‘American Idol’ Celebrates the Opry

'American Idol' becomes 'Opry Idol' next week, and three of the Opry's biggest stars, Carrie Underwood, Brad Paisley and Randy Travis will take the idol stage on Wednesday night, March 18.

On Tuesday night, the show's contestants will select and perform songs popularized by Opry members as part of the show's ongoing competition to crown the next 'Idol,' an honor Underwood earned in 2005. The following night, Underwood performs her new hit, 'I Told You So,' with fellow Opry member Randy Travis, who will also be participating as 'Idol''s mentor for the show's contestants leading up to their make-or-break performances on Tuesday night.

Underwood's version of 'I Told You So,' which Travis took to No. 1 in 1988 is on her 'Carnival Ride' album. A new studio recording featuring both singers hits country radio next week, with a digital single becoming available at online music outlets to coincide with the pair's 'Idol' appearance.

Paisley will debut his new single, 'Then,' marking his first time performing it on national television. It's the lead-off single from his upcoming 'American Saturday Night' album. 'Then' will also be available as a digital download at online music stores in conjunction with his 'Idol' appearance. Fans will remember Paisley's award-winning music video, 'Celebrity,' featuring William Shatner and poking fun at 'American Idol'-type shows.

'American Idol' airs on FOX Tuesday, March 17 beginning at 8:00 PM (ET live/PT tape-delayed) and Wednesday, March 18 at 9:00 PM (ET live/PT tape-delayed).