McGraw to host CMA music fest special

NASHVILLE, June 11 (UPI) -- U.S. recording star Tim McGraw is to serve as host of the "CMA Music Festival: Country's Night to Rock" special on ABC.

The program is to air Sept. 1.

"The summer's hottest concert special just got hotter with the addition of Tim McGraw as host," Steve Moore, chairman of the Country Music Association Board of Directors, said in a statement Thursday. "He is a dynamic performer with an undeniable chemistry and relationship with the fans."

The special was to be taped starting Thursday and running through Sunday at the annual CMA Music Festival in Nashville.

The bill features Trace Adkins, Jason Aldean, Billy Currington, Alan Jackson, Kid Rock, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Martina McBride and Reba McEntire. Brad Paisley, Kellie Pickler, Rascal Flatts, Darius Rucker, Blake Shelton, Keith Urban, Carrie Underwood and Zac Brown Band are also on the program.