Carrie Underwood is hanging up her microphone, at least when it comes to serving as emcee of the CMAs. The singer has decided to “pass the hosting torch (at least for now!) to others,” after 12 years. She noted that this past year’s event, held on November 13 at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, was a professional high point, as she shared the job with country legends Reba McEntire and Dolly Parton. The 53rd Annual Country Music Association Awards paid tribute to the women of country music, so the three were part of a group performance as well. Underwood thanked the viewers of the shows she’s headlined, and she gave a special shoutout to country music star Brad Paisley, who hosted alongside her in previous years. She called him her “partner in crime and friend for life.” She added, “It’s hard to imagine topping what we have accomplished together.” The “Cry Pretty” star’s devoted fans cheered her decision and, while Underwood hadn’t, they linked it to her losing the Entertainer of the Year race to Garth Brooks. Underwood’s team could not immediately be reached for comment. Per Billboard, Underwood tied with Vince Gill for the person to have hosted the awards show the most times. He was at the helm from 1992 to 2003. Over the course of her 15-year career on the national stage, Underwood has won nine CMA awards, plus many more than her mantle can hold at other shows. (SD-Agencies) | 