MDA National Chairman Jerry Lewis will be headlining the star-studded television program that's expected to be watched by some 40 million Americans, thanks to the "Love Network" of more than 170 television and cable stations broadcasting the show Sept. 5 and 6. Millions more worldwide will see the show live via the Internet at www.mda.org, courtesy of RealNetworks.

Lewis will be assisted by a cadre of extraordinary Telethon co-hosts including Alison Sweeney (host of NBC's "Biggest Loser" and "Days of our Lives" star); Nancy O'Dell, Emmy-winning entertainment personality, author and entrepreneur; independent producer, and Emmy-winning entertainment journalist Jann Carl.

The show will benefit from special guest co-hosts, too. Nigel Lythgoe (executive producer of "American Idol" and co-creator, executive producer, and judge for "So You Think You Can Dance"); dramatic actor and comedian Richard Belzer ("Law & Order"); Ace Young, Grammy-nominated songwriter and star of Broadway; actor Brandon Barash ("General Hospital" star); award-winning recording artist Billy Gilman; and actor/comedian John Pinette all will lend their talents to the show that brings so much help and hope to more than 1 million Americans living with neuromuscular diseases.

"There's nothing like our Telethon," said Lee Miller, longtime Telethon producer. "Every hour offers moments you'll remember for the whole year. We produce the equivalent of an entire television season in one weekend, and you simply can't find a better live television show that marries an outstanding network feed with lively local television segments."

DANCE & PRODUCTION NUMBERS
With an extraordinary show opening being choreographed by Tyce Diorio, the Emmy winning choreographer and guest judge for "So You Think You Can Dance," the Telethon will immediately grab dance and production fans. Then, as the one-of-a-kind variety show unfolds, the Telethon will keep delighting viewers with numbers from Broadway's "Memphis," "Rock of Ages," and "Million Dollar Quartet."
These incredible Broadway moments will be reinforced by equally outstanding numbers from Las Vegas show favorites "Viva Elvis by Cirque du Soleil," "Paris by Night," and "Vegas! The Show."

STANDOUT MUSIC
The Telethon will present an eclectic group of top bluegrass and jazz bands, gospel groups, virtuoso violinists, country, rock and popular music artists.

Thanks to the "Get Discovered!" national competition orchestrated by Iheartradio.com and more than 845 Clear Channel radio stations, four new artists will each play two songs live on network television.