CMT News

Chely Wright, who reached No. 1 with "Single White Female" in 1999, has signed a new record deal and will release a single in March. "In the Back of the Bottom Drawer" will be the first offering from Vivaton, a Nashville-based independent label recently created by former Little Texas member Jeff Huskins -- the company's president and CEO. Former Decca Nashville chief Shelia Shipley Biddy will serve as executive vice president of national promotion and artist development. She and Wright worked together at MCA Records. Wright's album is expected in August. In a statement, Wright said, "I have dedicated the last 18 months preparing my music and myself to make this record. I promised myself I'd wait for the optimum situation. ... Vivaton will not release my single, then simply move on to release nine other acts to 'see what sticks.'"