Brad Paisley did not co-host the 2019 CMA Awards with Carrie Underwood.
They are staples of the Country Music Association. After 11 years of hosting together, fans expect to see the dynamic duo each year at the coveted awards ceremony.
However, Brad was not by Carrie’s side on stage as host this year. Instead, she was joined by country music legends, Reba McEntire and Dolly Parton. The two ladies are an excellent substitute, but it didn’t stop social media from buzzing about Brad’s absence.
In August it was revealed Carrie would be back, but Brad would not. The decision had nothing to do with Brad as a host or his chemistry with Carrie, which is off the charts.
As a fan of all 3 of these amazing women, I can’t wait to watch. https://t.co/IHuX1GnhQi
— Brad Paisley (@BradPaisley) August 19, 2019
There is a very good reason Carrie was joined by Dolly and Reba, instead of her usual co-host. The 2019 CMA Awards are “celebrating legendary women” in the country music industry.
“It’s an incredible honor to welcome Carrie, Reba, and Dolly to the CMA Awards stage this year. In addition to awarding the year’s best and brightest in the genre, the 53rd annual CMA Awards will celebrate the legacy of women within country music, and we couldn’t think of a more dynamic group of women to host the show,” said Sarah Trahern, CMA CEO, in a press release, according to Good Housekeeping.
It is perfect timing too. There is a much-needed movement for more acknowledgment and radio play for female country singers happening right now. There has been a push for more equal play by female artists on the country music radio scene in the past few months.
Watching the #CMAwards and I’m really missing @BradPaisley but I love @reba and @DollyParton
— kimberly mcreynolds (@kmcreynolds18) November 14, 2019
Brad was certainly missed by fans, who used social media to express their mixed emotions. Many were pleased to see the legendary Reba and Dolly on stage with Carrie. Others admitted the show was not the same without Brad and Carrie hosting it.
Dolly did acknowledge Brad’s absence from the stage and ceremony in the opening monologue.
“You know I love a good man. Speaking of a good man, thanks to Brad Paisley for stepping back and letting us gals do our things tonight. He and wife Kimberly Williams-Paisley are on vacation. We know they’re watching, and we miss you. Carrie’s missing you a lot. But we told her to suck it up. She’s got the two of us,” Dolly expressed.
Reba joked it took two of them to replace Brad because he is that good at his hosting duties. The audience did not disagree with her either.
Brad Paisley did not host the CMA Awards with Carrie Underwood this year. However, fans can catch him on December 3rd, when his variety special Brad Paisley Thinks He’s Special airs on ABC.
It is a tribute to his life in Nashville and showcases why fans should come to Music City. He promises it is filled with humor and heart.