John Legend, Lee Ann Womack Tape 'CMT Crossroads'

New Episode Will Debut Sept. 26

John Legend and Lee Ann Womack traded signature songs as well as new material in Franklin, Tennessee, on Wednesday night (Sept. 17) for the latest episode of CMT Crossroads.

Legend's R&B influences were a fine counterpoint to Womack's country sensibilities as they quickly found common ground on familiar favorites like "All of Me" and "I Hope You Dance." In addition, they offered exceptional duet performances of Legend's latest single, "You and I," along with Womack's current release, "The Way I'm Livin'," and several other songs.

CMT Crossroads: John Legend and Lee Ann Womack will premiere Sept. 26 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on CMT. The episode was recorded inside the Factory at Franklin.

Legend had just returned from a European tour and rather than bringing along his own band to the taping, he opted to perform with A-list Nashville musicians selected by Womack's husband, producer-publisher Frank Liddell. During some impromptu banter in between performances, Womack told Legend she wanted him to make a country album, and he quickly agreed.

He returned the praise by telling the audience how much he respected the fact that Womack was asked to sing "I Hope You Dance" at Maya Angelou's funeral in June and that Womack's music had made an emotional connection to people all over the world.

Legend won Grammys in 2005 for best new artist, best R&B album for Get Lifted and best male vocal R&B performance for "Ordinary People." He has won Grammys in nine categories in all. His latest album, Love in the Future, features the smash, "All of Me."

Womack claimed a 2002 Grammy for "Mendocino County Line," a duet with Willie Nelson. In addition to the classic "I Hope You Dance," her country hits include "The Fool," "A Little Past Little Rock" and "I May Hate Myself in the Morning." She will release a new album, The Way I'm Livin', on Tuesday (Sept. 23).