Bixby Woman's 'I Am America' Song Becomes YouTube Hit

By Chris Wright, The News On 6

BIXBY, OK -- A song recorded by a Bixby woman has become a YouTube sensation in a matter of weeks and the theme song for a movement.

Krista Branch's song, "I Am America," has nearly half a million page views. It's been adopted as the anthem of the Tea Party and it's struck a chord among both conservatives and liberals.

It's been a busy few weeks for Krista Branch. The mother of three is already back in the studio recording a follow-up to her single, 'I Am America.'

Filmed in a friend's studio and posted on YouTube June 25th, the video has gone viral. It's been viewed more than 460,000 times, and mentioned on-air by Glen Beck and Bill O'Reilly.

The song was written by Krista's husband, Michael, during the height of the health care debate last fall. The couple says they had no idea it would snowball so quickly.

"It struck a nerve," Michael Branch said. "What I was feeling was what hundreds of thousands were feeling at the time."

"It's pretty surreal. Definitely bizarre," Krista said. "I wasn't expecting it. That was not really the intention, but I'm rolling with it, and it's fun."

Not everyone watching agrees with their political views. Some of the YouTube commenters aren't shy with their criticism.

"We've been a little surprised by some of the opposition," Michael said. "But hey, we live in America like I said and we have the right to speak our mind and that's a beautiful thing."

Despite the criticism and the fact that she never intended to record a Tea Party Anthem, Krista Branch says she will continue to go along for the ride.

"Certainly wasn't anything we intended or set out to do, but I am really honored to be able to sing the song and for so many people to take it as their own," she said.

Michael and Krista Branch are being flown to New York on Tuesday. Krista will perform "I Am America" live on Fox News Channel's morning program, "Fox and Friends," Wednesday morning.