The moniker “Country Music’s Biggest Night” continues for the CMA’s as Academy Award-winning actress Reese Witherspoon is the first presenter announced for “The 42nd Annual CMA Awards,” Access Hollywood has confirmed. Additionally, nominees Rodney Atkins and Kellie Pickler have been added as performers. “The 42nd Annual CMA Awards” airs live from Nashville, Wednesday, November 12 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.
Previously announced performers include co-hosts Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood, along with Trace Adkins, Brooks & Dunn, Kenny Chesney and The Wailers, the Eagles, Alan Jackson, Kid Rock, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, George Strait, Sugarland, Taylor Swift and Keith Urban.
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“We are thrilled to have Reese return to the CMA Awards this year to honor the best in Country Music,” said Tammy Genovese, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “Among this year’s most successful rising artists are Rodney and Kellie, and we are happy to have them perform on the Awards as well.”
Witherspoon first appeared on the CMA Awards in 2005, when she co-presented an Award with Joaquin Phoenix, her co-star in the Johnny Cash bio picture, Walk the Line. The actress, who won an Academy Award for her portrayal of June Carter Cash in that movie, has also starred in Legally Blonde, Rendition, and Sweet Home Alabama, among others. Witherspoon, who was raised outside Nashville, will appear next in Four Christmases, due in theaters on November 26.
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Atkins is nominated for CMA New Artist of the Year. Earlier this year, Atkins joined Paisley on the “Bonfires and Amplifiers” tour, and more recently completed Brooks & Dunn’s “Cowboy Town” tour. His album, If You’re Going Through Hell, debuted at #1 on the Billboard Country Albums Chart and #3 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart and spawned four #1 singles. Atkins is currently working on a new album that will be released in 2009.
Pickler is nominated for CMA New Artist of the Year. Her self-titled, second album recently debuted at #1 on the Billboard Country Albums Chart. She is only the sixth Country artist to debut their first and second albums at the #1 spot on the Billboard Country Albums Chart in the SoundScan era. Pickler’s current single is “Don’t You Know You’re Beautiful.”
Tickets for the 2008 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 Fifth Avenue and Broadway, in Nashville). Ticket prices begin at $110 for Bronze-level seating (upper level); $327.75 for Silver-level seating (club level); and $382.50 for Gold-level seating (lower level). All prices include sales tax but exclude applicable service/handling fees.
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