PHOTOSCarrie Underwood Announces She Won’t Be Hosting The 2020 Country Music Awards
Dec. 31 2019, Published 2:14 p.m. ET
Carrie Underwood is ready to pass the torch. On December 30, the “Southbound” singer announced that she won’t be returning to Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena to host the Country Music Awards in 2020. Although Carrie, 36, called the hosting gig a highlight of her career, she is ready to “pass the hosting torch” after 12 consecutive years.
The American Idol alum took to Instagram and shared two pictures side-by-side. The first featured her and Brad Paisley, who she hosted the CMAs with from 2008 to 2018. The second image was of her with her CMA cohosts Reba McEntire and Dolly Parton at the 2019 awards show. “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 began her tribute to the CMAs. “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.”
Carrie continued, “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.”
The Grammy winning artist concluded her message as she looked forward to what lies ahead, and told her fans there are more exciting projects to come. “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.”
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One of the exciting events that the “All American Girl” singer has to look forward to is headlining the Stagecoach Festival in Indio, California. The three-day festival is slated to take place from April 24 to 26. Carrie will also release a health and lifestyle book in 2020 titled FIND YOUR PATH: Honor Your Body, Fuel Your Soul, and Get Strong with the Fit52 Life.
Since Carrie’s first hosting gig in 2008, she has won seven CMA awards, and was nominated as Entertainer of the Year at the 2019 ceremony.
The mother of two’s first appearance at the Country Music Awards was in 2005, after she won American Idol. Carrie performed “Jesus, Take The Wheel.” Most recently, she performed “Drinking Alone” at the 2019 ceremony.
What do you think of Carrie not returning to host the CMA awards? Sound off in the comments below!
