Luke Bryan to co-host ACM Awards with Blake Shelton

As correctly predicted in our Jan. 4 post, Luke Bryan will be joining Blake Shelton as co-host of the 48th annual Academy of Country Music Awards, set for April 7 in Las Vegas. The show will air live on CBS from its regular home at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. Bryan replaces longtime host Reba McEntire, who announced last year that she’s be stepping down from the role due to her ABC sitcom commitments. Shelton, the reigning ABC male vocalist of the year, returns for his third consecutive stint as co-host. The two stars are pictured together above at a 2012 event.

In related news, Brad Paisley has been tapped to host the 3rd annual ACM Fan Jan, which takes place simultaneously across town. This year, the Fan Jam moves from the Mandalay Bay to The Orleans Arena. The ACM Awards will cut away to live performances from the Fan Jam throughout the broadcast. Performers for both shows will be announced later, but fans can tweet to unlock a message from Paisley, which will be sent to them immediately after they tweet. Details here.

Additionally, the ACM will tape an all-star concert special at the MGM Grand the day after the awards show. It will air later in the year on CBS and ticket proceeds benefit the ACM’s charity arm, Lifting Lives. Talent announcements for that show are forthcoming.

Tickets for all three events go on sale Jan. 25. Watch Bryan's reaction to being selected as co-host here.