Country music and television superstar Reba McEntire returns for an unprecedented ninth time to host the 42ND 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, Tuesday, May 15 (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's been delivering 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. 

           Reba's #1's,her compilation album, celebrated platinum certification in 2006 and is a celebration of a career that includes 33 number one songs, 29 albums, multiple awards and countless shows and performances.

             "I am so flattered to be asked to host the Academy of Country Music Awards," said McEntire.  "I'm thrilled to be heading back to Las Vegas to help put on the greatest show in country music."

            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.

             The Academy of Country Music, an artist and industry-driven organization, exists to produce a world-class network television awards show, and its associated events, to provide the financial resources to ensure the ongoing philanthropic work of its Charitable Fund.  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 two main goals:  encouraging Learning Through Music and Healing Through Music.  The Academy, which is comprised of more than 4,500 professional members and more than 40,000 associate members, was established in 1964 and is headquartered in Encino, Calif.

          The 42^ND ANNUAL ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS is produced for television by dick clark productions.  The show is executive produced by Allen Shapiro and R.A. Clark, and produced by Barry Adelman.  The executive in charge of production is Bob Bardo, and the executive in charge is Fran LaMaina.

RATING:  To Be Announced

Photos will be available on http://www.cbspressexpress.com/