RODNEY ATKINS, DOLLY PARTON, SUGARLAND, TAYLOR SWIFT AND CARRIE UNDERWOOD SET TO PERFORM ON THE "43RD ANNUAL ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS" TO BE BROADCAST LIVE FROM LAS VEGAS, SUNDAY, MAY 18 ON THE CBS TELEVISION NETWORK

Rodney Atkins, Dolly Parton, Sugarland, Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood are set to perform on the 43RD ANNUAL ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS, to be broadcast live from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, 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.

Last year's Top New Male Vocalist winner, Rodney Atkins, is nominated for six awards, including Top Male Vocalist. He is also nominated for Song of the Year and Video of the Year for "Watching You" and Album of the Year for If You're Going Through Hell. In addition, Atkins received nominations for writing "Watching You" and for producing the accompanying album.

Throughout her illustrious career, the legendary Dolly Parton has been nominated for 40 Academy of Country Music Awards and has won eight. She is currently celebrating the release of her latest album, Backwoods Barbie, Parton's first mainstream country album in 17 years.

Platinum-selling duo and former Top New Vocal Duo winner Sugarland is nominated in four categories, including Top Vocal Duo as well as Single Record of the Year, Song of the Year and Video of the Year for the number-one single "Stay." Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush both received nominations for producing the track and video, and Nettles for writing the single. The duo releases a third album in September and will debut a new single in May.

This year, Taylor Swift received three nominations which include both Top Female Vocalist and Top New Female Vocalist. She also received an Album of the Year nomination for her self-titled album Taylor Swift. Swift is currently on tour in support of that album.

Carrie Underwood is nominated for Top Female Vocalist. Last year, she took home this honor as well as Album of the Year for Some Hearts and Video of the Year for "Before He Cheats." Underwood recently announced plans to extend her sold out Carnival Ride tour through June 2008.

The 43RD ANNUAL ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS 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. Louis J. Horvitz is directing.

RATING: To Be Announced