Reba to host ACM awards show for 12th time

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 11 (UPI) -- Nashville star Reba McEntire will serve as host of the Academy of Country Music Awards show for a 12th time, CBS said Monday.

The network is scheduled to air the event live April 18 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

"No one does it better than Reba McEntire," Orly Adelson, president of dick clark productions and executive producer of the awards show, said in a statement. "She always brings spunk and personality to the show and we are honored to have the queen of country music back to host the awards for the 12th time."

The academy said it plans to tape an all-star concert special called "ACM Presents: Brooks & Dunn -- the Last Rodeo" at the same location the following night to air at a later date on CBS.

"Brooks & Dunn have defined country music for 20 years," said Bob Romeo, executive director of the academy. "With this all-star concert tribute, the academy is honored to recognize Kix and Ronnie for their contributions to the country music industry, fans and to all the artists they have helped get a break in this business."

Both shows are produced for television by dick clark productions, CBS said.