WATERLOO -- Though country still has a home at the Iowa State Fair, this year's grandstand lineup also welcomes classic rock, 'tween performers and the return of Christian bands.

"I think that's one of the nice things about this year's lineup is it's very diverse," said Lori Chappell, marketing director for the fair.

The country tickets this year will be filled by Dierks Bentley, Gary Allan, Chris Cagle and Eric Church while classic rock makes a comeback in the form of Alice Cooper and Blue Oyster Cult. The latter band has experienced a resurgence in popularity since a "Saturday Night Live" sketch featured Will Ferrell as a cowbell-playing member of the group.

"That turned a whole generation of people who didn't grow up with Blue Oyster Cult onto the band," said Chappell.

Another new audience has been found in the 'tween set, which has grown due to an influx of young performers touring the country. The Iowa State Fair will welcome "High School Musical" star Corbin Bleu, pop performer Drake Bell and singer-songwriter Jordan Pruitt.

"We've not had this genre in the grandstand. It's very popular with families," said Chappell. "…We had Raven here last year on a free stage and we knew then that there was an audience here for that type of act."

It's been two years since a Christian show has come to the fair, but Casting Crowns and Tree 63 are bringing the genre back for 2007.

Perhaps the biggest show to come to the grandstand this year is the "American Idols Live!" tour. The top 10 contestants from Fox's hugely popular talent show will perform on the last day of the fair.

"We were working to get (the tour) a few years ago and it didn't work out, so we've been on their radar," said Chappell.

Contact Kelsey Holm at (319) 291-1464 or kelsey.holm@wcfcourier.com

Thursday, Aug. 9

Gary Allan with special guest Eric Church

Time: 8 p.m.

Tickets: $28

More info: www.garyallan.com, www.ericchurch.com

Friday, Aug. 10

Alice Cooper with special guest Blue Oyster Cult

Time: 8 p.m.

Tickets: $28

More info: www.alicecooper.com, www.blueoystercult.com

Saturday, Aug. 11

Rock 'n' Roll Reunion XXVIII

Featuring: Little Anthony and the Imperials, Ben E. King, Sam the Sham, Percy Sledge and Gary U.S. Bonds

Time: 7:30 p.m.

Tickets: $28

More info: www.littleanthonyandtheimperials.com, www.samthesham.com, www.psledge.com, www.garyusbonds.com

Sunday, Aug. 12

Corbin Bleu and Drake Bell with special guest Jordan Pruitt

Time: 8 p.m.

Tickets: $25

More info: www.corbinbleu.com, www.drakebell.com, www.hollywoodrecords.go.com/jordanpruitt

Tuesday, Aug. 14

Dierks Bentley with special guest Chris Cagle

Time: 8 p.m.

Tickets: $28

More info: www.dierks.com, www.chriscagle.musiccitynetworks.com

Thursday, Aug. 16

Casting Crowns with special guest Tree 63

Time: 8 p.m.

Tickets: $25, currently on sale

More info: www.castingcrowns.com, www.tree63.com

Friday, Aug. 17

An Evening with Joe Walsh

Time: 8 p.m.

Tickets: $28

More info: www.joewalsh.com

Saturday, Aug. 18

Switchfoot with special guest Cartel

Time: 8 p.m.

Tickets: $28

More info: www.switchfoot.com, www.cartelrocks.com

Sunday, Aug. 19

American Idols Live!

Featuring: Melinda Doolittle, Gina Glocksen, LaKisha Jones, Blake Lewis, Sanjaya Malakar, Chris Richardson, Haley Scarnato, Chris Sligh, Jordin Sparks and Phil Stacey

Time: 8 p.m.

Tickets: $42

More info: www.poptarts.com/americanidolslivetour

Contact Kelsey Holm at (319) 291-1464 or kelsey.holm@wcfcourier.com.