If it ain't broke, don't fix it...or at least that's the approach that ABC is taking the CMA Awards as it named Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley hosts once again. This will mark the eighth time that the pairing has been onstage for the yearly event.
"We are so fortunate to have Carrie and Brad hosting the CMA Awards for the eighth time," reads the statement from ABC. "They have real chemistry on stage and bring credibility, comic timing and critical acclaim to "Country Music's Biggest Night. Brad and Carrie are great hosts, because they are very active collaborators in the process. They are heavily invested in the continued success of the CMA Awards while being mindful of the prestige and history. They are not simply setting the bar for hosting an awards show, they are surpassing it every time they step out on our stage."
The pair's apparent chemistry is nice and all, but what about the actual viewership numbers? Although things dipped a tad from 2012 to 2013, numbers hit a 17-year high during 2014, also the highest numbers since Paisley and Underwood began choosing during 2008. Producers ultimately look at viewership numbers when deciding who the ideal host would be, hence why LL Cool J has hosted the Grammys more than anyone. If ABC found that Lil Wayne resonated with viewers, they wouldn't think twice about having him host a country music event (unfortunately, he doesn't resonate with that audience).
Believe it or not, the eight-year stretch for the Paisley/Underwood pairing isn't a record for the Country Music Academy. Vince Gill hosted the show for 11 consecutive years (and he only required a cohost for two of them). If viewership numbers stay high, that record will only last a few more years however.
The CMA Awards will take place on November 4 at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville.
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