NASHVILLE – The final list of nominees for “The 43rd Annual CMA Awards” features fresh faces in 10 of the 12 CMA Awards categories with new artists layered throughout the finalist field, the continued dominance of the established superstars, and crossover favorites making huge gains in 2009. “The 43rd Annual CMA Awards” will be broadcast live from the Sommet Center in Nashville, Wednesday, Nov.11 (8:00-11:00 PM/ET) on the ABC Television Network.

Reigning CMA Male and Female Vocalist of the Year Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood return for a second year to host “County Music’s Biggest Night.”

After winning Female Vocalist of the Year in 2006, 2007, and 2008, Carrie Underwood is back in 2009 with two nominations for Female Vocalist and Musical Event for “I Told You So,” featuring Randy Travis. Travis picked up a second nomination for Song of the Year, for writing “I Told You So.” Travis’ version of the hit song was nominated for Single and Song of the Year in 1988. If Underwood wins the Female Vocalist trophy again, it will tie her with Martina McBride (1999, 2002-2004) and Reba McEntire (1984-1987) for most wins in this category.

Tickets for the 2009 CMA Awards will go on sale to the public on Saturday, Sept. 19 (10:00 AM/CT), and can be purchased by logging on to www.ticketmaster.com ; calling (800) 745-3000; or in person at the Sommet Center box office, 501 Broadway (corner of Fifth Avenue and Broadway, in Nashville).

The contest starts Friday, September 11th at 12:00 AM PST and ends on
Wednesday, September 16th at 12:00 AM PST, so be sure to get your entries
in ASAP!

Winners will receive moderator privileges that will help Carrie
watch over her message boards for an approximate six month period,
subject to the winner signing a standard Moderator Agreement.

Please submit your entries to moderatorcontest@carrieunderwood.fm.

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OFFICIAL CONTEST RULES

VOID WHERE PROHIBITED.  OPEN TO LEGAL RESIDENTS OF THE U.S.(EXCEPT PUERTO RICO) AND CANADA (EXCEPT QUEBEC) 18 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER.

1) CONTEST: Moderator Contest (the “Contest”).

2) CONTEST SPONSOR: Sparkart Group, Inc., Fur Ball Inc., and their
respective affiliates and subsidiaries, advertising and promotional
agencies, suppliers of prizes, material and services related to this
Contest (collectively, “Sponsor and its Agents”).

3) INTRODUCTION: For good and valuable consideration (including,
without limitation, the possibility of publicity), the receipt and
sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, you are submitting
certain design(s), illustrations, logos, artwork, photographs, videos,
animation, writings, proposed product and/or brand names, idea(s),
concept(s), communication(s), programming code, and/or other
material(s) (the “Submission”) as part of your entry to the Contest
upon the following express understandings and conditions.

4) ELIGIBILITY: Open to legal residents of the U.S. (except Puerto
Rico) and Canada (excluding Quebec) 18 years of age or older.  Sponsor
and its Agents and members of their immediate families and people
living in the same household of each are not eligible.  Participation
constitutes entrant’s full and unconditional agreement to these
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binding in all matters related to the Contest.

5) TO ENTER: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. A PURCHASE DOES NOT INCREASE YOUR
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REQUIRED TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS CONTEST.

(a) Online Entries: Go to the “Contests” section of the fan club
website, follow the “How to Enter” instructions, and click on the
“Enter Contest” button.  If online entry is not available, please
enter via email or regular mail, as described below.

(b) Email Entries: Send an email with all required information (and
with the Submission attached, if applicable) to
moderatorcontest@carrieunderwood.fm. If email entry is not available,
please enter via online entry, as described above, or via regular
mail, as described below.

(c) Mail Entries: Mail a business envelope containing your Submission
(if applicable) and entry hand printed or typed with your full name,
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username to: The Official Carrie Underwood Fan Club, c/o Moderator
Contest P.O. Box 8639, Emeryville, CA 94662.

All entries (whether submitted online, by email or mailed) must be
received by September 16th, 2009, 12:00 AM PST, regardless of method of
entry. No facsimiles or mechanically reproduced entries (other than
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Agents and will not be returned.

