NASHVILLE – There's a backup plan in case the Country Music Association Awards are disrupted next week.
CMA officials tell The Tennessean they'll tape rehearsals at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville. That will allow them to broadcast the show as scheduled on Wednesday night, even if the live show doesn't happen.
CMA executive director Ed Benson says no trouble is expected. But security is being tightened after the September eleventh terrorist attacks.
Stars are being asked to dress in their show clothes at rehearsals. Every nominee in every category will be announced as a winner, so tape will be available for every possibility.
A live acceptance speech from the winner, broadcast from a television studio, would be inserted into the taped show.
Stars set to appear on the show include Reba McEntire, Martina McBride, Emmylou Harris and Sheryl Crow.
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