"THE 8TH ANNUAL A HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS WITH ROD STEWART," A NEW ENTERTAINMENT SPECIAL CELEBRATING THE JOYS OF ADOPTION, WILL BE BROADCAST FRIDAY, DEC. 22, ON THE CBS TELEVISION NETWORK

John Ondrasik with Five for Fighting, John Legend, Katharine McPhee And Mary Mary Also Perform On The Holiday Special

Cedric the Entertainer, Miley Cyrus ("Hannah Montana"), Angie Harmon, Melina Kanakaredes, Rene Russo and Jeri Ryan Present Inspirational Stories About Adoption

THE 8TH ANNUAL A HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS WITH ROD STEWART, a new entertainment special to be broadcast Friday, Dec. 22 (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network, includes moving performances by Grammy Award winner Rod Stewart and special guests Five for Fighting, John Legend, Katharine McPhee and Mary Mary. Comedian Cedric the Entertainer ("Charlotte's Web"), Miley Cyrus ("Hannah Montana"), Angie Harmon ("Law & Order"), Melina Kanakaredes ("CSI: NY"), Rene Russo ("The Thomas Crown Affair") and Jeri Ryan ("Shark") present inspirational stories about adoption.

Following the success of the past seven annual shows, this year's special continues to tell touching stories about adoption to raise awareness of this important social issue. The inspirational stories of these American families are enhanced by performances from some of today's most popular performers.

Grammy Award-winning classic rock singer Rod Stewart performs "Have You Ever Seen the Rain," "I'll Stand By You" and "It's A Heartache," from Still The Same...Great Rock Classics Of Our Time, a landmark recording of great rock songs and Stewart's first rock album in more than eight years. Five for Fighting singer and songwriter John Ondrasik performs his hit song "The Riddle," from the album Two Lights. Grammy Award-winning singer and pianist John Legend performs "Save Room" from the album Once Again. Beloved American Idol runner-up Katharine McPhee sings her highly touted rendition of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow." Dynamic gospel duo Mary Mary perform the holiday favorite, "'Tis the Season."

The musical performances frame several pre-taped story segments which are presented by celebrities who either have their own adoption experiences or are involved with children's issues. The stories highlight many exceptional American children and families involved in this rewarding process.

� The Arguilez Family (San Diego) -- Nine-year-old Ricky and his six-year-old sister Isabella had lived in five different foster homes by the time they appeared on THE 7TH ANNUAL A HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS in 2005. "We had been waiting a long time� I worried we might get separated," said Ricky. But the siblings' long wait was finally over when Richard and Gloria Arguilez saw them on the special last year and immediately moved forward to adopt them.

� The White Family (Texarkana, Texas) -- Victor and Dawn White adopted their first daughter, Jimisha, in 2004. "I don't think I started living until I met my parents," said Jimisha. With the success of their first adoption, the Whites turned to the Wendy's Wonderful Kids program to find their second daughter, Myricle. "I knew I had met people that really loved me," said Myricle. This holiday season, the Whites chose to complete their family by adopting their third daughter, two-year-old Jalaia.

� The Mills Family (Los Angeles) -- In 1996, Erin Mills became a mentor to Krystine, a nine-year-old girl who came from a troubled home. Over the next several years, as Krystine's home life deteriorated, her relationship with Erin strengthened. When Krystine was finally placed in foster care as a teenager, Erin received permission to adopt the little girl she loved. "Before, I didn't feel worthwhile," said 19-year-old Krystine. "With my mom, Erin, I know I am worth something, even worth saving."

� Children Waiting -- There are over one half million children currently in foster care in the United States. This segment gives voice to these numbers by creating an intimate portrait of children who need permanent, loving homes.

The special is presented in association with the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption and the Children's Action Network. Wendy's restaurant founder Dave Thomas, who was adopted, established the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption in 1992. It is dedicated to increasing the awareness of the more than 119,000 children in the United States foster care system who have been freed for adoption. Wendy's Restaurants is a program sponsor.

The Children's Action Network was founded in 1990 by leaders in the entertainment industry to harness the power of the entertainment media on behalf of children. The special is a part of CAN's National Adoption Campaign to raise awareness of the joys of adopting and to find homes for the children who are waiting.

THE 8TH ANNUAL A HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS WITH ROD STEWART is produced by Triage Entertainment and Goldsmith Entertainment, in association with the Children's Action Network and the Dave Thomas Foundation. Karen Mack ("One Against the Wind"), Stu Schreiberg ("Jamie Foxx: Unpredicatable"), Stephen Kroopnick ("Iron Chef America: The Series") and Marilyn Seabury ("NAACP Image Awards") are the executive producers. Michael Simon ("Rock Star: INXS") directed the special.

RATING: To Be Announced