``CMA Awards Backstage Pass'' Premieres Sept. 21 as First-Ever CMA Pay-Per-View Special; First-Ever Pay-Per- View Awards-Related Event Sponsored By BMG Music Service.

NASHVILLE, Tenn.--(ENTERTAINMENT WIRE)--Sept. 15, 1999--

"CMA Awards Backstage Pass," the first-ever pay-per-view event produced in conjunction with a music awards telecast, will broadcast live throughout the U.S. and Canada on Sept. 21 at 8:00 PM (EST) one night prior to the CBS network telecast of the "33rd Annual CMA Awards."

Hosted by noted comic Bill Engvall and Mercury recording artist Terri Clark, "CMA Awards Backstage Pass" will treat fans to an inside look at preparations for Country Music's biggest night of the year including behind-the-scenes rehearsals, celebrity preparations for the big night, a look at great moments from past CMA Awards telecasts, and all the excitement that goes along with this important Awards event. The event will also feature performances by CMA Award winners Mary Chapin Carpenter and Deana Carter live from Nashville's 328 Performance Hall.

Sponsored by BMG Music Service, produced by Warner/TBA in association with exclusive marketing and distribution by Spring Communications, "CMA Awards Backstage Pass" will be available via Viewer's Choice, DIRECTV, TVN, ECHO Star, and a host of select local cable companies throughout the U.S. and Canada. To order the special pay-per-view event, fans may contact their local cable or satellite company. Additional information about "CMA Awards Backstage Pass" is available to consumers online at www.bmgmusicservice.com.