6) CONTEST PERIOD: The Contest commences on or about Friday, September 11th at 12:00 AM PST and ends on Wednesday, September 16th, 2009 at 12:00 AM PST. (the “Contest Period”).

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SUBMISSIONS; YOUR AGREEMENT TO UNRESTRICTED USE:  By entering your
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motion pictures, in home video copies, and in other media, whether now
known or hereafter invented, throughout the world for any purpose
whatsoever, without limitation, and without additional review,
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Agents or any other party.

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and convey to Sponsor and its Agents all the rights herein granted.

d. You represent and warrant, and agree to further do so in writing,
that the Submission is wholly original with you and does not and will
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that the Submission has not been entered into a previous contest or
has received any awards and has also not been published previously in
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parent companies, subsidiaries and affiliates from and against any and
all claims, liabilities, demands and expenses (including, but not
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8) WINNER SELECTION AND NOTIFICATION: Up to six (6) winners will be
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will irrevocably transfer to the Sponsor and its Agents any and all
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is not received within 7 days of the date of notification, the prize
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and an alternate winner selected. Sponsor and its Agents reserve the
right to require a potential winner to submit to a confidential
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of any such person in advertising or publicity will not bring the
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CarrieUnderwood.fm message boards, subject to the terms of the
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including but not limited to photos, text, audio, video, animation,
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11) GENERAL: Sponsor and its Agents reserve the right to cancel or
modify the Contest if fraud, technical failures, or any other factor
impairs the integrity of the Contest, or for any other reason or for
no reason, as determined by the Sponsor and its Agents in their sole
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non-suspect, eligible entries received up to the time of the
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additional photographic images, video images, portraits, interviews or
other materials relating to you and arising out of your participation
in this Contest (with or without using your name) in any media,
whether now known or hereafter invented, throughout the world for any
purpose whatsoever, without limitation, and without additional review,
compensation, or approval from you or any other party (except if
winner is a resident of Tennessee or where otherwise prohibited by
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you must agree to sign an affidavit to such effect, unless the winner
is a resident of Tennessee or otherwise where prohibited by law. Each
winner is responsible for all federal, state and local taxes
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be found to be invalid or unenforceable by any court of competent
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the remainder of the Contest Rules shall remain in full force and
effect.  The failure of Sponsor and its Agents to enforce any term of
these Official Rules shall not constitute a waiver of that provision.

12) RELEASE: You release, and agree to indemnify and hold harmless,
Sponsor and its Agents, and their respective officers, directors,
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claims (know and unknown), liabilities, injuries, death, loss and/or
damages of any kind arising from your participation in the Contest or
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and you agree that the Released Parties will not be responsible or
liable for any injury, harm, death, damages, costs or expenses.

13) WINNERS LIST & OFFICIAL RULES: The user names of the winners will
be posted on the News section of The Official Carrie Underwood Fan
Club website after eligibility is confirmed. To obtain the name of a
winner, send a request via email to
moderatorcontest@carrieunderwood.fm or mail a letter request and
self-addressed stamped envelope to: The Official Carrie Underwood Fan
Club, c/o Moderator Contest P.O. Box 8639, Emeryville, CA 94662.
Requests must be received by September 16th, 2009. To obtain a copy of
these Official Contest Rules, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope
to the above address, Attn: Rules Request, Moderator Contest.

© 2009 Sparkart Group, Inc. All rights reserved. Contest entrants are
hereby authorized to copy these Official Rules on the condition that
it will be for the entrant’s personal use and not for any commercial
purpose whatsoever.

Rush Release to Radio Follows Leak of Unfinished Version of the Song

Nashville, TN – Superstar Carrie Underwood cuts loose with playful energy as she offers a cautionary word about a “Cowboy Casanova,” the title character to the first single from Carrie’s upcoming third album, Play On.

Underwood wrote the track with Mike Elizondo and Brett James, one of the writers behind Carrie’s GRAMMY-winning “Jesus, Take the Wheel.”

Originally slated to arrive at country radio on September 8, the leak of a rough, unfinished version of “Cowboy Casanova” prompted a rushed-to-radio delivery of the real single late Wednesday evening. Fans can hear the genuine single of “Cowboy Casanova” online now at both carrieunderwoodofficial.com, as well as youtube.com/carrieunderwood.

