Star Lineup Set for MDA Show of Strength Telethon This Labor Day Weekend

The entertainment industry has once again joined together to lend support to the MDA Show of Strength Telethon, benefiting the Muscular Dystrophy Association. The 49th broadcast of the television fundraising event will air in primetime on ABC, Sunday, Aug.

31 (9 p.m. ET /PT, 8 p.m. CT/MT).

Delivering one-of-a-kind performances of their new, hit or classic songs are Grammy winners Rascal Flatts and LeAnn Rimes, plus Aloe Blacc, American Authors, Bret Michaels, Fall Out Boy, Jason Derulo, Matt Nathanson, R5 and Sara Evans.

The long-standing Labor Day weekend tradition combines performances and celebrity presenters to engage viewers with powerful "stories of strength" and moving calls-to-action to help families affected by muscle diseases.

Celebrity presenters on the telethon include Alyssa Milano, Brad Paisley, Chip Esten, Chris Powell, Jann Carl, Jordin Sparks, Josh Groban, Kesha, Kevin Frazier, Laila Ali, Ludacris, Nancy O'Dell, Pete Wentz, ABC's Dr.

Richard Besser, Susan Lucci, Terry Fator, Tom Bergeron and Victor Ortiz.

"MDA's telethon gives us a chance to celebrate the compassionate support of our celebrity friends, sponsors and individuals in communities across the country who give generously to help save and improve lives of those fighting muscle disease," said MDA President and CEO Steven M. Derks.

"With clinical trials of potential new therapies underway, this is a time of hope and progress for the children and adults we serve.

We urge families and friends to gather together on Aug. 31 to watch, whether via broadcast or online, and see the fantastic performers and inspiring stories of those who are fighting muscle disease with grace and courage."

Next week, telethon premiere parties will take place in communities in every state in the nation to rally MDA families, sponsors and volunteers, as well as to engage new supporters.

Public service and promotional campaigns to help promote the show have already started to air.