SUGARLAND'S JENNIFER NETTLES HOSTS "CMA COUNTRY CHRISTMAS"

Kellie Pickler Added to the Performance Lineup That Includes Sheryl Crow, Little Big Town, Martina McBride, Brad Paisley, Rascal Flatts, Reba, LeAnn Rimes, Darius Rucker and Sugarland

Holiday Special Airs Monday, November 29 on the ABC Television Network

Jennifer Nettles, of reigning CMA Vocal Group of the Year Sugarland, hosts "CMA Country Christmas" with music, memories and stories of the season from some of the format's biggest stars, airing MONDAY, NOVEMBER 29 (9:30-11:00 p.m. ET) on the ABC Television Network. Kellie Pickler has been added to the list of performers, which includes Sheryl Crow, Little Big Town, Martina McBride, Brad Paisley, Rascal Flatts, Reba, LeAnn Rimes, Darius Rucker and Sugarland performing and sharing with fans their holiday traditions.

"I am thrilled to have been asked to host the CMA Christmas Special," Nettles said. "I love the holidays and, as my first time hosting a show, I am sure it will be full of laughs and surprises both for myself and for the folks watching."

"Jennifer's warmth and charm embody the joy of the season," said CMA Chief Executive Officer Steve Moore. "We are thrilled that she has agreed to host our first CMA Christmas special." "CMA Country Christmas" will tape in front of a live audience on Thursday, November 11 at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn.

Country Music has a long been a part of holiday traditions, from Brenda Lee's "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" to Gene Autry's "Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer" and the Elvis classic, "Blue Christmas." "The themes you find in Country Music are the foundation of what makes the holidays meaningful - the comfort of home, family and friends," Moore said. "'CMA Country Christmas' will be wrapped in those traditions."

The taping of "CMA Country Christmas" follows "The 44th Annual CMA Awards," hosted by Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood, which airs live from the Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, November 10 (8:00-11:00 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network.

"CMA Country Christmas" 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. A TV parental guideline will be assigned closer to airdate.