Here's a thought:  Maybe it was BRAD PAISLEY's idea to have other people co-host this year's CMAs with CARRIE UNDERWOOD.  Why is that, you ask?  Well, he's HOSTING a one-hour TV special later this season on ABC.

It's called "Brad Paisley Thinks He's Special" and it'll have musical performances, surprises . . . and something they're calling "heartfelt field pieces."  It sounds like an old-fashioned variety show to me . . . especially when you consider his A-list guests.

Check this out.  He'll be joined by Hootie & The Blowfish, Tim McGraw, the Jonas Brothers, Kelsea Ballerini, Peyton Manning, "The Bachelor's" Chris Harrison, and even Carrie Underwood herself.  (I guess they're still tight.)

Here's Brad's "funny" statement.  Quote, "Wait, I thought it was called the Brad Paisley Special.  Who added the 'Thinks He's'?  Oh well, I'm still psyched."

If you add this to Brad's comedy series that he's developing for Amazon, it's not a stretch to think that he's decided to move on from the CMAs.