Martina McBride doesn't hesitate when asked who makes her feel starstruck: "Reba McEntire!"

"I don't know what it is because she always goes out of her way to make me feel really welcome, but I just love her so much and admire her, and I never know what to say," McBride admits. "I always feel like a poser! She's the real deal, and then there's me, over here."

Like her mentor, McBride has never lost sight of how blessed she is to have her career.

"Music has always been such a big part of my life," she says. "My dad had a country band as a hobby, and I sang in the band when I was growing up. This is all I've ever wanted to do, so it's a dream come true every day that I get to sing and perform and make records."

McBride's new album, 'Shine,' will be in stores March 24. The debut single from the CD, 'Ride,' is already a Top 20 hit.

More From TheBoot