More Star Power Added to 2007 CMA Awards

More Star Power Added to 2007 CMA Awards

Reba McEntire to Perform Duet with LeAnn Rimes; Rodney Atkins, Miranda Lambert, and Taylor Swift Added to Superstar Performance Lineup

Multiple Artists to Host Segments of the Three-hour Gala Including Sara Evans and LeAnn Rimes

CMA Awards Presenters Announced Including Luke Bryan, Jason Michael Carroll, Bucky Covington, Jewel with Ty Murray, Kid Rock, Montgomery Gentry and Dwight Yoakam

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Oct. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- "Country Music's Biggest Night(TM)" continues to grow with the announcement today that Reba McEntire will perform with LeAnn Rimes. Rodney Atkins, Miranda Lambert, and Taylor Swift have been added to the star-packed list of performers on "The 41st Annual CMA Awards," which airs live Wednesday, Nov. 7 (8:00-11:00 PM/ET) on the ABC Television Network from the Sommet Center in Nashville.

For the first time in the history of the CMA Awards, multiple artists will share hosting duties during the three-hour gala including Sara Evans and Rimes.

"The CMA Awards are a platform for reaching a large network audience with our best and brightest stars," said CMA Chief Operating Officer Tammy Genovese. "Providing additional on-air opportunities for several of our artists to host segments of the program provides a different point of view throughout the night and keeps the pace of the CMA Awards fresh and exciting. These artists are personable, engaging, respected by their peers and beloved by the fans. Having artists host the CMA Awards is a cornerstone of this event - we are simply inviting a few more to the podium."

The first round of presenters is also being announced including Luke Bryan, Jason Michael Carroll, Bucky Covington, Jewel with Ty Murray, Kid Rock, CMA Awards Vocal Group of the Year nominee Montgomery Gentry, and Dwight Yoakam.

McEntire received two 2007 CMA Awards nominations for Female Vocalist of the Year and Vocal Event of the Year for her duet "Because of You" with two-time Grammy winner Kelly Clarkson, marking Clarkson's first CMA Awards nomination. McEntire on the other hand solidified her position as the female artist with the most nominations (45) in the history of the CMA Awards. Only Alan Jackson, George Strait and Vince Gill have more.

McEntire's duet with Rimes, "When You Love Someone Like That," is from McEntire's recent album, Reba Duets, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 - her biggest first week album sales to date with sales of more than 300,000 copies. Rimes' own album, Family, was released Oct. 9 and also features the duet with McEntire.

Atkins received his first CMA Awards nomination in 2007 in the Horizon Award category. His breakthrough album, If You're Going Through Hell, was released in 2006. It debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Country albums chart and is certified Platinum.

Lambert received her first CMA Awards nomination in 2005 for the Horizon Award. In 2006 she was nominated in the category again along with Music Video of the Year for "Kerosene." In 2007, she is nominated for Female Vocalist of the Year with Alison Krauss, Martina McBride, McEntire and Carrie Underwood. Her current CD, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend debuted at No. 1 on the Country album sales chart when it was released in May.

Swift received her first CMA Awards nomination in 2007 for the coveted Horizon Award. An enhanced version of Swift's Platinum-selling 2006 self- titled debut, The Taylor Swift Limited Deluxe Edition arrives in stores Nov. 6 and includes new music and a video collection, including three new songs from Swift and a behind-the-scenes video of her busy life and career over the past year.

Performers previously announced for the 2007 CMA Awards include Big & Rich, Brooks & Dunn, Kenny Chesney, Eagles in their first-ever awards show performance, Martina McBride, Brad Paisley, Rascal Flatts, George Strait, Sugarland, Josh Turner, Carrie Underwood, and Keith Urban.

Tickets for the 2007 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 Broadway and Fifth Avenue, in Nashville). Ticket prices begin at $164 (excluding applicable service/handling fees), with prices increasing depending on seating level.

"The 41st Annual CMA Awards" is a production of the Country Music Association. Walter C. Miller is the Executive Producer, and Robert Deaton is the Producer. Paul Miller is the Director. 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 2007 CMA Awards. Chevy: The Official Ride of Country Music. Mary Kay(R) is the Official Beauty Sponsor. Additional promotional partners include AOL, LLC., Borders(R) Books & Music, Carl Black Chevrolet, Coca-Cola(R), Dr Pepper(R), Gibson Guitar(R), Greased Lightning(R) Cleaning Products, Hard Rock Cafe Nashville, Mr. Coffee(R) and The Yankee Candle Company.

Source: Country Music Association

CONTACT: Wendy Pearl, CMA, +1-615-244-2840, Scott Stem, CMA, +1-615-244-
2840, Mozell Miley, ABC/NY, +1-212-456-6444

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

NOTE TO EDITORS: For CMA Awards information, history and high-resolution images visit CMApress.com. Media may also register for credentials at this site which is for media only and is not intended for public use. The public should be directed to CMAawards.com.

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Profile: International Entertainment