Stars line up for D.C. holiday special

WASHINGTON, Nov. 21 (UPI) -- Casting Crowns, Kristin Chenoweth and Julianne Hough have signed up to star in the upcoming TV special "Christmas in Washington," TNT said Friday.

Darius Rucker and Straight No Chaser are also slated to help ring in the holidays during the fifth annual concert event, set to air Dec. 17.

Dr. Phil and Robin McGraw have been named hosts of the event for the fifth consecutive year. The concert will be taped at the National Building Museum.

Annually attended by Washington luminaries including President George W. Bush and first lady Laura Bush, the holiday music event benefits the National Children's Medical Center, Michael Wright, senior vice president in charge of the content creation group for TNT, TBS and TCM, said in a statement.

"This year's slate of performers is guaranteed to make the 2008 edition of 'Christmas in Washington,' a holiday treat the whole family can enjoy," Wright said.