NASHVILLE, TN  [Thursday Dec.21.2006]  /WMQT.com/ -- Rascal Flatts has become the first group in history to be named both the #1 Billboard Top 200 Artist of the Year as well as the #1 Country Artist of the Year by Billboard magazine, issue dated December 16, 2006.

This is the second consecutive year Billboard has named Rascal Flatts Country Artist of the Year. Only two country artists, Garth Brooks and LeAnn Rimes, have been named Billboard's #1 Top 200 Artist of the Year, the last occurrence in 1997.

In addition, Gary, Jay and Joe done were named #1 Top Country Album Artist, #1 Top Country Duo or Group and #1 Top 200 Billboard Artist Duo or Group across all genres of music by Billboard magazine.

Gary, Jay and Joe Don will close out 2006, the biggest year of their career thus far, in New York City with a live performance from Times Square on ABC's Rockin' New Years Eve.

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