A four-time GRAMMY Award winner, ACM Entertainer of the Year, and reigning, three-time CMA and ACM Female Vocalist winner, Carrie is continuing work on Play On, which releases on November 3. She is again teamed with Mark Bright, who produced her Carnival Ride collection as well as seven tracks from Some Hearts.

Since the release of her debut album, Some Hearts, in 2005, Underwood has amassed sales of more than 10 million albums with Some Hearts and 2007’s Carnival Ride. Along the way, she has consistently broken new ground and earlier this year became the first country artist in history and the only American Idol winner ever to achieve 10 #1 singles from their first two albums.

2 Sold-Out Shows at Chicago’s Ravinia Festival

NASHVILLE – (Sept. 1, 2009) – Carrie Underwood performed 2 sold-out shows this past weekend at Chicago’s Ravinia Festival. Underwood’s first scheduled “evening with” show on August 30 was the fastest sell-out in Ravinia’s history, which prompted the addition of a second show on August 31. The second concert also sold-out immediately and approximately 38,000 fans were on hand for the performances.

Underwood headed to Chicago after making a surprise appearance in her hometown at Checotah High School in Checotah, Oklahoma where her C.A.T.S. Foundation and ACM’s “Lifting Lives” charity donated $117,000 in musical equipment to the school system.

Releasing November 3, Play On draws its title from the name of a song featured on the new album, but it’s certainly appropriate for the feelings of the countless fans who’ve come to love Carrie’s music over the past four years. Since the release of her debut album, Some Hearts, in 2005, Underwood has amassed sales of more than 10 million albums with Some Hearts and 2007’s Carnival Ride. Along the way, she has consistently broken new ground and earlier this year became the first country artist in history and the only American Idol winner ever to achieve 10 #1 singles from their first two albums.

Carrie is currently continuing work on Play On, once again teamed with producer Mark Bright, who helmed her Carnival Ride collection as well as seven tracks from Some Hearts.

Music students district-wide were invited to a special “last-minute” assembly at Checotah High School, with buses bringing Checotah Intermediate School and Checotah Middle School in for the occasion. Students and faculty alike were surprised when Checotah High Principal Brian Terry introduced Underwood to the stage, alongside Erin Spahn, Director of ACM Lifting Lives.

Spahn and Underwood then unveiled the gift, including an electric guitar and amp, electric piano and brass instruments such as saxophones, French horns, tubas and much more. The instruments will be shared throughout the Checotah school district, and were ordered through Yamaha Corporate Artist Affairs at a special philanthropic price.

During the presentation, Underwood asked 5th grader Kennedy Rittenhouse to join her onstage to perform “So Small,” a performance that brought the house down. Checotah High School senior Brooke Ramsey, student council president, presented Underwood and Spahn with a bouquet of roses to thank the organizations for the gift.

“We are so lucky as a school district and a town to have an ambassador like Carrie,” said Brian Terry, Principal of Checotah High School. “She was Salutatorian here and continues to be an outstanding citizen of Checotah. Today was a very special day for the students and faculty.”

“When Carrie came to us with this idea, it just seemed a natural fit,” said Erin Spahn, who met with Underwood earlier this summer to plan the gift. “The Board of ACM Lifting Lives liked the concept so well, we’ve decided to build on it. Every year, we will present a matching gift opportunity to the ACM Entertainer of the Year for any endeavor that uplifts through the power of music. Carrie started that ball rolling, and we’re really proud to be a part of this with her today.”

“I am so proud to have come from such a wonderful community that helped shape me as a person,” said Underwood, “and I can think of nothing better than to share the gift of music with the students in my hometown. It’s so great to be able to give back in a way that can truly better the lives of these kids and help create dreams and opportunities. I’d like to give a very special thanks to the Academy of Country Music’s ‘Lifting Lives’ for helping me make this dream come true.”

