Brad Paisley Credits CMA Awards Hosting Gig For Sharpening His Comedy Skills
Brad Paisley has always been a funny person, but he says that co-hosting the CMA Awards with Carrie Underwood has allowed him to really hone his comedy chops.
In an interview with Billboard, Paisley reveals that his first time hosting the coveted awards show with Underwood in 2007 was his first experience doing comedy on a high profile level. "It was really the first time I’d walked that tightrope where you’re really out there to tell jokes for five or 10 minutes," he explains about doing a routine during the live show. "Learning to not only do some things between songs, but write a monologue, and become a comedy act. We learned quickly how to incorporate some of that music, but at the same time, it’s still a comedy act."
The country music superstars are set to return as hosts at the 2017 soiree, marking their 10-year anniversary as co-hosts. The duo are always topical, incorporating current events in both the country music community and the world at large in their opening monologue. "Nobody wants to hear us do our monologue on the CMAs and start crying," he says. "That’s the moment for making fun of what’s going on, and that’s honestly so important in our society, and in the world."
Paisley also gets to flex his comedic muscles in his new Netflix special, Brad Paisley’s Comedy Rodeo, which was taped at Zanies Comedy Club during the 2017 Wild West Comedy Festival in Nashville, alongside comedians Nate Bargatze, John Heffron, Jon Reep, Sarah Tiana, and Mike E. Winfield. The singer says the special features a segment where he sings his serious songs, but with a comedic twist when he changes up the lyrics in a more honest fashion. "It starts serious and takes you a second for you to understand where I’m heading. I love that curveball aspect," he says.
Brad Paisley's Comedy Rodeo is available now on Netflix.
See Brad Paisley + Carrie Underwood's All-Time Best CMA Moments