ABC RadioReigning ACM Entertainer of the Year Jason Aldean surprised Reba McEntire at a news conference Friday in Las Vegas, as she gets ready to host Sunday’s Academy of Country Music Awards.
The Country Music Hall of Famer says she’s more prepared this year than she’s ever been the previous fifteen times. Because of that, she described rehearsals as “laid-back,” and says she’ll get a chance to visit with her fellow performers.
Reba’s particularly excited to get to spend some time with her daughter-in-law Kelly Clarkson, who’ll singer her nominated duet with Dan + Shay, “Keeping Score,” and perform with Aldean as well.
The woman who’s become famous for her wardrobe changes insists her looks this year are based on “comfort” — and she swears she’ll stick to six outfits, including her red carpet look.
While Reba wouldn’t reveal much about the opening monologue, she says she and the writers have been emailing back and forth for about six weeks, adding the last re-write is “good” and “really cute.”
Reba reflected on how much she learned about hosting from longtime ACM producer Dick Clark, before Jason Aldean showed up unannounced. This year, Jason will receive the Dick Clark Artist of the Decade honor, which has been renamed after the late broadcasting legend.
Jason says he won’t prepare a speech for when he accepts his award, but instead joked that he’ll focus on not doing “something stupid that will live on YouTube forever.” More seriously, he added that he believes the best acceptances come from the heart and are off the cuff.
Tune in Sunday at 8 p.m. ET to see the 54th ACM Awards, live from MGM Grand Garden Arena, on CBS.
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