TAYLOR SWIFT TO PERFORM OPENING SONG ON "THE 43rd ANNUAL CMA AWARDS"

By Courtesy CMA World
Posted Monday, November 9, 2009

NASHVILLE - Only two days away, yet the excitement continues to grow for "The 43rd Annual CMA Awards" as it was announced today that four-time nominee Taylor Swift will deliver the opening performance. "The 43rd Annual CMA Awards," hosted by Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood, will air live from the Sommet Center in Nashville, Wednesday, Nov. 11 (8:00-11:00 PM/ET) on the ABC Television Network.

"Taylor is the perfect choice as the opening act for the 2009 CMA Awards," said Tammy Genovese, CMA Chief Executive Officer. "Her charisma, charm, popularity, and talent will set the stage for an evening you won't soon forget. We know her fans will want to stay tuned to see what she does next."

In addition to Swift, performers already announced include Jason Aldean, Brooks & Dunn, Kenny Chesney and Dave Mathews, Billy Currington, Vince Gill and Daughtry, Kid Rock and Jamey Johnson, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Martina McBride, Reba McEntire, Tim McGraw, Brad Paisley, Darius Rucker, George Strait, Sugarland, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, and Zac Brown Band.

Announced as Awards presenters during "Country Music's Biggest Night(tm)" are Dale Earnhardt Jr., Neil Flynn, Patricia Heaton, Julianne Hough, Randy Houser, The Judds, Kid Rock, Kris Kristofferson, Jake Owen, Kellie Pickler, LeAnn Rimes, Robin Roberts, and Lee Ann Womack. Love And Theft will host the Pre-Telecast Awards.

Swift, who won the Horizon Award in 2007, received four nominations this year with Entertainer; Female; Album for Fearless; and Music Video for "Love Story." She could receive a second trophy for producing Fearless with Nathan Chapman. At age 19, Swift is the youngest artist ever to be nominated for Entertainer. Prior to this nomination, Wynonna was the youngest at age 22 when The Judds were first nominated in that category in 1986. Swift is also the first solo female artist to be nominated for Entertainer since 2000 when Faith Hill was nominated. The last solo female artist to win the category was Shania Twain in 1999.

Tickets for the 2009 CMA Awards can be purchased by logging on to www.ticketmaster.com; calling (800) 745-3000; or in person at the Sommet Center box office, located 501 Broadway (corner of Fifth Avenue and Broadway, in Nashville). Ticket prices begin at $110 for Upper Level.All ticket prices include sales tax, but exclude applicable service/handling fees.

"The 43rd Annual CMA Awards" is a production of the Country Music Association. Robert Deaton is the Executive Producer, Paul Miller is the Director, and 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. American Airlines is the official airline of the 2009 CMA Awards. Chevy: The Official Ride of Country Music.