Performers and Presenters Announced for 'The 42nd Annual CMA Awards'

Performers and Presenters Announced for 'The 42nd Annual CMA Awards'

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Nov. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- CMA announced additional performers and presenters today for "The 42nd Annual CMA Awards." Darius Rucker, previously announced as a presenter, will instead give his debut CMA Awards performance. New presenters added to the lineup are Vince Gill, Julianne Hough, Jake Owen, John Rich, and Jimmy Wayne. "The 42nd Annual CMA Awards" airs live from the Sommet Center in Nashville, Wednesday, Nov. 12 (8:00-11:00 PM/ET) on the ABC Television Network.

Previously announced performers include co-hosts Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood, along with Trace Adkins, Jason Aldean, Rodney Atkins, Brooks & Dunn, Kenny Chesney with The Wailers, the Eagles, Alan Jackson, Kid Rock, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Martina McBride, James Otto, Kellie Pickler, George Strait, Sugarland, Taylor Swift, Keith Urban, and a surprise guest.

Previously announced presenters include Billy Ray Cyrus, Miley Cyrus, Heidi Newfield, Swift, Josh Turner, Lee Ann Womack, Academy Award-winning actress Reese Witherspoon, and a surprise guest.

"The lineup for this year's CMA Awards is outstanding," said Tammy Genovese, CMA Chief Executive Officer. "We know our viewers will enjoy this mix of Country Music artists and celebrities."

Gill hosted the CMA Awards for 12 years from 1992-2003. The two-time CMA Entertainer of the Year (1993, 1994) has won 18 CMA Awards, and is second only to Brooks & Dunn for having won the most CMA Awards in history.

Hough is making her CMA Awards debut this year, while also dancing each week on ABC's hit series "Dancing with the Stars." She is also co-hosting the "CMA Awards Red Carpet Live! Presented by Chevy" pre-show with Craig Morgan. The pre-show will bring the excitement of the Red Carpet to ABC affiliate viewers in cities across the nation and on ABC.com. Check local listings and ABC.com for airtimes.

Owen is nominated for CMA Musical Event of the Year for his performance of "Life in a Northern Town" with Sugarland and Little Big Town. Rich is nominated for CMA Vocal Duo of the Year as part of Big & Rich. Wayne is making his CMA Awards debut as a presenter this year.

Tickets for the 2008 CMA Awards are on sale now and can be purchased by logging on to www.ticketmaster.com; calling (615) 255-9600; or in person at the Sommet Center box office, 501 Broadway (corner of Fifth Avenue and Broadway, in Nashville). Ticket prices begin at $110 for Bronze-level seating (upper level); $327.75 for Silver-level seating (club level); and $382.50 for Gold-level seating (lower level). All prices include sales tax but exclude applicable service/handling fees.

"The 42nd Annual CMA Awards" is a production of the Country Music Association. Robert Deaton is the Executive Producer. Paul Miller is the Director. David Wild is the writer. The special will be shot in high definition and broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC's selected HDTV format, with 5.1 channel surround sound.

Premiere Radio Networks is the official radio packager of the CMA Awards, including a stereo-radio simulcast of the gala event. American Airlines is the official airline of the 2008 CMA Awards. Chevy: The Official Ride of Country Music. Mary Kay(R) is the Official Beauty Sponsor of the 2008 CMA Awards. Additional promotional partners include Borders(R), Carl Black Chevrolet, Durango Boot(R), Tetley(R) Iced Tea, and VAULT(TM) Citrus Soda.

www.CMAawards.com

Source: Country Music Association

CONTACT: Wendy Pearl, or Scott Stem, both of CMA, +1-615-244-2840; or
Denise Carberry, PFA-NY, +1-212-334-6116; or Mozell Miley, ABC-NY,
+1-212-456-6444

Web site: http://www.cmaawards.com/

NOTE TO EDITORS: Visit www.CMApress.com for CMA Awards history, photos, press releases, and logos. This is a protected site for the media only with restrictions on use. The public should be directed to www.CMAawards.com .

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