CMA Country Christmas will air Thursday, Dec. 20 (9:00-11:00 PM/ET) and repeat Saturday, Dec. 22 and Sunday, Dec. 23. For the third year, Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland will host the ABC holiday program.
Artists on the two-hour special celebrating the season with songs and stories include Dierks Bentley, Colbie Caillat, Katherine Jenkins, Lady Antebellum, John Legend, Little Big Town, Martina McBride, Scotty McCreery, Nettles, The Band Perry, and Keith Urban.
In 2011, the broadcast of “CMA Country Christmas” drew more than 9 million viewers, which was an increase of nearly 23 percent over the inaugural broadcast in 2010. Adults 18-49 increased year-to-year by nearly 50 percent. Total viewers who watched the show within a week of premiere increased 2 million viewers from 2010 to 2011 (7.663 vs. 9.624). The cumulative audience for all three airings reached 14 million viewers.
“The popularity of ‘CMA Country Christmas’ grows each year,” said Steve Moore, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “The special is reaching across format lines and bringing in new viewers who appreciate great performances. It is especially rewarding that ABC has made the decision to air the program three times during the holiday season.”
CMA Country Christmas 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. Full CMA Country Christmas show details can be found at CMAChristmas.com.
