CMA PRESENTS "ROAD TO THE CMA AWARDS"

Thirty-Minute Special Showcasing 2010 CMA Awards Nominees Airs on Local ABC Affiliates, Including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and Philadelphia

As excitement builds towards "The 44th Annual CMA Awards," the Country Music Association and the ABC Television Network are giving fans an exclusive sneak peek at "Country Music's Biggest Night�." "Road to the CMA Awards" is a half-hour special packed with artist interviews and highlights from past CMA Awards. The special will air on local ABC affiliates between Oct. 30 and Nov. 10. Fans should check their local listings for exact dates and times in their cities.

Featuring interviews with Trace Adkins, Danny Gokey, Miranda Lambert, Martina McBride, Brad Paisley, Reba, Darius Rucker, Josh Turner, Carrie Underwood and Keith Urban, "Road to the CMA Awards" offers fans an opportunity to hear and see these artists' favorite memories from past CMA Awards, as well as to find out what it's like to be nominated and perform for the first time.

"CMA is excited to produce this special for our ABC affiliate partners," said CMA Chief Executive Officer Steve Moore. "This is a great opportunity to ramp up the excitement for the upcoming CMA Awards and increase awareness in each of these markets."

"The 44th Annual CMA Awards" will air on WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 10 (8:00-11:00 p.m., ET) live from the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville on the ABC Television Network. Paisley and Underwood return as hosts for their third consecutive year. Previously announced performers include Dierks Bentley, Kenny Chesney, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Paisley, Rascal Flatts, Reba, Blake Shelton, George Strait, Sugarland, Taylor Swift, Underwood and Keith Urban. In addition, special performances will feature Gwyneth Paltrow in her live Country Music singing debut, performing with Vince Gill; top nominee Lambert with Sheryl Crow in a tribute to Loretta Lynn's 50th anniversary as a recording artist; Zac Brown Band with Alan Jackson, and more to be announced. And the night got even bigger on Tuesday with the announcement of Luke Bryan, Easton Corbin, Little Big Town, Tim McGraw, Jerrod Niemann, Kellie Pickler, LeAnn Rimes, Darius Rucker, The Band Perry, Chris Young and NASCAR champion Jeff Gordon in the first group of presenters.

"The 44th 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.