Underwood tells fan - she's performing at CMA Music Festival

Underwood, who is singing the National Anthem Sunday at the Super Bowl and has a busy rehearsal schedule, called 15-year-old Riley Ahlstrand with the news. Ahlstrand, an ardent fan of the festival, was being interviewed by a news crew from the Nashville ABC affiliate (WKRN) when reporter Brad Schmitt's phone rang, and he handed it to the wide-eyed teen.

Underwood was calling to tell Ahlstrand that she would be performing at the festival this year, and Ahlstrand heard it first. "I always look forward to the excitement of CMA Music Festival," said Underwood after the call. "It's fans like Riley that make the week so much fun."

"This is the best thing that has ever happened, said Ahlstrand, with tears streaming down her face. "I couldn't have dreamed anything cooler than this."

Ahlstrand came to WKRN's attention after she sent an email to CMA: "My dream is to meet Carrie Underwood, and the CMA Music Festival is my absolute favorite thing. I want more than anything for Carrie Underwood to appear at CMA Music Festival this year. Thank you so much for everything that you do, and for putting on such a spectacular week June 10-13. This truly is the ultimate fan experience."

"CMA Music Festival is about the fans and this was a terrific way to kick off what is sure to be a star-packed roster of artists performing this year," said Steve Moore, Chairman of the CMA Board of Directors. "We have a long history of surprising our fans and creating once-in-a-lifetime experiences, and this is only the beginning."

The 2010 CMA Music Festival will be held Thursday through Sunday, June 10-13. Nashville's signature music event features concerts, autograph signings and family activities.

Tickets are available now. Four-day ticket prices range from $110 to $185.

The video of the phone call is on line.