REBA McENTIRE INVITES BLAKE SHELTON TO CO-HOST THE "46TH ANNUAL ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS," TO BE BROADCAST LIVE FROM THE MGM GRAND GARDEN ARENA IN LAS VEGAS, SUNDAY, APRIL 3 ON THE CBS TELEVISION NETWORK

One of the "most versatile of contemporary country singers" (The New York Times) and all-around funnyman, Blake Shelton, will join forces with country music superstar Reba McEntire to host the 46TH ANNUAL ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS, which will be broadcast live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas Sunday, April 3 (8:00-11:00 PM, live ET/delayed PT) on the CBS Television Network.

"This is an incredibly special moment for me," said Shelton. "I am humbled that Reba invited me to co-host the Awards with her. She is not only a mentor to me, but a true friend. She continually supports other artists, which is a testament, really, to her beauty and talent," Shelton added with a laugh. "You will definitely have to tune-in and check it out. With the two of us together on live TV, you never know what we might say!"

McEntire has won 12 Academy of Country Music Awards, including seven for Top Female Vocalist and the first-ever annual Academy of Country Music/The Home Depot Humanitarian Award for her outstanding philanthropic work.

This marks Shelton's debut as an awards show host as he becomes the 50th host since the inception of the Academy of Country Music Awards. Shelton has been nominated for three Academy of Country Music Awards and won his first last year for Vocal Event of the Year for his #1 hit single, "Hillbilly Bone," which features longtime friend Trace Adkins.

"Last year, Reba and Blake read our nominations and they were just magic together, incredibly funny," said Bob Romeo, CEO of the Academy. "When Reba suggested inviting Blake to join her, the Academy could not have been more pleased. We know the viewers will be blown away by their comic chemistry."

"Blake has an outstanding stage presence and is a great fit with Reba. They did a terrific job last year during our nominations and it's a natural progression for them to host the upcoming 46th Annual ACM Awards," said Orly Adelson, President of dick clark productions and executive producer of the Awards.

The Academy of Country Music Awards is dedicated to honoring and showcasing the biggest names and emerging talent in the country music industry.

The 46TH ANNUAL ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS is produced for television by dick clark productions. Orly Adelson and R.A. Clark are executive producers, Barry Adelman is producer and Bob Bardo is executive in charge of production. Bob Romeo is executive producer for the Academy of Country Music.