ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS Producers Reveal Performance Details for Sunday's Live Show

In anticipation of Sunday's 48th ANNUAL ACADEMY OF MUSIC AWARDS on CBS, BWW participated in a conference call with R.A. Clark, executive producer and son of the late Clark; Bob Romeo, CEO of the Academy of Country Music; and Jack Sussman, executive Vice president, CBS specials and live programming.

During the call the show producers revealed several performance details about the highly anticipated event which will be broadcast live on Sunday, April 7, from MGM's Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The show will air live on the east coast at 8 p.m. with a tape delayed showing on the west coast.

Among the scoops, Taylor Swift and Keith Urban will join Tim McGRaw for a performance of "Highway Don't Care," and Hunter Hayes will duet with the legendary Stevie Wonder as he premieres his new single, "I Want Crazy."

Kelly Clarkson is set to perform "Don't Rush," while Hayes, Brad Paisley and Dierks Bentley will come together on stage live from ACM Fan Jam. Country star Reba McEntire will also be in attendance to introduce a duet by George Strait and Garth Brooks. As previously announced, the duo will perform together for the first time as they pay tribute to the legendary Dick Clark, each performing one of their own respective hits before joining together.

It was also announced on Monday that Jewel will be featured during this year's ACM Lifting Lives Moment, performing a live mash-up of her 1998 hit "Hands" and "Fill a Heart," written by Tori Kelly.

The 48th ANNUAL Academy of Country Music Awards is dedicated to honoring and showcasing the biggest names and emerging talent in country music and will be co-hosted by Luke Bryan and Blake Shelton. Performers announced thus far include: Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Kenny Chesney, Eric Church, Kelly Clarkson, Hunter Hayes, Tim McGRaw, Miranda Lambert, Blake Shelton, Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, The Band Perry, Lady Antebellum and Little Big Town. There will also be live remotes from the 3rd Annual ACM Fan Jam, headlined by Brad Paisley along with special guests Dierks Bentley, Hunter Hayes, and New Artist of the Year Presented by Kohl's nominees Brantley Gilbert, Jana Kramer and Florida Georgia Line.

In addition, George Strait and Garth Brooks, the two most recent ACM Artist of the Decade Award recipients, will perform together for the first time in history to pay tribute to Dick Clark. The ACM Artist of the Decade Award will be renamed the ACM Dick Clark Artist of the Decade Award, in honor of the iconic figure and longtime producer of the ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS.

Photo: Ed Rode/CBS

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