Underwood has co-hosted the show for 12 years
Carrie Underwood has stepped down as host of the CMA Awards after 12 years. The country superstar shared the news on social media on Monday (Dec 30th) as she reflected on her year.
“One of the highlights of 2019 and of my entire career so far was being on stage with the legends that are Reba and Dolly Parton,” she says of the female trio hosts of this year’s show. “I’m so proud that we could celebrate the incredible female artists that are part of the legacy of country music, past, present and future, and I’m thankful for the huge audiences all over the world that tuned in to see it.
“It’s hard to believe that it was my 12th year hosting and I will always treasure every show, from the 11 that I was so lucky to do with my partner in crime and friend for life, Brad Paisley, to sharing the stage with two of my all-time heroes. I’m so incredibly grateful to everyone involved with the CMA Awards all these years. It’s hard to imagine topping what we have accomplished together, so I’ve decided that it’s time to pass the hosting torch (at least for now!) to others that will cherish it and honor it as much as I do. I’ve got so many exciting things coming in the new year and beyond, and I can’t wait to see what the future has in store for all of us. #blessed #MemorableMoments”
Underwood has hosted the show with Brad Paisley for 11 of those years, beginning in 2008. Many were surprised that Paisley wasn’t involved in this year’s show and had hoped the pair would reunite in 2020.
The singer just wrapped her all female Cry Pretty 360 Tour to critical acclaim and was the only femal nominee of the show’s top honor, Entertainer of the Year.
Underwood is prepping to release her order book in 2020, Find Your Path. Underwood hasn’t unveiled any other plans as of press time.