Carrie Underwood Fans Hold All Night Vigil

By the time Marty Stuart's Late Night Jam at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium ended at 2:00 AM Thursday, a line of fans was already snaking around the downtown convention center, a few blocks away. Most of the bleary-eyed people were in line to see Carrie Underwood, who will sign autographs today from 1:00 - 5:00 PM in the Greased Lightning Fan Fair Hall during CMA Music Fest.

Many of the fans chose to sit or stand alongside the convention center building, but a few were more prepared. There was one pop-up tent in case of rain, while other fans brought chairs, blankets and rain gear. A few thought about food, but some will rely on concerned friends to drop by with a picnic lunch.

In addition to signing autographs, Underwood has an exhibit opening at the Country Music Hall of Fame today, "Carrie Exhibit: All-American Girl." Among the items on display is the singer's dress that she wore at the Academy of Country Music Awards in May.

Reba McEntire will also be at the festival today to sign autographs, her first time in 13 years. Taylor Swift has signed on to sign autographs as well, making her appearance on Sunday from 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM. Other fan-friendly stars with pen in hand this week include Montgomery Gentry, LeAnn Rimes, Blake Shelton, Wynonna and Julianne Hough, just to name a few.

The CMA Music Fest runs through Sunday and includes numerous activities for country fans, including dozens of concerts, autograph sessions, fan club parties, cooking demonstrations and more.