Carrie Underwood says 2019 CMAs will pay tribute to legendary women of country music

Underwood will kick it off by performing with Dolly Parton and Reba McEntire.

November 8, 2019, 9:37 AM

Carrie Underwood is gearing up to host her 12th consecutive CMA Awards.

The singer will be kicking off the Wednesday night show with a performance alongside famed country music stars Dolly Parton and Reba McEntire.

"I feel like the whole tone of the night is just going to be very heartfelt and sincere," Underwood told "Good Morning America." "Of course we're going to have fun moments because it's me and Dolly and Reba, but it's a tribute to legends--women of country music, the now, current people and we're looking to the future, too."

This year's CMA Awards will celebrate women of country music, and Underwood hopes it inspires young, aspiring artists.

"For me, personally, getting to be in a room with Dolly and Reba ... those are two women that taught me how to do what I do," Underwood said. "Looking forward, I want girls to be watching this at home and seeing all of us on that stage and getting inspired in thinking, 'I could do that too. I want to be a part of that.'"

Underwood has hosted the CMAs as many times as country artist Vince Gill. She is nominated for three awards this year including Female Vocalist of the Year (which she won in 2018), Album of the Year for Cry Pretty and Entertainer of the Year.

"I'm always nervous for the first five minutes and then it's like, 'OK, this is just fun,'" Underwood said. "The audience is just great ... you get a good energy back and it's Nashville. It's our home."

Watch the ABC News special, "Dolly Parton: Here She Comes Again!," hosted by "Good Morning America" co-anchor Robin Roberts, on Tuesday, Nov. 12 at 10 p.m. ET on ABC.

You can catch the CMAs on the following night, Wednesday, Nov. 13 at 8 p.m. ET.

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