Story by David Scarlett

It's amazing that a million people have bought my album," declares Sara Evans with a touch of awe, after recently receiving her first-ever platinum record for her latest CD, Born To Fly. "It really is the first time I've felt like I've truly arrived.

"Now I really feel like I'm a viable artist. And there's not a night I'm onstage that I don't thank God for putting me there."

The fans who helped Sara earn that shiny disc would no doubt add a resounding "Amen!" to that.

Based on the incredible success of Born To Fly - including the chart-topping title single, the Top 5 "I Could Not Ask For More" and now the great early response to "Saints & Angels," her latest release - there could be a double-platinum presentation not too far in Sara's future.

For now, however, she's shining platinum-bright as part of this summer's Girls' Night Out Tour. It's a rolling-down-the-road, estrogen-packed musical extravaganza featuring Sara and four more of the best voices in country music - Reba McEntire, Martina McBride, Jamie O'Neal and Carolyn Dawn Johnson.

"Being part of Girls' Night Out is just awesome," declares Sara. "It's the most amazing thing I've ever done. I am so impressed with each of the girls, and they are all such great singers!

"Unfortunately, I usually don't get to watch much of Carolyn and Jamie because I have meet-and-greets backstage when they're on, but I try to watch all of Reba's show and some of Martina's.

"They've got more experience under their belts than Carolyn, Jamie and I do, so we get to watch the two of them and learn what they've learned."

Ironically, Sara's favorite moment of the Girls' Night Out Tour happened before the tour even began.