American Idol, The Voice Stars Play Human Checkers For Charity (PHOTOS)

Check out photos from what looked to be a fun day from country music stars as they raised money yesterday to benefit ACM Lifting Lives.

attends the Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Country Checkers Challenge at Globe Life Park in Arlington on April 18, 2015 in Arlington, Texas.

attends the Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Country Checkers Challenge at Globe Life Park in Arlington on April 18, 2015 in Arlington, Texas.

American Idol alums, Kellie Pickler (also DWTS champ), Scotty McCreery and Lauren Alaina along with The Voice grads, Danielle Bradbery and Cassadee Pope. took part in the event, that involved teams facing off against each other in a game of “human checkers” on a giant checkerboard! The team Kellie captained won.

A press release from sponsor, Cracker Barrel, offers a few details from the big day. The event was part of pre-ACM activities taking place this weekend before the big awards show tonight. The Academy of Country Music Awards air on CBS tonight at 8/7c pm! Make sure to join our live blog.

Click to Livestream the Broadcast:

Country Music’s biggest night, across all your devices. Stream the ACM Awards with CBS All Access. Try it Free!

Two of country music’s stars – Kellie Pickler and Thomas Rhett – teamed up with 12 of their colleagues who became real-life checker pieces Saturday, April 18, at the Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Country Checkers Challenge ™ during the 2015 Academy of Country Music® (ACM) Party for a Cause® Festival at Globe Life Park in Arlington, TX.

Through a Cracker Barrel $35,000 donation to benefit ACM Lifting Lives®, $25,000 was donated to USO, the winning team, and $10,000 to DAV. The event was held leading up to the 50th Annual ACM Awards, airing LIVE this Sunday, April 19, at 8 p.m. ET on the CBS Television Network.

“This event was not about us, it was about our servicemen and servicewomen and our veterans. It’s not just their sacrifices, but the sacrifices their families make, too, every day,” said winning team captain Kellie Pickler. “A fun event like this reminds us that there are so many things to be thankful for. I’m grateful for companies like Cracker Barrel, the ACMS and Lifting Lives for shining a light on the USO and DAV.”

Playing on a giant outdoor checkerboard, Pickler and Rhett captained teams of country music artists who were the “checker pieces” in a live game viewed by thousands of fans. The artists participating in the Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Country Checkers Challenge included: Team RhettRhett Akins, Dan Smyers and Shay Mooney (Dan + Shay), Danielle Bradbery, Scotty McCreery, and Cassadee Pope; and Team Pickler: Lauren Alaina, Chase Bryant, Kristian Bush, Stephen Barker Liles and Eric Gunderson (Love & Theft) and Jamie Lynn Spears.

“We are proud to partner with Cracker Barrel and thrilled to have won the checkers game,” said Christy Hartsell, USO Vice President of Corporate Alliances. “Having the support of our long-time friend Spanky Gibson and USO tour veteran Kellie Pickler also makes for a special day to come together in support of our nation’s troops and their families. Partnerships like this play an important role in allowing us to continue our nearly 75-year-old mission.”

About mj santilli 34832 Articles
Founder and editor of mjsbigblog.com, home of the awesomest fan community on the net. I love cheesy singing shows of all kinds, whether reality or scripted. I adore American Idol, but also love The Voice, Glee, X Factor and more!