MARTINA ANNOUNCES 2007 TOUR WITH SPECIAL GUESTS LITTLE BIG TOWN AND RODNEY ATKINS Posted on Wednesday, January 17, 2007 New Album To Be Released This Spring!! Country music superstar Martina McBride, named “Best Live Act” of 2006 by the Chicago Sun Times, will open her 2007 tour in Kansas City on April 12 before heading to Chicago for a show at the renowned Rosemont Theatre April 14. Joining her for the tour will be 2006 breakout artists Little Big Town (The Road to Here) and Rodney Atkins (If You’re Going Through Hell). On April 3, just prior to the tour’s kickoff, McBride will release her ninth album, Waking Up Laughing, which she solo-produced. “Anyway”, the debut single, currently sits at No. 9 after only 8 weeks on the country charts, making it her fastest-rising single ever and marks her first songwriting credit. She co-wrote two additional songs on the new album as well. “As exciting as it is to create a new album, there's nothing quite as thrilling as getting the immediate feedback from a live crowd,” says Martina. “I'm especially happy about being joined by Little Big Town and Rodney Atkins. We put a lot of thought into which artists to include on this tour and I really feel like this show is going to be a treat for my fans from beginning to end. I can't wait to get out there on the road!” In a Billboard review, Chuck Taylor says, “There’s still no A-list singer with greater depth and range than Martina McBride. She further demonstrates why she is the true reigning queen of the genre with [this] grand, skyscraping power ballad. … As the song builds to its emotional peak, McBride delivers the hoped-for wallop on the money notes, sending a million-dollar chill of inspiration.” “Few vocalists in any genre have her range and power, or the ability to sell a lyric as well as McBride,” says Country Insider’s Phil Sweetland. A four-time CMA vocalist of the year, McBride is currently nominated for a 2007 Grammy in the “Best Female Country Vocal Performance” category for “I Still Miss Someone” off her platinum-selling Timeless album, which debuted at No. 1 on the country charts. Her powerhouse voice has earned her more than 16 million in album sales, garnering six number ones and 21 top 10 singles. Her fiery, passionate vocals have created such signature hits as “Independence Day,” “Wild Angels,” “A Broken Wing,” “Blessed” and “This One’s for the Girls.” These songs, along with hits such as “Concrete Angel,” “Love’s the Only House” and “God’s Will,” have not only become memorable musical statements but also offer resounding social commentaries. Little Big Town is one of the biggest success stories of the past year. It all began with the release of their CD The Road To Here, the band’s near-platinum debut for the Equity Music Group label. The CD’s release opened the floodgates of critical acclaim, commercial success and award nominations, culminating at the end of 2006 with two major nods: the band’s first Grammy nominations (two) and Billboard Magazine naming the group “The Independent Artist of 2006,” and its album “The Independent Album of 2006,” topping the list of artists and albums in all genres. “We couldn’t be more thrilled to share the stage every evening with Martina McBride,” says Little Big Town’s Karen Fairchild. “She is one of the best singers on the planet, and when it comes to performing, she sets the standard. We are honored that she invited us to be a part of this tour.” Rodney Atkins, who had the most-played single on country radio last year with “If You’re Going Through Hell,” is continuing that momentum with his second No. 1, “Watching You”, which critic Robert Oermann has hailed as “Another home run. Not only is this a splendid, soaring country-rock production, the terrific lyric [co-written by Atkins] is an object lesson for parents everywhere.” A tribute to Atkins’ 5-year-old son, Elijah, “Watching You” also sits at No. 1 on the CMT Top 20 Countdown. Meanwhile, his newly RIAA-certified gold album, If You’re Going Through Hell, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard country albums chart and No. 3 on the all-genre Top 200, continues its strong sales, remaining in Billboard’s top 5. “Martina is so well respected in the industry and consistently gives her fans their money’s worth,” Atkins says. “I can’t wait to be a part of that! I’m honored and humbled that she would ask.” The Martina McBride Tour ’07 with Little Big Town and Rodney Atkins April 12 - Kansas City, MO - Kemper Arena April 14 - Rosemont (Chicago), IL - Rosemont Theatre April 15 - Louisville, KY - Freedom Hall April 20 - Uncasville, CT - Mohegan Sun April 21 - Lowell, MA - Paul Tsongas Arena April 22 - Albany, NY - Times-Union Center April 28 - Rochester, NY - Blue Cross Arena April 29 - Toledo, OH - SeaGate Convention Centre May 4 - Birmingham, AL - BJCC Arena May 5 - Duluth, GA - Gwinnett Center May 6 - Pensacola, FL - Pensacola Civic Center May 11 - Pittsburgh, PA - Petersen Events Center May 12 - Columbia, MD - Merriweather Post Pavilion May 18 - New York City - Radio City Music Hall May 25 - Colorado Springs, CO - Colorado Springs World Arena May 26 - Loveland, CO - Budweiser Events Center May 27 - Valley Center, KS - Kansas Coliseum May 31 - Richmond, VA - Richmond Coliseum June 1 - Winston-Salem, NC - Lawrence Joel Coliseum June 15 - Sioux City, IA - Tyson Events Center June 16 - Burlington, IA - Steamboat Days June 17 - Dayton, OH - Nutter Center The following dates feature Martina McBride with Little Big Town (additional artist TBA) June 28 - Charleston, WV - Charleston Civic Center June 29 - Wilkes-Barre, PA - Wachovia Arena June 30 - Hershey, PA - Giant Center July 1 - Manchester, NH - Verizon Wireless Arena July 12 - Oklahoma City, OK - Ford Center July 13 - Grand Prairie (Dallas), TX - Nokia Theatre July 14 - Austin, TX - Frank Erwin Center July 15 - Bossier City, LA - CenturyTel Center (Note: Dates are subject to change; additional dates will be announced.) ### Back To News Page