Musicians Marc Anthony, Darius Rucker and Big & Rich will complete the all-star lineup of artists scheduled to perform on ACM PRESENTS: LIONEL RICHIE AND FRIENDS – IN CONCERT, taping Monday, April 2, 2012 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas to be broadcast on Friday, April 13 (9:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.

ACM PRESENTS: LIONEL RICHIE AND FRIENDS – IN CONCERT is a special concert event of country music collaborations with the legendary Lionel Richie, featuring duets from his latest album, Tuskegee, which is out now, along with solo performances.  Some of Richie’s greatest hits will be performed by today’s hottest artists, including Jason Aldean(“Say You, Say Me”), Luke Bryan(“Running with the Night”),Sara Evans and Marc Anthony(“Endless Love”), Martina McBride(“Still”), The Band Perry (“Penny Lover”), Big & Rich(“Brick House”) andLady Antebellum(“Truly”).  Duets with Richie include “My Love” with Kenny Chesney,“Sail On” withTim McGraw,“Hello” withJennifer Nettles, “Lady” with Kenny Rogers, “Stuck On You” with Darius Rucker, “Dancin’ On The Ceiling” with Rascal Flatts, and more surprises.

Music icon Lionel Richie has created an unforgettable body of work that speaks to the hearts of people of all races, faiths and ages around the world with his universal themes of life, love and loss presented with poetic simplicity and irresistible melodies.  He has earned sales of more than 100 million albums, 22 Top 10 hits, five GRAMMY® Awards, an Academy Award for Best Original Song, a Golden Globe and a host of other awards from virtually every other major entertainment organization. His catalog of timeless hits includes “Say You, Say Me,” “Easy,” “Still,” “Hello,” “Stuck On You,” “You Are,” “My Love” and “Endless Love.”  By defying boundaries, blending genres and ignoring trends to remain true to his heart, the gifted storyteller has shaped popular culture as his music has served as the soundtrack of several generations worldwide.  

ACM PRESENTS:  LIONEL RICHIE AND FRIENDS – IN CONCERT 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 the executive in charge of production. Bob Romeo is executive producer for the Academy of Country Music.

RATING:  To Be Announced

Photos will be available on www.cbspressexpress.com

Official CBS Website:  http://www.cbs.com/shows/acma/  

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/AcademyOfCountryMusic

Twitter:  http://www.twitter.com/ACMawards

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CBS Press Contacts:

Andrea Ballas                        818-655-1581             andrea.ballas@cbs.com

Kim Izzo-Emmet                    212-975-3820             krizzo-emmet@cbs.com

CBS Photo Contacts:

Rudi Simpson                        818-655-1545             rudi.simpson@cbs.com

Nancy Eichenbaum                212-975-7627             neichenbaum@cbs.com