``The 33rd Annual CMA Awards'' Boasts Top Talent; George Strait, Alan Jackson, Jo Dee Messina And Dwight Yoakam Added To List Of Performers.

NASHVILLE, Tenn.--(ENTERTAINMENT WIRE)--Aug. 26, 1999--

"The 33rd Annual CMA Awards" has added more performers to its stellar talent lineup, including George Strait, Alan Jackson, Jo Dee Messina and Dwight Yoakam. The three-hour gala event will be telecast live on the CBS Television Network, Wednesday, September 22 at 8 p.m. (EDT) from the Grand Ole Opry House.

George Strait has served as a musical inspiration to fans and fellow performers alike throughout his astounding career, amassing 43 number-one singles. This year, he also marked the second run of the "George Strait Country Music Festival," with close to one million people attending across the nation. Strait is nominated for Entertainer of the Year, Male Vocalist and Album of the Year for ALWAYS NEVER THE SAME. Strait also served as co-producer for the album, along with Tony Brown. He plans to perform his latest release, "What Do You Say To That."

With over 24 million albums sold and 24 number-one hits, Alan Jackson has earned a reputation as one of Country Music's top performers. Jackson is nominated for Male Vocalist of the Year and Music Video of the Year for "I'll Go On Loving You."

Jo Dee Messina, who's nominated for the Horizon Award and Female Vocalist, has set records with her sophomore album, I'M ALRIGHT. Messina recently became the first female Country singer to have three consecutive multi-week number ones from one album "Bye, Bye," "I'm Alright" and "Stand Beside Me." She'll perform her latest hit from the album, "Lesson In Leavin'."

Dwight Yoakam has achieved a unique status in the entertainment world, attaining success not only as a singer and songwriter, but as an actor and screenwriter as well. Musically speaking, he's sold over eight million records, and this year, he's nominated for Vocal Event of the Year for his contribution to "Same Old Train." He will perform "Crazy Little Thing Called Love," from his latest release, LAST CHANCE FOR A THOUSAND YEARS: DWIGHT YOAKAM'S GREATEST HITS FROM THE `90s.

Artists previously announced to perform include Alabama, joined by pop group `N Sync, Brooks & Dunn, Kenny Chesney, Dixie Chicks, Sara Evans, Vince Gill, Merle Haggard, joined by multi-platinum pop star Jewel, Faith Hill, Martina McBride, Tim McGraw, The Wilkinsons, Shania Twain, Steve Wariner and Chely Wright.

Winners of "The 33rd Annual CMA Awards" will be voted on by the nearly 6,000 professional members of the Country Music Association. Ballots are tabulated by the international accounting firm of Deloitte & Touche LLP.

"The CMA Awards" was the first music awards special to be carried on network television, and has consistently earned top ratings. Going head-to-head against ABC, NBC and Fox season premiere week, the 1998 CMA Awards placed first for the night in households, viewers and all adult demographics.

This year's broadcast will be produced by Walter C. Miller and directed by Paul Miller. Donald K. Epstein will write the script. A stereo-radio simulcast of the gala event will be satellite-delivered by MJI Broadcasting. The program will be televised via tape around the world, including the UK, where it will be seen in prime time on BBC 2. For more information on the CMA Awards, Internet users can locate the CMA website using the address www.CMAawards.com.