Country stars take center stage
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“CMA Music Festival: Country Music’s Biggest Party” will air 9-11 p.m. Eastern on ABC. The show was taped earlier this summer during the four-day annual festival in Nashville.
“The special includes riveting performances in front of thousands of fans — which is where these artists excel,” CMA Executive Director Ed Benson said. “The unique relationship between country music artists and their fans is the cornerstone of this event.”
The festival, which was formerly known as Fan Fair, began in 1972 and gives fans a chance to meet many of their favorite celebrities and recording artists as well as see them perform.
The TV special captures some of the interaction. In one segment, Jackson meets a group of New York City firefighters who played his poignant hit about the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, “Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning),” in the firehouse for months.
Rascal Flatts make a surprise visit to play a bar where they got their start. Big & Rich visit a children’s hospital to perform and honor a young cancer patient who inspired their music before she died in 2003. Comedian Rodney Carrington takes viewers on a tour of the popular autograph sessions where the artists meet with fans.
“To watch the fans and the artists come together and connect on a personal level is an experience like no other, and we are thrilled to bring this special to ABC for the first time,” ABC executive Andrea Wong said.
Last year, CBS aired highlights of the festival.
Other artists to appear on the show include Dierks Bentley, Cowboy Troy, Sara Evans, Jo Dee Messina, Miranda Lambert, the Grascals, Sugarland, Phil Vassar, Lee Ann Womack and Wynonna.
The special also will premiere Gretchen Wilson’s video for her new single “All Jacked Up.”