Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley Score CMA Awards Hosting Duties
- Aside from their planned performances for the 42nd Annul CMA Awards, Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood will be responsible for hosting duties. Good choice, or not? Sound off in the comments. (via Country Aircheck newsletter)
- Disney launched a new Nashville-based sister imprint to Lyric Street called Carolwood Records to “insure a consistent product flow.” The name was derived from one of Walt Disney’s residential addresses. (via Country Aircheck newsletter)
- Eighties country band Exile has reunited to release an EP later this month.
- Amber Waves of Twang’s Chip Frazier on Kasey Chambers and Shane Nicholson’s latest, Rattlin Bones: “There is no doubt the “Royal Couple” of Americana is Buddy and Julie Miller. With the release of Rattlin’ Bones, Kasey Chambers and Shane Nicholson should at least be considered a member of the Royal Court.”
- Austin-based Lucas Hudgins added several songs to his MySpace from his new album, The World Left Is Mine. (Read Brady’s review.)
- Clint Black will follow in the footsteps of Trace Adkins as the next country singer to compete on Celebrity Apprentice.
- USA Today published a pair of articles about blondes in country music who were conditioned by reality TV.
- Craig Morgan comments on what it felt like to be passed up for Opry induction by Carrie Underwood:
But when she was asked to be a member, it was like, ‘Wow, you know, I’ve kind of been at this a while.’”
But as soon as I told myself that — I’ll never forget — I got on the bus one night, the night after her induction, and a couple of the guys are talkin’ about it. And they were like, ‘Man, I can’t believe you haven’t been asked yet.’ And I’m like, ‘You know what? It’s not my time, and when it is my time we will be asked. It’s all in God’s time. And when it’s right it’ll be perfect.’ And it could not have been more perfect.”
- Ninbullets.net posted a few studio outtakes and acoustic versions from Chris Knight’s latest album, Heart of Stone.
- As C. Eric Banister pointed out in the comments yesterday, the new version of No Depression’s website lives at www.nodepression.com. It’s got a super swanky design, go check it out.
- Sony Corp announced today it has finalized the acquisition of BMG Music.
- For his artist-in-residence concert at the Country Music Hall of Fame on Tuesday night, Jerry Douglas brought in special guests Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood for a star-studded affair that Craig Shelburne deemed phenomenal.
- Find out what ringtones Toby Keith and Julianne Hough are sporting.
- A Seattle man by the name of Mark G. Sams pleaded guilty to fraud and identity theft for impersonating Noel Haggard, the son of Merle Haggard, and faces a minimum of two years in prison.
- Watch Hayes Carll and cast have entirely too much fun (as if there’s such a thing) filming the video for “She Left Me For Jesus.” The lead character is played by Jesse Dayton.
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Brad Paisley // Carrie Underwood // Chris Knight // Clint Black // CMA Awards // Country Music Hall of Fame // Craig Morgan // Garth Brooks // Hayes Carll // Jerry Douglas // Jesse Dayton // Julianne Hough // Kasey Chambers // Merle Haggard // Shane Nicholson // Toby Keith // Trace Adkins // Trisha Yearwood
Current Discussion
- Please!: 'I find Carrie’s music to be a fresh of breath air and anybody who doesn’t feel this can easily find ...
- Rick: Speaking of polite company, King Rat Obama and his fellow democrat vermin in the U.S. House of Representatives (and one ...
- Steve M.: I don't mind songs with political overtones-after all, Woody Guthrie wrote most of his tunes with a solid political bent, ...
- Vance: Only a superfan of Carrie would think I'm bitter as her fanbase is unable to take hearing any criticism about ...
- Dan E.: Vance: You seem a little bitter.
- Dan E.: Kurt: I bet you'd be surprised at how many people are both fans of Carrie and Taylor. Only a small ...
- Vance: The lyrics are actually, “boy meets girl, girl leaves boy” Also, I’m loving her fresh music. It's not fresh music, it's cookie ...
- kurt: I personally don’t think there’s anything inherently wrong with a country artist working with someone like Martin or Dioguardi if ...
- kurt: Thank you! Thank you! Carrie fans seem to think that “remixing” is the only way to make a country song ...
- Leeann Ward: Michael, That's ridiculous on more than one level.

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[...] Kelly, Regarding Craig Morgan’s response to his apparently long awaited Opry induction: [...]
