Brad Paisley, Carrie Underwood host CMA awards

"We are excited to have our reigning Male and Female Vocalist host the CMA Awards this year," said Tammy Genovese, CMA Chief Executive Officer. "In addition to their musical talent, Brad's quick wit and Carrie's gracefulness will serve them well in this role. CMA is happy to offer both of them their first opportunity to host a nationally televised network awards show. "

Paisley and Underwood will also perform. Previously announced performers include Brooks & Dunn, Kenny Chesney, Alan Jackson, Miranda Lambert, George Strait, Sugarland, Taylor Swift and Keith Urban, with more performers to be announced soon.

"I'm thrilled to have this opportunity to host the awards show," said Paisley. "We're going to have a good time - start to finish."

"I am so excited to host a show I grew up watching, and am so thrilled to spend this night with the fans and Brad," said Underwood. "It's going to be a party."

Underwood toured with Paisley in 2006. The artists, who are both members of the Grand Ole Opry, reunited last year to record the duet Oh Love for Paisley's most recent album, "5th Gear."

Paisley received four nominations in 2008, including Entertainer; Male Vocalist, which he won last year; Song for his self-written Letter to Me and Music Video of the Year for Waitin' on a Woman (featuring Andy Griffith), directed by Jim Shea and Peter Tilden. Paisley has won nine CMA Awards since his first nominations in 2000.

Underwood received two CMA nominations in 2008, including Female Vocalist and Album of the Year for her second album, "Carnival Ride," produced by Mark Bright and featuring four songs co-written by the artist. She has received nine career nominations since her first in 2006, and has won a total of four CMA Awards. In addition to her two wins as Female Vocalist (2006 and 2007), she also received the Horizon Award in 2006 and Single of the Year for "Before He Cheats" in 2007.