Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood might be two of the biggest names in country music, but they are still in awe of the giants who came before them. They say they are thrilled to be honoring some of those country music superstars at the 50th annual Country Music Awards Wednesday night.
This year’s Country Music Awards show will be a star-studded event unlike any other.
“It’s kind of like the difference between your first wedding anniversary and a 50th wedding anniversary,” Paisley told Hot Topics. “Friends, family, everybody shows up and it’s this thing where you want to talk about your life. Country music has essentially grown up before our very eyes in these 50 years.”
CMA officials are pulling out all the stops for their program's golden anniversary. The event is expected to be much more formal than in years before, with guests strongly encouraged to dress in black tie attire.
Underwood is nominated for the night’s top award, Entertainer of the Year. Paisley took home that honor in 2010.
“I’m Underwood 2016,” Paisley said. “Nothing would make me happier than to see her win. I mean, I’m a fan of everybody in the category, but I am biased.”
When asked which artists inspired her growing up, Underwood mentioned names like Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire, Martina McBride and Tammy Wynette.
“They are the voices that taught me how to sing,” Underwood said.
Paisley noted that Steve Wariner, Ricky Skaggs, Buck Owens and Vince Gill will perform at the show .
“What’s great is that a lot of the people I just mentioned are really well represented on our show,” Paisley said. “They should be. They created this. And we just get to be your hosts navigating you through what ought to be one of the most incredible award shows anyone’s ever put on, I think.”
About the Author
