Into the Circle - Featuring James Otto & Travis Tritt Airing September 27, 10 pm

James Otto pairs up with Travis Tritt to learn inside advice on in what it takes to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry. The 5-part GAC special pairs rising newcomers with legendary Opry members in one-on-one mentoring sessions to discover the career tactics needed to achieve the greatest honor in country music.

See below for the official press release:

Rodney Atkins, James Otto, Kellie Pickler, Ashton Shepherd & Chuck Wicks Step “Into the Circle”

NASHVILLE, Tenn.—(September 15, 2008)— Stepping into the famed oak circle on the stage at the Grand Ole Opry is a moment for which many country music performers aspire, and once they have done so, most feel it is a true sign they’ve “made it” in the genre.

On September 20 (10 pm ET), Great American Country (GAC) will debut Into the Circle, a behind-the-scenes look at country music’s newest artists: Rodney Atkins, James Otto, Kellie Pickler, Ashton Shepherd and Chuck Wicks, who hope to follow in the footsteps of some of country music’s most recognizable stars who have stepped into the Opry circle numerous times.

Paired with Trace Adkins (Pickler), Charlie Daniels (Atkins), Vince Gill & Patty Loveless (Shepherd), Brad Paisley (Wicks) and Travis Tritt (Otto), the burgeoning stars use their one-on-one sessions with the Opry members to learn how to manage families and life on the road, career longevity, headlining a tour and song selection.

Into the Circle allows the budding country artists an opportunity to relive some of the jobs and adventures they experienced before landing a record deal, as well as reflect on the opportunities that led them to the successful beginnings of their entertainment careers.

In addition, the show includes performances taped earlier this year at aVenue, a Nashville music venue and each performer’s first Opry performance. Some featured songs include "Watching You" (Atkins), “Don’t You Know Your Beautiful” (Pickler), “Just Got Started Loving You” (Otto), “Stealing Cinderella” (Wicks), and “Taking Off This Pain” (Shepherd).

After the debut episode featuring Pickler, the show will air each Saturday after Opry Live, except on October 11, when GAC will host an Opry Live marathon in celebration of the Opry’s 82nd Birthday.

For more information on Into the Circle, visit www.gactv.com