Carrie Underwood and Kevin Eubanks are the ‘world’s sexiest vegetarians’ according to PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals).
Underwood, 24, a Grammy-winning country singer, won the title in 2005 unlike Eubanks, 49, the leader of NBC’s Tonight Show band, is a newcomer to the winner’s circle.
More than 110 000 votes on the PETA’s annual contest on the ‘World’s Sexiest Vegetarians’ were counted and the organisation made public the results, ending a month-long poll on PETA.org.
Runners-up in the contest among others include young actress Kristen Bell, movie star Bryce Dallas Howard, actors Joaquin Phoenix and Milo Ventimiglia, columnist Michael Ausiello, and Jared Leto.
Carrie Underwood who celebrated her second win as ‘World’s Sexiest Vegetarian’ — she also won in PETA’s 2005 poll – is a lifelong animal lover. “I quit eating beef when I was about thirteen,” she has said. “I do it because I really love animals and it just makes me sad. I don’t like to watch commercials where they have meat. It weirds me out.”
Known to sport ‘V Is for Vegetarian’ shirts at her concerts, the singer frequently mentions that vegetarian pizza is one of her favourite foods. What’s more, Underwood is also known to rescue stray animals.
Jay Leno couldn’t be happier about Eubanks’ triumph. Leno mentioned the contest on The Tonight Show several times during the final week of the contest, saying that he wanted Kevin to win.
Eubanks – who has long been known for his buff body in addition to his musical skills – is proof that turning to veggies doesn’t mean turning down muscle.
“Every night before the show, I make sure [my] guitar is perfectly tuned. And every day, I do the same for my body – with healthy, vegetarian meals,” Eubanks has said. “It’s the easiest way to stay fit and feel great.”
Past winners have included Kristin Bell and Prince in 2006, Underwood and Chris Martin in 2005, Alicia Silverstone and Andre 3000 in 2004, Lauren Bush and Josh Hartnett in 2003, Tobey Maguire and Natalie Portman in 2002, and Shania Twain – who in 2001 was the first celebrity to win the title.