CMT Awards to feature Obama, Romney and country music

(CBS News) President Barack Obama and Republican presidential hopeful Mitt Romney will go country Wednesday night at the CMT Music Awards in Nashville.

Mr. Obama and Romney have taped comedic video sketches that will air in the opening segment of the country music award show. They were both "in on the joke" and "good sports," according to CMT president Brian Philips.

Romney isn't the first political candidate to appear on the CMT Awards. In 2008, Republican presidential candidate John McCain and Democratic presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton, as well as Mr. Obama all taped cameos for the show's opening segment.

Singer Toby Keith and actress Kristen Bell will host the show, airing live at 8 p.m. EDT on CMT. Keith even created a playlist to bring Bell "up to speed" on country music.

This year will feature a stage outside the arena where Brad Paisley, Hank Williams Jr. and Eric Church will perform.

Stars slated to appear include Indianapolis 500 winner Dario Franchitti, skateboarder Tony Hawk, actresses Ashley Greene and Denise Richards, singer Jordin Sparks and "American Idol" contestants Colton Dixon and Skylar Laine.

Country stars will also serve as the evening's presenters. Jason Aldean, Ronnie Dunn, Sara Evans, Alan Jackson, Jake Owen and Kellie Pickler have all signed on for the ceremony.

Other performers include Kenny Chesney, Lady Antebellum, Brad Paisley and Zac Brown Band.

Willie Nelson will be joined by Keith, Zac Brown Band, Darius Rucker and Jamey Johnson for a special rendition of his new song, "Roll Me Up."

Rascal Flatts and rock group Journey will also team up for the first time at the CMT Music Awards.

As for the awards, the five finalists in the video of the year category will be announced at the beginning of the live show. Fans can then vote throughout the telecast to determine the night's big winner.