Published Thursday, 30 July 2009
The American country music star has sold up to 16 million albums, and had 22 top 10 singles, including six number ones.
She will be among 60 Irish and international artists set to perform at UTV CountryFest 09 at the Kings Hall on the August Bank Holiday Weekend.
"I can't wait," Martina told UTV.
"We had the opportunity to play Ireland a few years ago. When we got the opportunity to come back, I was so excited. The band is excited, the crew, everybody. We can't wait."
James McGarrity of JW promotions said:
"Martina McBride has become one of the greats of modern country music, earning herself numerous accolades including the prestigious CMA award.
"I'm very excited to be able to bring an international artist of Martina McBride's calibre to Ireland to headline UTV Countryfest and for an all Ireland tour not to be missed."
Her first album, 1992's "The Time Has Come", stumbled, but the 1993 follow-up "The Way That I Am" introduced her to the country audience with the upbeat single and video "My Baby Loves Me."
Another single from that album, "Independence Day," failed to crack the Top 10. But, by singing about spousal abuse without coming off as preachy, the song has since become McBride's signature song.
Martina captured her first CMA female vocalist award in 1999, and took three other trophies in 2002, 2003 and 2004.
Other acts in this year's Countryfest line-up include the legendary Randy Travis and Ray Price.
An exclusive CountryFest Double Album CD will be released in support of the Meningitis Trust in Northern Ireland.
All the acts have been asked to take part in a project that is expected to raise thousands of pounds for the charity.
Tickets for the event are on sale priced at £40 for one day or £75 for a weekend pass.
Tickets are available from Ticketmaster nationwide and regionally from Camerons Ballymena, The Waterfront Hall Belfast, The Music Shop Cookstown, The Music Centre Letterkenny, The Millennium Forum, Derry and the Strule Arts Centre Omagh.