Keep calm and country on because the54th Academy of Country Music Awardsare back!
Whether seated in the stands or on a couch in front of the television, this year’s star-studded lineup of performers,exciting collaborationsand nominees are sure to keep country fans rocking all night long.
Here’s everything you need to know about the ceremony, before it gets underway this weekend.
Be sure to check outPEOPLE’s full ACM Awards coverageto get the latest news on country’s big night.
Who’s Hosting?
Reba McEntire will once again return as host and executive producer of the 54th annualAcademy of Country Music Awardsafter hosting the show last year.
This year marks McEntire’s 16th time hosting the ceremony in total, and the few years she took off between 2013 and 2017 saw stars likeLuke Bryan,Blake SheltonandDierks Bentleyfill her shoes. Over the years, McEntire has hosted on her own and with co-hosts including Shelton,George Strait,Alan Jacksonand Hank Williams Jr., among others.
Reba McEntire.
McEntire, herself, has won 16 ACM Awards throughout her career, with her last being the Mae Boren Axton Service Award in 2017.
What About the Nominees?
It’s been a big year for country music, andthis year’s nomineesare a mix of talented artists hot off their Grammy wins and nominations.
Chris StapletonandDan + Shaygarnered six nominations apiece, with the duo’sDan Smyerspicking up an additional four as a producer and writer. Grammy darlingKacey Musgraves, whoswept all four of her categoriesat the ceremony in February, is nominated five times at the ACM Awards.
Kacey Musgraves after winning big at the 2019 Grammy Awards.Jerod Harris/FilmMagic
Fresh off their No. 1 hit collaboration “Burning Man,” Bentley and Brothers Osborne racked up four and three nominations, respectively.
Florida Georgia LineandBebe Rexhaalso received four nominations, most for their cross-format hit “Meant to Be.”
Who’s Performing?
The ACM Awards performance lineupneverdisappoints.
The broadcast will also feature a star-studded list of performance collaborations, including Khalid withKane Brown;Jason Aldean(ACM Dick Clark Artist of the Decade Award honoree) withKelly Clarkson;Dierks Bentley,Brandi Carlile,Eric Church, andAshley McBryde;Dan + Shaywith Clarkson;Florida Georgia Linewith Aldean; andMaren MorriswithBrothers Osborne.
Matt Winkelmeyer/ACMA2018/Getty (2); Erika Goldring/FilmMagic
In addition,This Is UsstarChrissy Metzwill sing the song“I’m Standing with You” from her upcoming movieBreakthrough.
In addition to the collaborations,Thomas Rhett,Chris Stapleton,LANCO,Little Big Town,Carrie Underwoodand host of the nightReba McEntirewill take to the stage to perform.
How can you watch?
The show broadcasts live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, April 7 at 8 p.m. ET/delayed PT on CBS. You can also live stream the telecast using CBS All Access.
source: people.com
