Bryan to join Shelton as ACM awards co-host

FILE - This April 1, 2012 file photo shows country singer Luke Bryan at the 47th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards in Las Vegas. Bryan is joining Blake Shelton to co-host the 2013 Academy of Country Music Awards. The Academy announced Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2013, this years show will be held April 7. Bryan replaces Reba McEntire, who served as host for more than a decade before stepping aside to concentrate on her new sit-com Malibu Country. (AP Photo/Isaac Brekken, file)

By The Associated Press

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Luke Bryan is joining Blake Shelton to co-host the 2013 Academy of Country Music Awards.

The Academy also says in a Tuesday news release that this year’s show will be held April 7 and Brad Paisley will host the ACM Fan Jam, a satellite event held simultaneously with the awards show.

Bryan replaces Reba McEntire. She served as host for more than a decade before stepping aside to concentrate on her new sitcom, “Malibu Country.”

Shelton is also a star on “The Voice” and began sharing hosting duties with McEntire two years ago.