Fans Have Strong Feelings About Brad Paisley Not Co-Hosting the 2019 CMA Awards
In August, the Country Music Association announced who would be hosting its 53rd CMA Awards show this year — and surprisingly, Brad Paisley's name did not come up.
Even though Brad and Carrie Underwood have co-hosted the annual event for 11 years straight, the CMA opted to replace Brad with both Reba McEntire and Dolly Parton. When the news broke, the "Remind Me" singer was nothing but gracious.
"As a fan of all 3 of these amazing women, I can’t wait to watch," he tweeted out in support.
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
Not surprisingly, a few of his die-hard fans were upset that they wouldn't get to see Carrie and Brad's witty banter at this year's award show.
"Agree it will be amazing ~ but no Brad & Carrie on CMA night gonna feel really weird!! Not gonna lie, have a small lump in my throat & a tear in my eye! You will be missed @BradPaisley!!!" one fan tweeted. "So excited for Carrie, Dolly and Reba, but will sorely miss the magic of you and Carrie!!!! Hope to see that magic back next year!" a different follower wrote.
So, why is Brad Paisley not co-hosting the 2019 CMAs?
According to Us Weekly, this year's CMA Awards will be the first time ever in history that women are nominated in every category (except, of course, Male Vocalist of the Year). Having Carrie, Reba, and Dolly — three huge female country artists — leading the show could be a way to mark such a special moment in country music history.
"It’s an incredible honor to welcome Carrie, Reba, and Dolly to the CMA Awards stage this year,” CMA CEO Sarah Trahern said in a press release. “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.”
Beyond that reason, ratings may also be motivating the switch up. In 2018, Variety reported that the ceremony posted a new all-time low, seeing a 34% decrease in ratings and 29% less total viewers (despite being the most-watched program that evening).
Regardless, we're more than positive Dolly and Reba will be just as amazing as Brad — though, real talk, he will definitely be missed.
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