Hank Jr. Replaces Toby Keith Amidst Controversy On Holiday TV Special

LOS ANGELES (TV-rumors/E! online) - ABC-TV news anchor Peter Jennings might find Toby Keith too controversial for the network's upcoming July 4 special, but apparently not Hank Williams Jr. The legendary entertainer has signed on to perform two songs during the broadcast--"America Will Survive" and "Outdoor Loving Man."

Keith was removed from the show's lineup last week after Jennings deemed his current single and the song Keith was planning to open the show with, "Courtesy of The Red, White, And Blue (The Angry American)," unfit for the special, citing its controversial content.

Keith shared his thoughts on Williams's fill-in appearance. "Hank's his own man and I'm my own man. We both do whatever we want to do. Truth is there are a lot of artists doing the show and Hank has a long-standing relationship with ABC's Monday Night Football and they might be putting the pressure on him to step in. Personally speaking, after what's happened, I don't see why anyone would want to be on that show!"

In Search Of America: A July 4th Musical Celebration, hosted by Jennings, will also feature performances by Sheryl Crow, Los Lobos, Gillian Welch, and India Arie. The special will originate from Livingston, Montana.

In the meantime, "Courtesy Of The Red, White, And Blue (The Angry American)" sits at Number 12 on the Country Singles & Tracks chart.