Gretchen Wilson now slated to play Sikeston rodeo

SIKESTON, Mo. -- There has been a change in the entertainment lineup for this year's Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo.

Gretchen Wilson will take the stage Aug. 14, the Jaycees announced. James Otto canceled his Aug. 14 appearance in Sikeston earlier this week because he joined a national tour.

"We believe Gretchen Wilson will come in here and put on a great show Saturday night of the rodeo," said Craig Templeton, chairman of the entertainment committee. "Gretchen has been at the top of the country charts with everything she produces, and we think she will draw a huge crowd."

In March, Wilson released her fourth album, "I've Got Your Country Right Here." The album debuted at No. 6 on the album chart and the current single from the album, "Work Hard, Play Harder," is climbing the charts, Templeton said.

Wilson's first single, "Redneck Woman," spent six weeks at No. 1, and her debut album, "Here For The Party," released in 2004, sold more than 5 million copies. Her second CD, "All Jacked Up" rode enthusiastic reviews to platinum status. Her third album, "One Of The Boys" features the single "Come To Bed."

Wilson has won a Grammy and ACM, CMA and AMA nods for best female vocalist.

Other entertainment acts scheduled for this year's rodeo are Lynyrd Skynyrd on Aug. 11, Tracy Lawrence on Aug. 12 and Jamey Johnson on Aug. 13.

Tickets for this year's event are $25 for box seats and $18 for bleachers, with a $2 handling fee on all orders. They are available for sale online at www.sikestonrodeo.com, at the box office or by calling 800-455-2855.