STAGE AND SCREEN SUPERSTAR AND COUNTRY MUSIC ICON REBA McENTIRE RETURNS FOR THE 10TH TIME TO HOST "THE 43RD ANNUAL ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS," TO BE BROADCAST LIVE FROM LAS VEGAS, SUNDAY, MAY 18 ON THE CBS TELEVISION NETWORK

Stage and screen superstar and country music icon Reba McEntire returns for an unprecedented 10th time to host the 43RD ANNUAL ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS, country music's biggest party of the year, to be broadcast live from Las Vegas' MGM Grand Garden Arena, Sunday, May 18 (8:00-11:00 PM, live ET/delayed PT) on the CBS Television Network. The event honors country music's top talent as well as the industry's hottest emerging talent.

McEntire is a country music legend who has delivered number one songs for more than 20 years, and has sold more than 50 million records over the course of her incredible career. Her name and voice are synonymous with country music. In 2001, after conquering the country music world many times over, McEntire set her sights on Broadway where she starred in the hugely successful revival of Irving Berlin's "Annie Get Your Gun." Soon after, she began work on her sitcom, "Reba," for which she was awarded a 2001 People's Choice Award and a 2004 Golden Globe nomination.

McEntire's current album, Duets, debuted at the top of the pop and country charts in late 2007 and has already earned a top two single and platinum sales status. Reba's #1's, her compilation album, celebrated platinum certification in 2006 and is a celebration of a career that has included 33 number one songs, 29 albums, multiple awards and countless shows and performances.

"I am celebrating my 10th anniversary of hosting the Academy of Country Music Awards," said McEntire. "I'm excited to honor country music's greatest talent at this spectacular awards show."

McEntire has won 11 Academy of Country Music Awards and has received a total of 41 nominations. In 2001, she was awarded the first annual Academy of Country Music / The Home Depot Humanitarian Award for her outstanding philanthropic work. In 2003, the Academy of Country Music awarded her the title of "Leading Lady" in recognition of her status as the all-time leading winner in the Top Female Vocalist category with seven wins.

Founded in 1964, the Academy of Country Music is an artist and industry-driven organization that provides the financial resources to ensure the ongoing philanthropic work of its Charitable Fund. The Academy of Country Music Charitable Fund promotes and supports music education and humanitarian programs that transform the human spirit. Through its charitable donations, the ACMCF works toward promoting Learning Through Music and Healing Through Music. The Academy is comprised of more than 4,500 professional members and more than 40,000 associate members and is headquartered in Encino, Calif.

The 43RD Academy of Country Music Awards is dedicated to honoring and showcasing the biggest names and emerging talent in the country music industry. The show is produced for television by Dick Clark Productions. The show is executive produced by R.A. Clark, and produced by Barry Adelman. The executive in charge of production is Bob Bardo.

RATING: To Be Announced