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October 2, 2008 at 12:04 pm Permalink
peoSo, I didnt realize that Craig Morgan was such a massive star that induction into the opry was such a given for him? I guess I can relate, as I continue to be amazed at how even though I have a blog that like 10 ple read, I am repeatedly passed over for the nobel prize in favor of people that actually seem to contribute to the betterment of mankind…
October 2, 2008 at 12:05 pm Permalink
sorry, technical issues in the comment above…
October 2, 2008 at 12:29 pm Permalink
I’d say I liked the Hayes Carll video (with a Jimmie Dale Gilmore cameo, too), but I’m too afraid of getting struck by lightning.
Kudos to the CMA for picking the most boring woman in country music to co-host their awards show. At least Brad Paisley has a personality.
October 2, 2008 at 12:31 pm Permalink
While I understand the thought to make Carrie a host, I’m not sure that she’ll do well. When I caught her and Keith here in Gwinnett back in April, she seemed a little uneasy with the concept of “banter.” Granted, the concert was more of a freestyle situation whereas the awards show will be written for her, but she didn’t seem overly comfortable talking to a massive crowd.
Brad, on the other hand, is a wonderful choice, I think, who’ll handle the task with his usual mix of humility and humor.
October 2, 2008 at 12:43 pm Permalink
I think Brad Paisley is a good choice, but if they wanted a female they should ahve gone with someone with more personality. I think Jennifer Nettles could be good. Or even Brad Paisley’s wife, she ahs always been funny when hosting.
October 2, 2008 at 12:55 pm Permalink
Are the CMAs going to be annulled this year? I like that idea.
October 2, 2008 at 12:59 pm Permalink
In my list, Craig Morgan is a third tier star at best.. but I guess I really don’t keep track of the male side of country music much.
October 2, 2008 at 12:59 pm Permalink
Henry, you’re right. Kimberly would be an excellent choice!!
October 2, 2008 at 1:05 pm Permalink
Also, while I’m by no means defending Jessica Simpson, her reality tv show came long after she was an established B-level pop star. Just because her country album came after it (and many years after at that) I think it’s a poor inclusion to the idol/star crew.
That said, wasn’t she on Star Search as a kid? Before the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse days w/ Britney and Christina? So –technically– she was on a reality show prior to a record deal, but not the way they mention!
October 2, 2008 at 1:06 pm Permalink
Morgan an Opry member? Is this is the same Morgan who was up on the Opry stage with Ray Price, and didn’t even know the words to Heartaches By the Number? The Grand Ole Popry continues it’s decline.
October 2, 2008 at 1:07 pm Permalink
I actually think Carrie and Brad will play off each other well, though Kimberly Williams Paisley would have been a fantastic choice for co-host.
These clips of Carrie and Brad promoting the ACMs give some indication of how things could go:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7nG2eMSJA3Y
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u50IBH-6jWY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q6UPW8KOus0
Carrie’s experience with live TV and her college background in mass communications should help her in the medium. Brad is certainly the more quick-witted of the two but I think this could work well. They both seem to like the deadpan…I’m not sure how entertaining that will work in a hosting situation, but we’ll see. Here’s an interview that the two did with Entertainment Tonight, discussing their upcoming cohosting stint:
http://www.etonline.com/news/2008/10/66180/index.html
October 2, 2008 at 1:16 pm Permalink
Thank goodness they didn’t choose Taylor Swift!!
October 2, 2008 at 1:22 pm Permalink
Based on the interview clip Dudley posted, I think Brad and Carrie should do just fine with the hosting gig.
Thanks for bring those Chris Knight goodies to my attention.
October 2, 2008 at 1:23 pm Permalink
Make that “Thanks for bringing…”
October 2, 2008 at 1:26 pm Permalink
I’m surprised they didn’t give it to Billy Ray again. Him and Miley were a disaster for whatever awards show they did.
Personally, I think Blake Shelton would be a great choice for hosting an awards show. He’s always hilarious whenever he’s on TV just being himself. Neal McCoy is another great personality, but I guess not enough ppl in the mainstream country fan base would recognize him.
October 2, 2008 at 1:44 pm Permalink
I was surprised at how promising those clips made Brad and Carries hosting job, but im glad. Now im actually looking forward to it.
October 2, 2008 at 1:49 pm Permalink
Drew:
I agree! Blake would be a great choice!!
