Carrie Underwood pledges $1m to Red Cross

Carrie Underwood has donated $1 million to the American Red Cross.

The country singer pledged the generous sum to provide help for people affected by the brutal tornado which swept through her native state of Oklahoma earlier this week.

She said: "I have watched the devastation in my home state of Oklahoma over the past several days with great sadness.

"With the help of my fans who attended my concerts over the past year, we can offer the Red Cross a little extra help in comforting those affected by the recent tornados."

Former ‘American Idol’ winner Carrie, 30, grew up on a farm in Muskogee, Oklahoma, and was an active member of her local community growing up, so decided to donate all the proceeds from her recent tour to the charity.

Neal Litvack, chief development officer for the Red Cross, praised Carrie’s involvement, saying: "The impact of the tornadoes in Oklahoma and the Midwest was devastating and the road to recovery will be long for many families.

"Through the generosity of Carrie, the American Red Cross can quickly respond with shelter, food and comfort now and with lasting help as they move toward recovery."

The cause has also been supported by US celebrities like actor David Spade, who donated $200,000 to the hurricane relief fund, and Oklahoma City Thunder basketball player Kevin Durant, who also gave $1 million.