REBA MCENTIRE TO BE HONORED AS FIRST CMT “GIANT” IN NEW TWO-HOUR SPECIAL “CMT GIANTS” PREMIERING IN NOVEMBER
08/16/06
Superstars Faith Hill, Trisha Yearwood, Kelly Clarkson, Martina McBride,
Brooks & Dunn, Jennifer Nettles and LeAnn Rimes to Pay Musical Tribute to McEntire
NASHVILLE – August 16, 2006 – Reba McEntire has been the leading lady of country music for over 20 years and now, for one special night, the stars of music, film and television will pay tribute to their favorite redhead in the new special CMT GIANTS, premiering Saturday, November 18. The two-hour special will be taped in front of a live audience at the Kodak Theater in Hollywood and will feature performances by such artists as Faith Hill, Trisha Yearwood, Kelly Clarkson, Martina McBride, Jennifer Nettles and LeAnn Rimes. Additional artists will be announced at a later date.
In CMT GIANTS, McEntire will be honored for her illustrious career, which includes 33 No. 1 hits, 29 albums, 15 American Music Awards, 12 Academy of Country Music Awards, seven Country Music Association Awards, two Grammy’s and the CMT Johnny Cash Visionary Award. CMT GIANTS will feature musical superstars singing some of Reba’s biggest hits and a special performance by the honoree herself.
“Reba is the ultimate choice for us to honor as the very first 'CMT Giant',” says Sarah Brock, vice president, production, music and events, CMT. “Reba is the real deal; talented, hardworking, not one afraid to take risks, but always remaining true to herself. Reba's success as an artist, an entertainer and a businesswoman is surpassed only by her devotion to her family and friends. She represents the best of country music.'”
Having held the title of Top Female Vocalist and Entertainer of the Year and drawing in millions of fans through her music, television show and clothing line, Reba is the ultimate “Giant” in everything she does. She was the first country female artist to sell five million copies of one album since Patsy Cline and has collectively sold over 49 million albums. From “Can’t Even Get the Blues” in 1982 to “Somebody” in 2004, Reba McEntire has been delivering hit songs for many years. Her music has become a soundtrack for the human experience with such songs as “You Lie,” “Somebody Should Leave” and “Rumor Has It”; she’s inspired others with “I’m A Survivor” and “How Was I To Know”; and broke hearts with “The Greatest Man I Never Knew” and “And Still.” In a career that has expanded beyond music, McEntire is also a multiple award winner in the acting arena. Her critically-acclaimed Broadway debut in 2001’s “Annie Get Your Gun” was awarded both the Drama Desk and Outer Critics Awards and her self-titled TV show, “Reba,” landed her a Golden Globe nomination and a People’s Choice Award.
CMT GIANTS is produced by Tom Forrest and Tailight TV. Sarah Brock serves as executive producer for CMT.
CMT, America’s No. 1 country music network, carries original programming, specials, and live concerts and events, as well as a mix of videos by established country music artists and new cutting-edge acts, including world premiere exclusive videos. Founded March 6, 1983, CMT, owned and operated by MTV Networks, reaches 83 million households in the United States. Go to country music’s biggest web site at www.cmt.com.
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PRESS CONTACTS:
Cindy McLean 615-335-8404 cindy.mclean@cmt.com
Nicole Pope 615-335-8406 nicole.pope@cmt.com
For Reba McEntire:
Jason Owen 615-524-7563 jason.owen@umusic.com