Beginning today, when fans mention the code “OPRYPINK” when ordering tickets via telephone or when they enter the same code when purchasing tickets online, $5 from the sale of those tickets to the night’s shows will be donated to Women Rock for the Cure and the Greater Nashville affiliate of Susan G. Komen For The Cure. Or, to participate in the donation with a “Night at the Opry” package including Opry tickets and room accommodations at Gaylord Opryland Resort, refer to code GPINK. Tickets and packages may be purchased by calling (800) SEE-OPRY. Tickets are also available at opry.com.

“We are thrilled to have Brad and Carrie return as hosts after doing such a great job last year,” said Tammy Genovese, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “Both Brad and Carrie are in their prime as artists, as evidenced by them being named Male and Female Vocalist of the Year, respectively, last year. They each possess a great sense of humor and timing, which are two essential ingredients for hosting the Awards.”

“I am thrilled to get the chance to co-host the CMAs for a second time with my pal Carrie,” said Paisley. “This year we’ll pull out all the stops, like a miniature poodle balancing act, tightrope walking, and a new world record for the number of costume changes by my co-host. Don’t miss it!”

“I regret to inform Brad that I do not have a poodle, and I would appreciate it if he asks me permission before he tries on all my dresses this year,” responded Underwood. “But all kidding aside, I’m really excited to be hosting again this year with my friend, Brad, as we celebrate another wonderful year of Country Music! It’s going to be a great show!”

Paisley has won 11 CMA Awards since receiving the Horizon Award in 2000, including Male Vocalist (2007, 2008) and Album (2006 for Time Well Wasted). He also won Musical Event twice, first in 2004 with Alison Krauss for “Whiskey Lullaby,” and second in 2006 for “When I Get Where I’m Going” with Dolly Parton; Vocal Event in 2001 for “Too Country” with Bill Anderson, George Jones and Buck Owens; and Music Video of the Year three times, first in 2002 for “I’m Gonna Miss Her (The Fishin’ Song);” second in 2004 for “Whiskey Lullaby” (again with Krauss), and third in 2007 for “Online.” He is currently tied with Garth Brooks and Tim McGraw at No. 5 on the list of top CMA Award winners.

Paisley is a consummate singer, songwriter, guitarist and entertainer, which has also earned him three Grammy Awards. He has released eight critically acclaimed studio albums that have accumulated sales of over 10 million units, including the Double Platinum-certified Time Well Wasted. His most recent album, American Saturday Night, released on June 30 and debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums sales chart. Paisley has 14 No.1 singles – the last 10 consecutive – extending a streak already unmatched by any other Country artist in the 19-year history of Nielsen BDS- monitored airplay. He is also a featured performer on “CMA Music Festival: Country’s Night to Rock,” airing Monday, Aug. 31 (8:00-11:00 PM/ET) on the ABC Television Network.

Underwood has received 5 CMA Awards in her young career, including three consecutive wins as Female Vocalist (2006-2008), as well as Single of the Year (2007 for “Before He Cheats”) and the Horizon Award (2006).

Underwood, after wrapping her 2008 concert tour with 1.2 million fans in attendance, launched into early 2009 as the first Country artist in history to achieve 10 No. 1 singles from their first two albums, when “I Told You So” became her tenth single to top a key sales or airplay chart and her fifth consecutive chart-topper from Carnival Ride. To date, Underwood, who has also won four Grammy Awards, is the U.S. best-selling “American Idol” winner with album sales over 10 million. Underwood will release a new album on Nov. 3 on 19 Recordings/Arista Nashville with producer Mark Bright, who helmed 2007’s hit-filled Carnival Ride, as well as seven tracks (including four No. 1 singles ) from Underwood’s blockbuster 2005 debut, Some Hearts.

Tickets for the 2009 CMA Awards will go on sale to the public on Sept. 19, and can be purchased by logging on to www.ticketmaster.com ; calling (800) 745-3000; or in person at the Sommet Center box office, 501 Broadway (corner of Fifth Avenue and Broadway, in Nashville). Ticket prices begin at $110 for Upper Level, $218.50 for Club Level, and $382.50 for Lower Level. All prices include sales tax but exclude applicable service/handling fees.

“The 43rd Annual CMA Awards” is a production of the Country Music Association. Robert Deaton is the Executive Producer. Paul Miller is the Director. 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.

Tickets Go On Sale Sept. 19.