Country star plays herself in the movie
NASHVILLE -- Taylor Swift is the latest country star to join the cast of "Hannah Montana: The Movie," which is filming in Tennessee. Swift, who plays herself, shot her cameo on June 9.
Country supergroup Rascal Flatts also will appear and perform in the movie. Bucky Covington, an "American Idol" alum, and new artist Marcel, both labelmates with Rascal Flatts on Disney-owned Lyric Street Records, also have parts.
The Disney film is scheduled for release in 2009 and stars Miley Cyrus and her father, Billy Ray Cyrus, who is also recording for Lyric Street.
In related news, Swift, "American Idol" finalist Kellie Pickler and two-time "Dancing with the Stars" champion Julianne Hough will host "CMA Music Festival: Country's Night to Rock" when it airs on ABC in the fall. All three acts have seen their debuts reach the top of Billboard's Top Country Album Chart in the last 18 months.
Filmed during the just-wrapped CMA Music Festival, the special will feature concert clips from country's top stars as well as its up-and-comers. It will also include behind-the-scenes moments between artists and their fans.
As previously reported, the festival, held June 5-8 in Nashville, notched record numbers with an average daily attendance of about 52,000 -- up 9% over last year. A total of 180 acts performed more than 34 hours of concerts at a wide range of venues, including LP Field and RiverFront Park.
The show will air Sept. 8 at 9 p.m. ET on ABC. It's the fourth time the network will air a CMA Music Festival special.
