Carrie Underwood tour ready to ‘Play On’ in 2010

Country music sweetheart Carrie Underwood may not have received as much media attention as Taylor Swift this year, but 2009 has still been a strong year for the former American Idol. With a new album under her belt, she hopes to continue that success into the New Year with fresh spring tour plans.

The chart-topping singer will head from coast-to-coast next year with her 45-date Play On Tour, which also includes a few performances in Canada. The venture kicks off March 11 at Sovereign Center in Reading, PA, and concludes May 30 at Spokane Arena in Spokane, WA.

Underwood’s routing includes performances on March 20 at MGM Grand at Foxwoods in Mashantucket, CT; April 9 at Conseco Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, IN; May 7 at Lakefront Arena in New Orleans, LA; and May 22 at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, NV.

Craig Morgan will be featured along with a special guest along with Sons of Sylvia, who formerly performed as The Clark Brothers and are featured on Underwood’s latest album.

Public ticket sales for all dates of the tour will begin December 18. Tickets for the tour are affordable across the board, with most U.S. venues offering a $35 to $55 range, not including fees. Some venues have lower ranges, but prices only vary by a few dollars at most.

“I am getting so excited about next year as we are currently working through all the big plans for the tour,” Underwood said in a prepared statement. “I cannot wait to perform new music and see familiar faces across the U.S. and Canada!”

Underwood is touring behind her third studio album, “Play On,” which she released on November 3. In its first week of release, the album sold 318,000 copies and earned the former “American Idol” concestant and Season 4 winner her second consecutive No. 1 position on the Billboard 200, following 2007’s “Carnival Ride.”

Carrie Underwood itinerary:
(Dates are subject to change.)