CMT News

NASHVILLE -- May 12, 2011 -- Tonight, CMT, CMT.com and media outlets around the world premiered MUSIC BUILDS: THE CMT DISASTER RELIEF CONCERT - a live, commercial-free, 90-minute concert special designed to raise awareness and funds for those affected by the recent devastating storms, flooding and tornadoes. Co-hosted by ESPN's Erin Andrews, HLN's Robin Meade and comedian Ron White, the special featured an urgent call to action from President Obama, as well as performances by Hank Williams, Jr., Alabama, Alan Jackson, Gretchen Wilson, Keith Urban, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, Ronnie Dunn, Sara Evans, The Blind Boys of Alabama, Tim McGraw and Trace Adkins. All money raised will benefit the American Red Cross Disaster Relief efforts.

Media outlets including American Forces Network, CNN.com, multiple local TV affiliates and radio stations also simulcast MUSIC BUILDS, reaching tens of millions of viewers around the world. HLN will re-air the telecast in its entirety on Sunday, May 15 at 9:00 p.m., ET, immediately followed by a half-hour, after-show special with Robin Meade. Show clips, artist interviews and behind-the-scenes b-roll are available at www.downcastserver.com.

MUSIC BUILDS: THE CMT DISASTER RELIEF CONCERT highlights a number of regions affected by recent storm, tornado and flooding damage including Tuscaloosa and Birmingham, Ala.; Natchez and Vicksburg, Miss.; Vidalia, La.; Memphis, Dyersburg and Tiptonville, Tenn.; and Raleigh, N.C. to name a few. In addition to performances, the special includes additional calls to action from American Idol judges Jennifer Lopez, Randy Jackson and Steven Tyler, with host Ryan Seacrest; Big Kenny, Carrie Underwood, Courteney Cox, Ellen Degeneres and Taylor Swift, University of Alabama Coach Nick Saban, Nicole Kidman, Shania Twain and others.

Celebrities were also busy manning the phone lines on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry House, taking donations for the American Red Cross. Volunteers included Ashton Shepherd, Big Kenny, Clay Walker, Clint Black, Crystal Bowersox, Danny Gokey, Darryl Worley, David Nail, Hillary and Holly Williams, Jamie Lynn Spears, Jana Kramer, Kellie Pickler, Montgomery Gentry, Niki Taylor, Phil Vassar, Scott Hamilton, Jonathan Cain and more.