Little Big Town Hosting ‘CMA Music Festival: Country’s Night to Rock’

The members of hot country group Little Big Town are gearing up for a very special honor. The band have been on a huge winning streak this past year, and they're topping it off by hosting the upcoming TV special 'CMA Music Festival: Country's Night to Rock.'

The foursome have been around the country music scene for almost 15 years, but they broke through to A-list status with last year's runaway hit 'Pontoon,' now following it up with their current smash, 'Your Side of the Bed.' Being asked to host the biggest show in country music is a far cry from their humble debut at the CMA Music Festival, as singer Kimberly Schlapman recalls.

"It was 1999, we had just gotten our record deal in May, and this was June, I guess," she relates. "That was huge for us, obviously one of the biggest things we had done in those two months as a band."

She laughingly adds, "I just remember back then thinking, 'Wow, we just know about two songs, and we're gonna do those two, and I hope we get through them!'"

"We've been playing CMA Fest ever since," adds Karen Fairchild. "So the chance to host it is just incredible!"

Jimi Westbrook says the CMA Music Festival experience is unlike any other for a country performer. "There is nothing like that crowd," he enthuses. "People plan their vacation around that time, and it is all about one thing -- the love of country music. It's just unbelievable."

'CMA Music Festival: Country's Night to Rock' is slated to air on August 12 at 8PM ET on ABC.