Carrie Underwood wins Grammy for best new artist

LOS ANGELES, Feb 12 (Reuters) Former ''American Idol'' champion Carrie Underwood was named best new artist at the Grammy Awards, further enhancing the star-making power of the smash hit TV talent show.

The 23-year-old country singer yesterday took the coveted statuette over R&B singer Chris Brown and English singer-songwriters James Blunt, Imogen Heap and Corinne Bailey Rae.

Underwood, the winner of the fourth season of ''American Idol'' in 2005, earlier took the Grammy for best female country vocal performance.

Her album, ''Some Hearts,'' was the third-biggest seller in the United States last year, according to tracking firm Nielsen SoundScan.

Last year, inaugural ''American Idol'' winner Kelly Clarkson took home two Grammys.

REUTERS PDM PM0912