Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood Return to Host 'The 44th Annual CMA Awards' Live From Nashville on ABC Television Network November 10

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Aug. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood reunite to host "Country Music's Biggest Night™" for a third time in 2010. "The 44th Annual CMA Awards" airs live from the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville on Wednesday, Nov. 10 (8:00-11:00 PM/ET) on the ABC Television Network.

"Carrie and Brad have done a tremendous job hosting and we are very happy to have them back again this year," said Steve Moore, CMA Chief Executive Officer. "They have developed a natural rhythm and have a great rapport with the audience – both in the house and our fans watching at home. They each have a great sense of humor and timing, which are two essential ingredients for hosting a live awards broadcast."

"The CMAs are different from any other awards night," said Brad. "You're looking at a roomful of people who love each other. And any new viewer will be pleasantly surprised at what they relate to on the Awards and what they like that they had no idea they would like. For that reason alone, this is the most important night of the year for Country Music."

"It's all about Country Music," said Underwood. "We all live here. This is our community. The CMA Awards are in Nashville, the home of Country Music. It's great to come here and celebrate that every year."

Paisley has won 13 CMA Awards since receiving the Horizon Award (now the New Artist Award) in 2000, including Male Vocalist (2007, 2008, 2009) and Album (2006 for Time Well Wasted). He also won Musical Event three times, first in 2004 with Alison Krauss for "Whiskey Lullaby," second in 2006 for "When I Get Where I'm Going" with Dolly Parton, and a third in 2009 for "Start a Band" with Keith Urban; Vocal Event in 2001 for "Too Country" with Bill Anderson, George Jones and Buck Owens; and Music Video of the Year three times, first in 2002 for "I'm Gonna Miss Her (The Fishin' Song);" second in 2004 for "Whiskey Lullaby" (again with Krauss), and third in 2007 for "Online." He is No. 5 on the list of top CMA Award winners of all time.    

Paisley is a consummate artist: a singer, songwriter, guitarist and entertainer. He has garnered three Grammy Awards and has released eight critically acclaimed studio albums, with sales of more than 11 million units. His most recent album, American Saturday Night, was ranked as Time magazine's 2009 No. 1 album of the year in any genre of music.  Paisley's most recent No. 1 single, "Water," was his 17th chart topper – the last 13 consecutive. Paisley's innovative and entertaining "H2O World Tour" consistently sells out and will continue through November. His next album, Hits Alive, will include original studio tracks as well as live tracks from his concerts and will be released Nov. 2.

Underwood has received five CMA Awards in her career, including three consecutive wins as Female Vocalist (2006-2008), as well as Single of the Year (2007 for "Before He Cheats") and the Horizon Award (2006).  Underwood, who has also won five Grammy Awards, adds hosting the CMA Awards to a whirlwind year which includes headlining over 100 concerts throughout the U.S. and Canada on her critically acclaimed "Play On Tour."

Carrie Underwood has amassed more than 12 million in U.S. album sales since her debut CD in 2005. She's consistently broken new ground by becoming the first American Idol winner to ever achieve 13 No. 1 hits and the first Country Music artist ever to achieve 10 No. 1 singles just on the strength of their first two albums. Her latest single, "Undo It," is the third consecutive chart-topping smash from her Platinum-certified Play On album. The song is one of seven tracks co-written by Underwood for Play On, and it becomes the sixth No. 1 of her career that she has co-written.

"The 44th Annual CMA Awards" is a production of the Country Music Association. Robert Deaton is the Executive Producer. Paul Miller is the Director. David Wild is the writer. The special will be shot in high definition and broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC's selected HDTV format, with 5.1 channel surround sound.

Premiere Radio Networks is the official radio packager of the CMA Awards. American Airlines is the official airline of the 2010 CMA Awards. Chevrolet, Proud Sponsor of the CMA Awards and Official Ride of Country Music.

SOURCE Country Music Association