Did you catch the latest CMT Crossroads starring Bon Jovi sharing the stage with relative newcomers Sugarland? The performance was taped last month at New York's Hammerstein Ballroom. Pairing anthem rockers Bon Jovi with Sugarland might seem like a stretch, but Ritchie Sambora says it's not all that odd. "I think what it all comes down to, first and foremost, is songwriting," said Sambora. "Nashville has been famous for writing great songs."

And, pairing disparate acts like Bon Jovi and Sugarland is a hallmark of "Crossroads." In the past, producers have teamed Heart with Wynonna, Elton John with Ryan Adams, John Mayer with Brad Paisley, and the Dixie Chicks with James Taylor.

" 'Crossroads' is about bringing together artists for a love of music," said Chris Parr, CMT vice president of music and talent. "I've always thought Bon Jovi would absolutely connect with the country music audience. Demographically, our fans, plenty of them, are in their 30s and grew up listening to Bon Jovi songs." Count Sugarland singer Jennifer Nettles, 30, among them.

"Their music, without a doubt, is part of the soundtrack of my youth," she said. "It's all about music that you remember. That was exciting." Nettles said the lines between the genres are blurred these days. Nettles should know. When the members of Bon Jovi were working on their latest CD -- "Have a Nice Day" -- singer Jon Bon Jovi initially recorded a duet with Keith Urban. But eventually, all involved agreed it worked better with a female voice.

Nettles was called. "It was thrilling in a giggly way," she said of the "Crossroads" experience. "Suddenly you're transported to 15 years old . . . you're thinking, 'Don't act stupid.' Honestly, you want to act as professionals. At the same time, there is reverence and awe and excitement about meeting someone who is that legendary."

Sugarland is the newest act to appear on "Crossroads," Parr said. Usually, all involved are more established. Yet, it made sense because of Nettles' collaboration with Bon Jovi, along with Sugarland's rising prominence. "It's just about great music," Parr said. "The music is a universal idea. . . . The ultimate thing is that it is entertaining and that (viewers) see the common ground." taken from article by Richard Huff of the New York Daily News
Photos from CMT

• Did you miss the show? Don't worry, you can catch it again: Click here for TV schedule
• Check out photos of Sugarland's performance at K92FM New Faces Showcase
• Sugarland Tour, Music, Bio and more
• Bon Jovi Music, Bio and more