Reba, Blake Shelton To Announce ACM Award Nominees Next Month

Reba McEntire and Blake Shelton will be in New York City next month to unveil the nominees for the upcoming Academy of Country Music Awards. The announcement will be made live on CBS' "The Early Show" on March 2nd. They're expected to reveal the hopefuls at 8:15 a.m., and then take part in an interview at 8:30 a.m. Shelton will also perform shortly after the interview. The 45th annual ACM Awards will take place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, airing live on CBS on April 18th. Reba will serve at the show's host, marking her 12th year at the helm of the ceremony.

However, one category won't have its nominees set when Reba and Blake make the announcement. The fans will determine who's in the running for Top New Artist, based on who they choose as the winners of the Top New Solo Vocalist, Top New Vocal Duo, and Top New Vocal Group categories. Voting begins online at VoteACM.com this Friday, and will remain open through March 12th. The winners -- and Top New Artist nominees -- will be announced later in March, and a new round of voting will begin April 1st. The Top New Artist winner will be revealed during the ACM Awards ceremony on April 18th.