Sugarland is among treats on country show on ABC

If not for the fans, there might not have been Sugarland. Twice.

Lead singer Jennifer Nettles has known the importance of that support, first when her country music group debuted as a trio, then again when it tackled the sophomore album “Enjoy the Ride” as only a duo.

Nettles and continuing Sugarland partner Kristian Bush repaid the favor by performing at June’s annual Country Music Assn. gathering of stars and fans. It yields the ABC special “CMA Music Festival: Country’s Night to Rock” at 9 tonight.

Sugarland opens the Nashville-based show, about which Nettles mused, “You wanna talk about direct contact with the fans? The way they decided to have us give the initial hello was, ‘Oh, we’re just going to put you right down in the middle of everybody.’ It’s one thing to stand on a stage and feel the energy of 20,000 people screaming; it is another to stand in the middle of 20,000 people screaming. It was insane!”

Also showcased in “Night to Rock” are Brooks & Dunn, Martina McBride, Brad Paisley, Rascal Flatts, Sara Evans, Big & Rich, Little Big Town, LeAnn Rimes, Josh Turner and “American Idol” alumnae Carrie Underwood, Kellie Pickler and (teamed with Reba McEntire) Kelly Clarkson.

The CMA Music Festival is a rare chance for numerous country talents to gather without the pressure of awards-show competition. “To me, the biggest ‘win’ is to be able to perform at those things,” Nettles said. “I feel our live performance is so strong and so indicative of who we are, that is the most positive thing.

“It is an honor to be recognized by your peers and your industry, but when I look at the politics involved, it almost feels like pulling the curtain back on the wizard. Let’s just do what we do and keep moving forward.”

Sugarland is touring with Kenny Chesney this summer.