ROCK BANDS DAUGHTRY and LYNYRD SKYNYRD TO PERFORM ON "NEW YEAR'S EVE LIVE" WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31, ON FOX

Chart-topping rock bands Daughtry and Lynyrd Skynyrd are set to perform on NEW YEAR'S EVE LIVE airing Wednesday, Dec. 31 (11:00 PM-12:30 AM ET live; CT/MT/PT tape-delayed) on FOX.

Spike Feresten of TALKSHOW WITH SPIKE FERESTEN and Mark Thompson of HOLE IN THE WALL will host from the bright lights of the Las Vegas Strip and lead the count down to 2009. The evening will feature performances by David Cook, Daughtry, Scott Weiland and Lynyrd Skynyrd, as well as a death-defying motorcycle jump by daredevil Robbie Knievel.

Feresten will be joined by special correspondent Chrissy Russo of KSWB/FOX 5 San Diego for special interviews and a behind-the-scenes look at three of Cirque du Soleil's Las Vegas shows "Zumanity, The Sensual Side of Cirque du Soleil," "The Beatles LOVE" and the new "CRISS ANGEL� Believe�." As 2008 comes to a close, the annual celebration will move to New York City to ring in the New Year with FOX News' live coverage of the world-famous New Year's Eve Ball making its descent into Times Square.

Hailing from North Carolina, Daughtry is a rock band formed and fronted by AMERICAN IDOL finalist Chris Daughtry in 2006. Their self-titled debut album was released that same year and reached No. 1 for two non-consecutive weeks on the Billboard 200, sold more than four million copies and was named the number one selling album of 2007 by Billboard. Their singles "It's Not Over" and "Home" both ranked in the Top 10 of the most-played songs on U.S. radio in 2007.

American rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd was formed in 1970 and is best known for their legendary hits "Sweet Home Alabama" and "Free Bird." In 1977, a plane crash claimed the lives of several members including lead singer Ronnie Van Zant. The band reunited ten years later, and current members include Gary Rossington, Billy Powell, Rickey Medlocke, Ean Evans, Michael Cartellone, Mark Matejka and Johnny Van Zant, who replaced his older brother Ronnie. Lynyrd Skynyrd was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006.

Criss Angel is recognized as one of the most provocative artists in the world and has single-handedly brought about a resurgence of magic in popular culture. He first became interested in magic at age seven, and as an adolescent studied mysticism, music, martial arts and dance. Angel is currently the star and creator of the cable series "Criss Angel Mindfreak." He is the first five-time recipient of the coveted Magician of the Year Award and has also recently been named "Magician of the Decade" by the International Magicians Society. He currently headlines the show "CRISS ANGEL Believe" live at Luxor Las Vegas.

Chrissy Russo is the weekday morning weather anchor on the San Diego FOX affiliate, KSWB. She is also a reporter for the San Diego Padres' pre-game show and helps the station maintain one of the market's highest "Q" ratings.

NEW YEAR'S EVE LIVE is produced by World Record Stunts LLC ("Fox Reality Channel 2008 Really Awards," "Celebrity Sports Invitational," "Celebrity Daredevils," "Death Jump Live!," "Victoria's Secret: Angels Undercover," "Russell Simmons' One World Music Beat") and is executive-produced by Carol Sherman and Jeff Androsky. World Record Stunts LLC is a Burbank, CA-based production company that produces and distributes more than 300 hours of network and cable television series and specials each year.