October 2, 2008 at 1:55 pm Permalink
you would think they would throw Jewell into that “reality blonde” category. She got her “country” start on Nashville Star…
October 2, 2008 at 2:09 pm Permalink
Carrie is not particularly good at impromptu, off the cuff banter but she does fine reading scripted material. Carrie has a new Opry promo spot on GAC where the animated vocal delivery of her spiel is totally convincing. As far as Carrie is concerned, a teleprompter may be a girl’s best friend. Personally I’d like to see Sarah Buxton or Emily West host something like this…
Speaking of Sarah Buxton, since Lyric Street is adding another label imprint maybe they could finally release Sarah’s debut full album to get the new label moving! Yeah, right….
October 2, 2008 at 2:18 pm Permalink
I think Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley were good choices for the CMA Awards
Last year they had Miley Cyrus… bleh, just because she’s Billy Ray’s daughter
October 2, 2008 at 2:22 pm Permalink
I was a little worried about Carrie (I never had any doubts about Mr. Paisley) hosting until I saw the clip from ET. They actually seem to have a bit of chemistry between them – and Carrie seems genuinely humble and appreciative. So good for them. At least the CMA has finally given Vince Gill a break – maybe the ACMs will find a host other than Reba next year – she was great every time, but really, isn’t it somebody else’s turn in the hosting spotlight?
And Craig Morgan’s expecting to be in the Opry because he had that one hit? Carrie had 7 before induction – and I’m still not sure her accomplishments merit it.
October 2, 2008 at 2:30 pm Permalink
I can’t view the youtube clips at work, but the Entertainment Tonight clip does show great promise. I always think of Carrie as kind of stiff in interviews, but that clip was funny! She seemed much more relaxed too. Thanks for posting Dudley.
October 2, 2008 at 2:32 pm Permalink
Rick–
Sarah Buxton has a new single due soon, and it’s a new recording, not from her almost-released EP. Not sure if it’s on Lyric Street or Carolwood, and not sure when or if an album release is planned yet.
October 2, 2008 at 2:55 pm Permalink
Poor Sarah. Gimped along without a real album like Ashley Monroe.
October 2, 2008 at 3:43 pm Permalink
considering that hayes carll could quite easily pass as a kind of jesus-look-alike makes this clip even more hilarious.
October 2, 2008 at 4:12 pm Permalink
J.R., the CMAs gave Vince a break five years ago.
John, I agree with you about Carrie and Brad.
I think this is probably their best hosting choice since Vince.
October 2, 2008 at 4:14 pm Permalink
Wasn’t Miley’s hosting duties actually for the CMT awards, not for the CMAs?
October 2, 2008 at 4:26 pm Permalink
Leeann, yes I knew it had been a few years since Vince hosted, I didn’t know for sure it had been 5. And I love them both, both are great hosts. It just seems like he or Reba host every country awards show I see these days …
Glad to see some deserving new blood up there is all.
October 2, 2008 at 4:44 pm Permalink
I second that comment, Marc.
October 2, 2008 at 5:02 pm Permalink
I would think Both Sarah Buxton and Marcel are on their way to the new label. They’re doing the Big Machine “Divide and Conquer” method. It’s interesting that two of the bigger ‘indie’ labels out there both started second imprints in a time when the industry is in a downturn.
October 2, 2008 at 5:38 pm Permalink
Leeann Ward: “Wasn’t Miley’s hosting duties actually for the CMT awards, not for the CMAs?”
No, Miley & her father hosted the CMAs in 2007
October 2, 2008 at 5:51 pm Permalink
Hayes song and now video is hilarious! Nice to see Jesse Dayton too. If you’re not familiar with Jesse Dayton’s music, do yourself a favor. The duet CD by Jesse Dayton and Brennen Leigh called “Holdin’ Our Own” should be heard too.
October 2, 2008 at 6:15 pm Permalink
Nicolas, I think we were watching two different CMA awards in 2007 then.
October 2, 2008 at 7:32 pm Permalink
Last year we saw about 12 different hosts on the CMAs right?
October 2, 2008 at 7:34 pm Permalink
“No, Miley & her father hosted the CMAs in 2007″
It was the CMT Awards earlier this year. I believe Sara Evans and LeAnn Rimes hosted the 2007 CMAs. Can’t really remember for sure because I gave up watching the CMAs a long time ago.
