The CMA said Tuesday that both singers possess the humor and timing needed to host the three-hour show on Nov. 11.

The pair, two of country's most popular young stars, hosted for the first time last year.

"We didn't know what to expect the first time. We had no idea," Underwood said. "Things are different from year to year, but the overall layout — we've got it down."

The host slot has been something of a revolving door since the affable Vince Gill ended a 12-year run in 2003. Brooks Dunn hosted from 2004-2006, and in 2007 the CMA experimented with no host as multiple artists presided over different segments.

Seated beside each other, Paisley and Underwood said they wrapped up last year's show hoping to be invited back.

"We trust our instincts a little more now," Paisley said. "When they ask you to host and you've never done it before, it could be really bad. We all know of situations in various awards shows where that hosting thing didn't work very well.

"We've all sat through crickets," Underwood added. "Someone said something that was supposed to be a joke, and it's like, 'What are they talking about?"'

Last year, both singers performed during the broadcast, and both accepted major awards during the program: Paisley won male vocalist of the year and Underwood won female vocalist of the year.