Swift, Hough and Pickler Co-Host CMA Special

Three of country music's brightest (and blondest) new stars are set to co-host ABC-TV's 'CMA Music Festival: Country's Night to Rock.' Reigning CMA Horizon Award winner Taylor Swift, 'American Idol' alum Kellie Pickler, and 'Dancing with the Stars' champ Julianne Hough handle hosting duties for the star-studded special, which airs Monday, September 8 on ABC.

Among the others artists featured are Trace Adkins, Rodney Atkins, Bucky Covington, Billy Ray Cyrus, Faith Hill, Alan Jackson, Jewel, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Rascal Flatts, Sugarland, Josh Turner, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, Gretchen Wilson and Dwight Yoakam.

Filmed in Nashville June 5-8, the special treats viewers to the ultimate country music fan experience, capturing many of the Festival's most memorable behind-the-scenes moments as artists and their fans descend on Music City for the annual event.

Viewers will follow Bucky Covington as he tackles tour-guide duties at the CMA Music Festival, offering fans the festival experience through his eyes. Also featured: John Rich of Big & Rich telling the the now-legendary tale of how Gretchen Wilson made the transition from bartender to singer at some of Nashville's fabled honky tonks; and Taylor Swift staging an impromptu street performance and signing autographs at the Fan Fair Exhibit Hall.

Faith Hill and Keith Urban are also on hand to give some lucky fans the thrill of a lifetime: the chance to spend an unforgettable day with them, in the ultimate "meet-and-greet" experience.

The annual music festival, which drew 208,000 fans this year, spans four days and boasts more than 400 artists and celebrities, treating fans to 30 hours of autograph signings and more than 100 hours of live music. This year marks ABC's fourth time broadcasting the one-of-a-kind special.