys and two ACM awards for Entertainer of the Year -- all since winning "American Idol" in 2005. Yet, while she remains an avid supporter of the hit TV show, the Oklahoma native says we won't find her sitting in a judge's seat anytime soon.

"I'm all about giving unknowns the chance to make it big," she tells Australia's Pop Sugar. "I'm still an 'Idol' girl all the way and will always continue to love and support that show, but any avenues that give people like me a chance to realize their dream are wonderful! I don't know if I could ever be a judge. I might be better as a mentor. I would rather encourage than criticize."

Carrie will head Down Under next month as part of her Blown Away tour, and wants to make sure to give the Aussies credit for one of their most valuable exports. "Keith [Urban] is truly a great guy!" she says enthusiastically. "He's such a cornerstone of country music and you all should be very proud to claim him as your own!"

The songstress promises her upcoming tour, which will include songs from her current No. 1 album, Blown Away, will also be a feast for the eyes. "The great thing about this album is there are so many songs that are so visual," she tells The Boot. "We can do so much with them. We aren't having to try to make up something cool to try to shove in there. We're going to be able to do some really cool things with them."

The singer-songwriter will be featured this week in a one-hour "Dateline" 20th anniversary special, along with Michael J. Fox, Aron Ralston and the McCaughey septuplets. The show will air on NBC on Tuesday, May 22 at 9:00 PM ET.

Carrie's Blown Away tour kicks off on May 26 in Baton Rouge, La. See a complete list of tour dates here.