Despite the controversy that seems to follow him, Sean Hannity is in love with Utah.

"I love it out here in Utah . . . it's become like my favorite ski place in the entire world," the conservative talk show host told listeners Wednesday. "(But) there's, like, 25 people in Utah that don't like me and the media finds every one."

On-air and at a Salt Lake press conference, Hannity announced Wednesday that he will be returning to Provo to be the master of ceremonies at this year's Stadium of Fire celebration.

"It (the festival) reminds us just how blessed and fortunate and lucky we are to live in the greatest country that God gave man," said Hannity, who is in town for his book tour (see accompanying story).

Hannity appeared at last year's American's Freedom Festival at Provo, along with country singer Martina McBride — a combination that drew more than 50,000 screaming fans.

Crowds could be even bigger this year when first lady of country song, Reba McEntire, joins Hannity at the Stadium of Fire — to be held July 3 at Brigham Young University's LaVell Edwards Stadium.

"I am very patriotic and this is right down my alley and I am so looking forward to it," said McEntire, who phoned in to Hannity's national radio show Wednesday to discuss her involvement with the Freedom Festival.

Broadcasting live from KSL Newsradio 1160 AM, Hannity told McEntire about his "incredibly magical" experience at last year's celebration.

Like Hannity's most recent visit to Utah, however, controversy surrounded his appearance at last year's Freedom Festival — largely due to his conservative political views.

Political and religious leaders from Utah, however, gathered at KSL's broadcast studios Wednesday to support Hannity, who attracts 14 million listeners daily worldwide.

"Anyone who comes to our city and is lawful is welcome here," said Provo Mayor Lewis Billings.

"We are grateful to have Sean Hannity for a second time," added Utah County Commissioner Gary Herbert.

Festival director Carl Bacon also made it clear that Hannity's presence at the Stadium of Fire has more to do with the host's patriotic stance than his conservative politics.

"This will be a non-political show," Bacon said. "This is about America."

Other festival entertainment will include Bountiful's Carmen Rasmussen of "American Idol" fame, along with Utah native Jody Stout, who appeared on NBC's "Today Show" during its superstar search.

Tickets for the 2004 Stadium of Fire will go on sale April 17 at 8 a.m. at the BYU Marriott Center ticket office.

Hannity fans, however, may purchase VIP tickets now for 1,000 premium field seats reserved for his listeners. But tickets are going fast — as of Wednesday afternoon 500 tickets had already been reserved.

For more information, fans should go to his Web site at www.hannity.com.

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E-mail: lwarner@desnews.com