Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) announced today that it will be releasing a country version of its popular SingStar karaoke video game franchise across North America next month. SingStar Country will be releasing exclusively for Playstation 2, with 30 hit songs from popular country artists like Rascal Flatts, Keith Urban, Faith Hill and more.

In a major cross-promotion move, SCEA teamed up with sister company Sony BMG Nashville to pack as much music video content in as possible and, as a result of the partnership, SingStar Country will be the first SingStar game to feature artists on the cover, including Brad Paisley, Gretchen Wilson and Alan Jackson. Gretchen Wilson commented on th e opportunity to be a part of the popular franchise saying, “T his game lets me reach out to all country fans in a whole new way, not only giving them the chance to hear my music, but also to become a part of it.”

SCEA and Sony BMG Nashville have also joined up for “Sing Your Way to the CMA Awards”, a nationwide SingStar Country radio promotion beginning in September. The sister companies, in conjunction with radio stations in 12 major U.S. markets will host SingStar Country tournaments at local hotspots, giving players the opportunity to win a chance to attend the 42 ^nd annual CMA Awards this November. The highest scorer from each market will have their in-game performances taped and posted online for the public to vote on via www.hearsomethingcountry.com . The participant with the most votes by the end of October will win tickets to attend the CMA Awards alongside their favorite SingStar Country artists.

SingStar Country will be available on October 28 ^th for Playstation 2 as a stand-alone disc, or in a bundle with two high-quality USB microphones. In addition to SingStar Country, SCEA has also announced that it will be expanding the franchise with the second volume of SingStar Pop and a version with a mix of celebrated artists from Tina Turner to Nirvana, called SingStar Legends , both for Playstation 2. The Playstation 3 SingStar library will also be expanding, with SingStar Vol. 2 releasing this October. It will feature like Eminem, Radiohead, Paramore, Pink and more. SingStar Country, CinStar Pop vol. 2, Singstar Legends and SingStar Vol. 2 are all rated T for Teen.