CMT ORDERS SECOND SEASON OF TOP-RATED SERIES "THE SINGING BEE" TO PREMIERE IN 2010

"THE SINGING BEE" RANKS AS CMT'S HIGHEST RATED SERIES OF THE YEAR

NASHVILLE � August 25, 2009 � CMT has greenlit a 20-episode, second season of the popular singing competition, THE SINGING BEE, it was announced today by Bob Kusbit, head of development, CMT. This episode order doubles its original first season order of ten episodes. Melissa Peterman is also tapped to return as host, with new episodes taping in November and premiering in January 2010. THE SINGING BEE recently ended its original run on CMT and ranks as the network's highest-rated series of the year.

"THE SINGING BEE is irresistible musical fun and has proven to be an all-around winner for CMT," said Brian Philips, president, CMT. "We were fortunate to find the perfect host in Melissa Peterman, an extraordinarily gifted comedienne, whom our audience has fallen madly in love with. Under Bob Kusbit's leadership, we look forward to another successful season with the first-class production teams from The Gurin Company and JUMA Entertainment."

Blending a mix of country music with popular favorites from other genres, THE SINGING BEE tests contestants' knowledge of lyrics to well-known songs and those who fail to accurately sing the correct lyrics are eliminated from the competition.

THE SINGING BEE is produced by The Gurin Company and JUMA Entertainment. Executive Producers are Phil Gurin and Bob Horowitz. Co-Executive Producers are Lewis Fenton and Brennan Huntington. Claire McCabe along with Bob Kusbit and John Hamlin serve as executive producers for CMT.