NASHVILLE, Tenn., Nov. 3, 2011 --  2011 "American Idol" runner-up Lauren Alaina, 2005 CMA Horizon Award winner Dierks Bentley, Billy Currington, Jake Owen, Kellie Pickler, 2011 Country Music Hall of Fame inductee and six-time CMA Award winner Reba, and 1997 CMA Horizon Award winner LeAnn Rimes are the first artists and celebrities to be announced as presenters on "The 45th Annual CMA Awards."

Singer/songwriter Matt Nathanson will perform his new single "Run" with the previously-announced Sugarland. Nathanson and Sugarland co-wrote "Run" and toured together earlier this year. The song is found on his Modern Love album, which also features his Billboard Hot AC Top 15 single "Faster."

Singer/actress Laura Bell Bundy will host the Pre-Telecast Award Ceremony, where she will present Awards to the winners in three CMA Awards categories as well as to all of the recipients of the CMA Broadcast Awards. The winners of these Awards will be acknowledged during the television broadcast.

"The 45th Annual CMA Awards," hosted by Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood, airs live from the Bridgestone Arena inNashville, Wednesday, Nov. 9 (8:00-11:00 PM/ET) on the ABC Television Network. Previously announced performers for "Country Music's Biggest Night™" include Jason Aldean, The Band Perry, Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Sara Evans, Faith Hill, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Martina McBride, Scotty McCreery, Sugarland, Taylor Swift, Thompson Square, Keith Urban, Chris Young, and Zac Brown Band, plus Kenny Chesney and Grace Potter singing their hit collaboration "You and Tequila;" Vince Gill, Paisley, and Urban performing a tribute to Glen Campbell; Rascal Flatts and Natasha Bedingfield singing their current hit duet "Easy;" Lionel Richie performing select duets with Little Big Town, Rascal Flatts, Darius Rucker; Blake Shelton joined by Kenny Loggins on "Footloose"; and co-hosts Paisley and Underwood in their first live televised-performance of their No. 1 song "Remind Me."    

"The 45th Annual CMA Awards" is a production of the Country Music Association. Robert Deaton is the Executive Producer, Paul Miller is the Director, and David Wild is the writer. The special will be shot in high definition and broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC's selected HDTV format, with 5.1 channel surround sound.

Premiere Radio Networks is the official radio packager of the CMA Awards. Chevrolet™ is a Proud Partner of the CMA Awards and Official Ride of Country Music. American Airlines is the Official Airline of the 2011 CMA Awards. Macy's is the official presenting partner of the CMA Awards Red Carpet. Patron Tequila and Ultimat Vodka presented at The 45th Annual CMA Awards. CMA is a Proud Supporter of DRIVE4COPD.

SOURCE Country Music Association