Willie Nelson, Luke Bryan to Appear at 2012 Billboard Summit

The 2012 Billboard Summit is adding some popular -- and even a little bit surprising -- names to its roster. Billboard announced that laid country legend Willie Nelson and rising star Luke Bryan will be joining the summit.

Nelson, who is no doubt one of the most popular figures in country music, will participate in a rare Q&A session on June 5. Luke Bryan will participate in the Artist Development Case Study when the Summit kicks off.

As you might expect, Willie Nelson will talk about -- well, pretty much anything he wants. But Billboard executive director, content and programming, touring and live entertainment Ray Waddell will be facilitating the questions during the session.

"Being able to host a bona fide legend like Willie Nelson -- and ask him questions -- is a career opportunity for a journalist," says Waddell, according to Billboard. "Luke Bryan is one of the most exciting new country stars to emerge in the past several years, and he and his team have implemented some innovative and effective measures to move his career forward. We're stoked to be hosting both artists at this year's Summit."

During the Artist Development Case Study, Bryan's team will break down the strategic moves that have taken Bryan to headlining status. Needless to say, the discussion is a can't-miss event for stars who are looking for a big break.

The third-annual Country Summit will explore multiple segments of the business, including radio, touring, publishing and digital technologies. Stay tuned as more panelists are announced in the coming weeks!