(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Leighton Meester went to watch Carrie Underwood in concert to prepare for her role as a country singer in her new film.

The gorgeous star screamed and clapped with the rest of the fans in the audience as Carrie came out on stage. She has revealed the vocalist, as well as fellow country singer Taylor Swift, inspired her to fulfil her role in Country Strong.

The film tells the story of a budding singer who looks up to her idol in the music field played by Gwyneth Paltrow and then competes against her in the industry.

As a singer herself, Leighton is no stranger to maximising her windpipes and put her all into the performance on set.

"I went to the Grand Ole Opry and saw Carrie Underwood. Went to few honky tonks, too," she told Extra. "I tried to make it my own, but I was definitely inspired by Carrie Underwood and Taylor Swift. I went into the studio and sang my heart out."

The 24-year-old, who is most famed for her character Blair Waldorf in American drama Gossip Girl, signed a record deal with Universal Republic in 2009 and released a single called Somebody To Love the same year. Her second track Your Loves A Drug was made available digitally in March this year.

Leighton says playing the role of a country singer who takes on her rival was easy because she got on so well with Gwyneth. She was impressed with the Hollywood stars passionate guitar strumming skills, and her singing voice.

"She really showed her chops, playing the guitar and performing the hell out of it," said Leighton. "My character is supposed to admire and look up to her, and I do, too. You have to rise to the occasion when you play opposite her." (C) Cover Media