Thursday, April 2, 2009

Dierks Bentley, Martina McBride added to George Strait Tribute

Dierks Bentley, Martina McBride and honoree George Strait have been added to perform on the GEORGE STRAIT: ACM ARTIST OF THE DECADE ALL STAR CONCERT, a new special to be broadcast Wednesday, May 27 (8:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT) on CBS. The special pays tribute to "The King of Country," George Strait, and his legendary 25-year career.

Previously announced performers include Brooks & Dunn, Jamie Foxx, Faith Hill, Jack Ingram, Alan Jackson, Jamey Johnson, Toby Keith, Miranda Lambert, Tim McGraw, Montgomery Gentry, John Rich, LeAnn Rimes, Blake Shelton, Sugarland, Taylor Swift, Keith Urban and Lee Ann Womack.

Only four other acts have received the Artist of the Decade honor, including Marty Robbins in 1969, Loretta Lynn in 1979, Alabama in 1988 and Garth Brooks in 1998. This marks the first time the honor will be presented in a separate television special.

The tribute special will be taped at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Monday, April 6, the night following the 44TH ANNUAL ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS, which will be broadcast Sunday, April 5 (8:00-11:00 PM, live ET/delayed PT) on the CBS Television network.