Carrie Underwood to Appear in Skechers Campaign

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ ``American Idol'' winner Carrie Underwood is filling the shoes of Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera _ at least in an ad campaign. Underwood agreed to an endorsement deal

Sunday, July 17th 2005, 1:03 pm

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ ``American Idol'' winner Carrie Underwood is filling the shoes of Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera _ at least in an ad campaign. Underwood agreed to an endorsement deal with Skechers, a California sneaker maker that has also used Spears and Aguilera in its advertising.

``It is such a hip company with a great attitude and image,'' said Underwood, whose first single, ``Inside Your Heaven'' debuted at No. 1 on four music charts.

Jessie Schmidt, Underwood's publicist, wouldn't say how much the deal will pay.

The company said the deal gives it the right to advertise footwear using the 22-year-old singer's image through December 2006.

Luke Sharpe, president of Sharpe Dry Goods, a store that sells Skechers, said Underwood will attract young shoppers.

``They all want to be like Carrie,'' he said. ``They just can't sing.''