Photo Flash: First Look - McBride, Urban & More on ABC's CMA COUNTRY CHRISTMAS

Some of the most powerful and emotionally moving voices in music come together to celebrate the holidays on CMA COUNTRY CHRISTMAS, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20 (9:00-11:00 p.m., ET) and repeating Saturday, December 22 (9:00-11:00 p.m., ET) and Sunday, December 23 (4:00-6:00 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network. Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland hosts for the third year. 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. Get a first look below!

In 2011 the premiere broadcast of "CMA Country Christmas" drew more than 9 million viewers, which represented an increase of nearly 23% over the inaugural broadcast in 2010. Adults 18-49 increased year-to-year by nearly 50%. Not only were initial airings better than in the previous year, through DVR playback, Total Viewers who watched the show within a week of premiere increased by 2 million from 2010 to 2011 (9.624 vs. 7.663); the cumulative audience reached 14 million.

"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."

Photo credit: Katherine Bomboy-Thornton/ABC

Catherine Jenkins

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