October 2, 2008 at 7:49 pm Permalink
Yeah Jr., They did a rotating host thing for the 2007 CMAs. I don’t even remember Billy Ray or Miley being there at all, to be honest. I’m sure you’re thinking of the CMT awards, Nicolas.
October 2, 2008 at 8:36 pm Permalink
I think Scott Borchetta should start an imprint just for really talented artists that get dropped by their labels (ie Ashley Monroe, Susan Haynes, Katrina Elam, Amy Dalley, etc.) and for those who deserve better treatment from their labels (ie Sarah Buxton, Emily West, Bomshel, etc). If Scott was able to take Taylor Swift to superstar status, imagine what he could do with artists with real talent! (lol)
October 2, 2008 at 8:45 pm Permalink
Oh sorry, I didn’t know there were 3 country music award shows lol
October 2, 2008 at 8:57 pm Permalink
I love, love, love Sarah Buxton but Lyric Street did her a favor by not releasing her full record. I hope a new single means a full length record is in the works.
I think Brad and Carrie will be surprisingly good at hosting the CMA’s. Carrie is actually quite engaging and funny around people she’s comfortable with, as I believe she is with Brad.
October 2, 2008 at 9:32 pm Permalink
I think Luke Bryan would be a good choice as well… just saw him on GAC Nights and he’s a fun guy who could bring some good humor to the stage.
October 2, 2008 at 10:32 pm Permalink
I read where the President of Lyric Street (and now the new imprint) and said that the first artist would be an established artist with history at radio and that they’d be releasing a single from a new album soon. He then said he’d get new artists going next year. So that means if it’s Buxton and Marcel, they’ll be going next year. So whomever they have is likely not someone who’s listed on the Lyric Street roster right now.
October 2, 2008 at 10:35 pm Permalink
I just read an interesting thought here: http://jimhillmedia.com/blogs/jim_hill/archive/2008/10/02/tune-thursday-is-disney-getting-ready-to-launch-a-new-record-label.aspx
Carolwood Records might not even be a country label but a Christian label.
October 2, 2008 at 11:00 pm Permalink
Rick, isn’t that what UMG did with Lost Highway? Since radio isn’t interested in quality, I doubt that Borchetta would be interested in a Big Machine version of Lost Highway. Heck, if Borchetta were interested in quality, he’d have made sure that his existing imprint promoted Trisha Yearwood’s album.
October 3, 2008 at 12:04 am Permalink
I saw a carrie concert a few months ago and was struck by how little she communicated with the audience. And when she attempted to it didn’t sound very genuine.But she had a hell of a voice even though im not crazy about her music.
October 3, 2008 at 5:22 am Permalink
I think Carrie and Brad will be good together. There is a chemistry. Also, Brad could be the wise cracker and Carrie could be the straight “woman”. But yeah she’ll have things to say. Mainly, she’ll look gorgeous in all the dress changes she’ll make. Kinda like “Beauty and the Dry-Wit Man”
October 3, 2008 at 10:59 am Permalink
Why all the Carrie hate? Carrie has a GREAT personality and will do a wonderful job hosting with Brad. Both Brad and Carrie are wonderful, kind, funny people- and they are good friends– so together they will be great.
Carrie has a wonderful personality… but the problem is– everyone thinks you need a BIG personality like Kellie pickler or jen nettles to have a good personality. NOT true. I personally find both of them a tad annoying sometimes, as they are too over the top.
Carrie is more refined and shy, granted- but she has class and grace, and is quite funny when you get to know her.
Sometimes less is more.
October 3, 2008 at 11:02 am Permalink
PS– Carrie communicates alot with her audience. That is not true at all I have been to 10 of her live shows and she is funny, genuine, and real.
She brings a little girl on the stage at every show for All American girl now– and has the little girl sing along with her. She is sweet, humble, and real… and I will take that ANY day over the arrogant Taylor swift who spends her whole night thrashing her hair about, beating drums, and bragging about how great she is (when she can’t even sing).
Carrie may be less BOLD or chatty then pickler or sugarland– but at least she doesn’t need to use props like bubbles to put on a great show. Jen is a little too much for me to take.
October 3, 2008 at 11:09 am Permalink
@Michael – I didn’t see anything in the previous comments that could really be construed as “Carrie hate.” At least nothing to the degree of contempt you expressed for Swift.
October 7, 2008 at 11:32 am Permalink
Carrie was an awesome choice! She is going to do great! She is going to be beautiful!
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