Rodney Atkins and Kellie Pickler Will Perform NASHVILLE, Tenn., Oct. 28
NASHVILLE, Tenn., Oct. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- "Country Music's Biggest
Night(TM)" continues to grow as Academy Award-winning actress Reese
Witherspoon is the first presenter announced for "The 42nd Annual CMA Awards."
Nominees Rodney Atkins and Kellie Pickler have been added as performers. "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, Brooks & Dunn, Kenny Chesney and The
Wailers, the Eagles, Alan Jackson, Kid Rock, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert,
George Strait, Sugarland, Taylor Swift, and Keith Urban.
"We are thrilled to have Reese return to the CMA Awards this year to honor
the best in Country Music," said Tammy Genovese, CMA Chief Executive Officer.
"Among this year's most successful rising artists are Rodney and Kellie, and
we are happy to have them perform on the Awards as well."
Witherspoon first appeared on the CMA Awards in 2005, when she
co-presented an Award with Joaquin Phoenix, her co-star in the Johnny Cash bio
picture, Walk the Line. The actress, who won an Academy Award for her
portrayal of June Carter Cash in that movie, has also starred in Legally
Blonde, Rendition, and Sweet Home Alabama, among others. Witherspoon, who was
raised outside Nashville, will appear next in Four Christmases, due in
theaters on Nov. 26.
Atkins is nominated for CMA New Artist of the Year. Earlier this year,
Atkins joined Paisley on the "Bonfires and Amplifiers" tour, and more recently
completed Brooks & Dunn's "Cowboy Town" tour. His album, If You're Going
Through Hell, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Country Albums Chart and No. 3
on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart and spawned four No. 1 singles. Atkins
is currently working on a new album that will be released in 2009.
Pickler is nominated for CMA New Artist of the Year. Her self-titled,
second album recently debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Country Albums Chart.
She is only the sixth Country artist to debut their first and second albums at
the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Country Albums Chart in the SoundScan era.
Pickler's current single is "Don't You Know You're Beautiful."
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), and Tetley(R) Iced Tea.
SOURCE Country Music Association
