Carrie Underwood to co-host country music awards

October 02, 2008 06:29 pm

— NASHVILLE — The reigning CMA Male and Female Vocalists of the Year, Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood, will unite to host “The 42nd Annual CMA Awards.”
This is the first time that either artist will have hosted “Country Music’s Biggest Night.” “The 42nd Annual CMA Awards” airs live from the Sommet Center in Nashville, from 7 to 10 p.m. Nov. 12 on the ABC Television Network.
“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 network awards show.”
In addition to their hosting duties, Paisley and Underwood will also perform. Previously announced performers include Brooks and Dunn, Kenny Chesney, Alan Jackson, Miranda Lambert, George Strait, Sugarland, Taylor Swift, and Keith Urban, with more performers to be announced soon.
“I’m thrilled to have this opportunity to host the awards show,” Paisley said. “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,” Underwood said. “It’s going to be a party!”
Underwood toured with Paisley 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.
Paisley received four nominations in 2008
Underwood, who is originally from Checotah, 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.
Underwood won “American Idol” in 2005.

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