Additional Stars Added to ‘CMA Music Festival: Country’s Night to Rock’
More stars, late night jams, and behind-the-ropes interviews have been added to summer’s hottest concert special: “CMA Music Festival: Country’s Night to Rock,” airing Sunday, Aug. 7 (8:00-11:00 PM/ET) on the ABC Television Network.
“Unique collaborations are a hallmark of this Festival and special,” said Steve Moore, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “The artists enjoy performing with their peers and our fans love those one-of-a-kind moments you won’t find anywhere else. And, we have them!”
Concert performances added to the lineup for the special include Country Music Hall of Fame supergroup Alabama performing with reigning CMA Entertainer of the Year Brad Paisley; The Band Perry at LP Field; a late-night jam at a gritty downtown Nashville club with Luke Bryan, Kid Rock and Sheryl Crow; the battle of the baritones with Josh Turner singing with “American Idol” winner Scotty McCreery; Gretchen Wilson partying with tour mates and longtime creative collaborators Big & Rich; and Alan Jackson performing with Zac Brown Band.
Previously announced performers include “American Idol” runner up Lauren Alaina performing with Martina McBride; and Jason Aldean singing with Kelly Clarkson. Sara Evans, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Rascal Flatts, Reba, Darius Rucker, Blake Shelton, Sugarland, Taylor Swift, and Keith Urban.
The excitement isn’t restricted to the stadium stage: camera’s follow McCreery and Alaina at their first CMA Music Festival appearance signing autographs and meeting swarms of fans; The Band Perry discusses what it is like for siblings on the road; Aldean and Clarkson talk about their vocal collaboration “Don’t You Wanna Stay”; reigning CMA Vocal Group of the year Lady Antebellum field questions submitted by fans; Swift talks candidly about her world tour and connecting with fans across the globe; and Shania Twain speaks openly about her personal hurdles, her future, and the overwhelming support of the fans.
Twain also introduces a performance by Sugarland and several other artists step up to introduce their peers including Dierks Bentley, McBride, Rascal Flatts, John Rich, Rucker, and Shelton.
The annual event, which celebrated its 40th year in 2011, is unlike any other: four days, 30 hours of autograph signings, 100 hours of live music, hundreds of artists and celebrities, and a party list of thousands of avid, singing and dancing-till-dawn fans. This is the seventh time ABC will broadcast this special, which invites the country to America’s biggest Country Music bash.
Originally started as Fan Fair® in 1972, the legendary event has featured performances by every major star in the format. What started with 5,000 fans has grown to a daily attendance of more than 65,000 representing every state and 27 foreign countries.
Tickets for 2012 CMA Music Festival, which will be held Thursday through Sunday, June 7-10, go on sale Saturday, July 30 (10:00 AM/CT).
