Carrie Underwood, Randy Travis Form Mutual Admiration Society

Carrie Underwood's version of Randy Travis' 'I Told You So' was a big hit, especially after the two re-recorded the song as a duet. The tune, which Randy originally took to the top of the country charts in 1988, is up for two CMA Awards this year -- Musical Event and Song of the Year, and Carrie can't say enough about the country legend.

"Randy is such a nice person. He truly is somebody that's conducted himself in such a wonderful way throughout his entire career," says Carrie. "It's absolutely wonderful that I feel like I've truly gained a friend through the whole me-singing-somebody-else's-song thing. And he's so nice. He's truly deserving, especially for Song of the Year. I hope Randy wins more than I hope I win."

Randy wasn't as shocked to hear the song was nominated as he was that Carrie wanted to record it in the first place. "When finishing the performance, I heard it on the bus ... over the phone for the first time," says the legendary performer. "And I said, 'You know. that was far more suited to her range than mine.' She nailed that performance. So I think I was far more shocked at that than the nomination for the Song of the Year."

Carrie is also up for Female Vocalist of the Year and is once again co-hosting the CMA Awards along with Brad Paisley on Wednesday, Nov. 11 on ABC.