Carrie Underwood Shooting for Entertainer of the Year Win at CMA Awards

Carrie Underwood celebrates her No. 1 hit, “Southbound,” with her co-writers David Garcia and Josh Miller. (Steve Lowry/BMI)

Carrie Underwood is gearing up to co-host the CMA Awards with Dolly Parton and Reba McEntire November 13 on ABC, and she’s excited to put the focus on celebrating the women of country music with this year’s show.

 “It’s definitely going to be heartfelt,” Carrie says. “The whole tone this year is obviously taking a look at women in country music, and I love the fact that there’s a theme happening. I hope that’s something we adopt for future CMAs.”

Carrie is the only woman nominated for the CMA Awards’ top honor, Entertainer of the Year, and she’s hoping to take that category for the first time.

“I’m blessed and lucky to be nominated and in fantastic company, but it would be amazing [to win],” Carrie admits. “It’s not the be all end all, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want it. Sorry, boys!”

This is Carrie’s 12th time hosting the CMA Awards, but her first time without long-time co-host Brad Paisley. Those two were known for bringing a lighthearted, hilarious touch to the show, and Carrie says a bit of that comedic element will remain this year.

Says Carrie, “I feel like Dolly and Reba are both so good at those one-liners that just kill. So, I can’t imagine there not being some of those in there.”

They’ve already started ironing out their musical numbers and the opening, but there hasn’t been direct communication between the three hosts yet about what they’ll talk about on the show. Carrie had a bit of a freak out moment when she realized the CMA Awards are just a little over 20 days away, but she knows they’ll have everything ready to go come showtime. 

She says, “We’ve already got into some of the script and some of the writing. I think it’ll really come down to the three of us getting into a room together, reading through things. Everything comes together a lot closer to the CMAs.” 

Carrie will most likely debut her next radio single on the CMA Awards broadcast, but she’s keeping that song choice under wraps for now. Carrie did drop a few hints, though.

“It is one fans have been asking for, and I’m excited about it. We do it in the show.” 

Of course, fans will be curious to see what eye-popping outfits Reba, Dolly and Carrie wear on the show, and Carrie predicts there will be a lot of rhinestones and fringe flying around backstage as they each maneuver through multiple wardrobe changes.

Of note, Carrie opened up about getting ready for the CMA’s just before attending a party in Nashville Monday celebrating her latest No. 1 hit, “South Bound,” which she co-wrote with David Garcia and Josh Miller.