COUNTRY MUSIC AND TELEVISION SUPERSTAR REBA McENTIRE RETURNS FOR THE EIGHTH TIME TO HOST "THE 41ST ANNUAL ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS," TO BE BROADCAST LIVE FROM LAS VEGAS, MAY 23 ON THE CBS TELEVISION NETWORK

Country music and television superstar Reba McEntire returns for an unprecedented eighth time to host the 41ST ANNUAL ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS, country music's biggest party of the year, to be broadcast live from Las Vegas' MGM Grand, Tuesday, May 23 (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.

Reba McEntire has been delivering Number One songs for more than 20 years and has sold more than 48 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 hit television comedy, "Reba," for which she was awarded a 2004 Golden Globe nomination. Reba#1's, her new compilation album, celebrated platinum certification in January 2006 and is a celebration of a career that has included 33 Number One songs, 29 albums, multiple awards and countless shows and performances.

McEntire has won 11 Academy of Country Music Awards and has a total of 41 nominations. In 2001, McEntire was awarded the first annual Academy of Country Music/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.

"I am honored to once again be hosting the Academy of Country Music Awards," said McEntire. "May 23rd will be a fun, music-filled night full of great performances from some of my closest friends. I can't wait!"

The Academy of Country Music was founded in 1964 with a mission to support, promote, and enhance the advancement of the country music industry worldwide. The Academy, which is comprised of more than 4,000 professional members and a newly established Associate Membership, is headquartered in Burbank, Calif.

THE 41ST 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