The reigning CMA Male and Female Vocalists of the Year, Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood, will unite to host “The 42nd Annual CMA Awards” on Wednesday, November 12th. This is the first time that either artist will have hosted “Country Music’s Biggest Night™.”
“We are excited to have our reigning Male and Female Vocalist host the CMA Awards this year,” said Tammy Genovese, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “In addition to their musical talent, Brad’s quick wit and Carrie’s gracefulness will serve them well in this role. CMA is happy to offer both of them their first opportunity to host a nationally televised awards show. ”
In addition to their hosting duties, Brad and Carrie will also perform on “The CMA Awards.”
“I’m thrilled to have this opportunity to host the awards show,” says Brad Paisley. “We’re going to have a good time – start to finish.”
“I am so excited to host a show I grew up watching, and am so thrilled to spend this night with the fans and Brad,” says Carrie. “It’s going to be a party!”
Carrie toured with Brad in 2006, and the two became fast friends. The artists, who are both members of the Grand Ole Opry, reunited last year to record the duet “Oh Love” for Paisley’s most recent album, 5th Gear.
Carrie received two CMA nominations in 2008, including Female Vocalist and Album of the Year for her second album, Carnival Ride, produced by Mark Bright and featuring four songs co-written by the artist. This was her first nomination in the Album category. She has received nine career nominations since her first in 2006, and has won a total of four CMA Awards. In addition to her two wins as Female Vocalist (2006 and 2007), she also received the Horizon Award in 2006 and Single of the Year for “Before He Cheats” in 2007.
On top of her exciting hosting duties, Carrie is currently headlining her “Carnival Ride Tour,” scheduled to hit 51 cities this fall.
Carrie has changed a lot from that small town girl we first met during season four of American Idol, and we’ve captured it all in photos. Check out her Transformation Gallery!