FIRST PRESENTERS ANNOUNCED FOR "THE 43rd ANNUAL CMA AWARDS"

Posted Tuesday, October 27, 2009

NASHVILLE - The excitement is building as the first group of presenters are announced for "The 43rd Annual CMA Awards," hosted by Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood, and airing live from the Sommet Center in Nashville, Wednesday, Nov. 11 (8:00-11:00 PM/ET) on the ABC Television Network.

The first celebrities announced as Awards presenters during "Country Music's Biggest NightT" are NASCAR superstar driver Dale Earnhardt Jr.; stars of ABC's "The Middle" Neil Flynn and Patricia Heaton; Julianne Hough; nominee Randy Houser (for both New Artist and Music Video of the Year for "Boots On"); nominee Jake Owen (New Artist of the Year); Kellie Pickler; CMA Award winner LeAnn Rimes; and ABC News's Robin Roberts, co-anchor of "Good Morning America" and host of the upcoming "Robin Roberts: Bright Lights. Big Stars. All Access Nashville" ABC television special (airing Nov. 10).

In addition, hot emerging trio Love And Theft will host the Pre-Telecast Awards, which are given out during the half-hour before the televised event begins. Among the Awards presented during this time are the CMA Broadcast Awards, which recognize the Broadcast Personality and Station of the Year in four categories (small, medium, large, and major market) as well as the National Broadcast Personality of the Year.

Performers already announced include Jason Aldean, Brooks & Dunn, Kenny Chesney and Dave Mathews, Billy Currington, Vince Gill and Daughtry, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Reba McEntire, Tim McGraw, Brad Paisley, Darius Rucker, George Strait, Sugarland, Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, and Zac Brown Band, with more to be named soon.

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. Great Lower Level seats are also available. 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.