Carrie’s #1 With New Country fans

If your a new fan of Country Music, and your between the ages of 12-24, there's a good chance that Carrie Underwood is your favorite artist.

According to a study by Edison Research, CARRIE UNDERWOOD is the most popular artist among 12- to 24-year-olds who like country music. 82% of that group gave her a favorable rating.

Tim McGraw came in second at 80% . . . followed by Blake Shelton at 77% . . . and Luke Bryan with a 75% favorable rating.

Carrie was also the most popular country artist among 12- to 24-year-olds overall.

The research was conducted November 18th through the 25th, which was BEFORE Carrie's starring role in "The Sound of Music".  That aired December 5th on NBC.