Superstar Toby Keith to Perform Merle Haggard Tribute at the "2016 American Country Countdown Awards"

SUPERSTAR TOBY KEITH TO PERFORM MERLE HAGGARD TRIBUTE

AT THE “2016 AMERICAN COUNTRY COUNTDOWN AWARDS”

Academy Award^® Winner Matthew McConaughey to Introduce Tribute

2^nd Annual Country Music Awards Show Airs Live Sunday, May 1, On FOX

LOS ANGELES (April 21, 2016) — Superstar singer/songwriter Toby Keith will perform a heartfelt tribute in celebration of his friend and musical hero Merle Haggard at the 2016 AMERICAN COUNTRY COUNTDOWN AWARDS airing live from The Forum in Inglewood, Calif., Sunday, May 1 (8:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) on FOX. Oscar^®-winning actor Matthew McConaughey will introduce the tribute to the late legendary songwriter who inspired countless musicians and who is one of country music’s greatest icons.

Haggard’s longtime back-up band, The Strangers, will join Keith as part of this memorable performance. In addition, Haggard’s widow, Theresa, will be in attendance along with other members of the Haggard family, including son Ben, who also will perform with The Strangers.

Keith joins previously announced performers Kelsea Ballerini, 2016 NASH Icon Award recipients Brooks & Dunn, Luke Bryan, Cam, Dan + Shay, Florida Georgia Line, Sam Hunt, Martina McBride, Thomas Rhett, Cole Swindell and Carrie Underwood.

From his first No. 1 smash "Should've Been A Cowboy" to his new album 35 mph Town, Toby Keith has been one of the most consistent self-directed hit makers of his era. His single, "Made In America" (from the album Clancy’s Tavern) topped the charts as one of the fastest rising songs in a long line of his chart burners. The second hit, "Red Solo Cup," has become one of the most commercially successful country singles with a viral video garnering more than 30 million views while having topped the top downloaded country songs charts. The first single from 35 mph Town, "Drunk Americans," debuted at No. 1 Most Added on both the Billboard and Country Aircheck/Mediabase charts.

At the core of Keith's unparalleled success is his songwriting, with an astounding succession of hit songs to the tune of more than 87 million BMI performances on commercial radio stations worldwide. In June 2015, he was inducted into the Songwriters Hall Of Fame, and he has been honored by the Nashville Songwriters Association International with its Songwriter/Artist of the Decade distinction. He is a three-time BMI Country Songwriter/Artist of the Year and was named the American Country Awards' Artist of the Decade. His albums have sold more than 40 million copies, ranking him among the top-selling all-genre artists on Billboard's Top 200 Artists of the Decade; he is also Billboard's No. 1 Country Artist of the Decade and No. 1 Country Songwriter of the Decade. His tours have drawn more than one million fans each year for the last decade. This year's tour, Interstates & Tailgates presented by Ford F-Series, kicks off in May with dates scheduled throughout North America. However Keith’s most rewarding experiences come from giving back. Whether it's helping sick children and their families in his native Oklahoma through the Toby Keith Foundation and the cost-free home OK Kids Korral, or supporting US Troops, including 11 USO Tours throughout the world, Keith has never lost touch with the most important things in life.

Matthew McConaughey will next be seen in the June 24^th release of Free State of Jones, an epic action-drama set during the Civil War that tells the story of defiant Southern farmer, Newt Knight, and his extraordinary armed rebellion against the Confederacy. In 2016 he will also lend his voice to Kubo and the Two Strings and Sing as well as star in Gold, directed by Stephen Gaghan.

The AMERICAN COUNTRY COUNTDOWN AWARDS is based on country music’s longest-running radio countdown show (43 years), “American Country Countdown with Kix Brooks,” and honors country music’s biggest stars, based on album sales and radio airplay. Finalists and winners for all categories are based on radio airplay charts, sales and streaming data from April 1, 2015 to March 28, 2016 provided by BuzzAngle Music. Touring data is from Pollstar “The Concert Hotwire.”

Tickets for the AMERICAN COUNTRY COUNTDOWN AWARDS at the “Fabulous” Forum are on sale now at www.ticketmaster.com.

The AMERICAN COUNTRY COUNTDOWN AWARDS is produced by dick clark productions.  Allen Shapiro (CEO, dick clark productions), Mike Mahan (President, dick clark productions), Mark Bracco (Executive Vice President, Programming and Development, dick clark productions), Kix Brooks, Richard Godfrey and Tom Forrest are executive producers.

About dick clark productions

dick clark productions (dcp) is the world’s largest producer and proprietor of televised live event entertainment programming, with the “Academy of Country Music Awards,” “American Country Countdown Awards,” “American Music Awards,” “Billboard Music Awards,” “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest,” “Golden Globe Awards,” “Hollywood Film Awards” and the “Streamy Awards.” Weekly television programming includes “So You Think You Can Dance, from 19 Entertainment, a division of CORE Media Group and dcp. dcp also owns one of the world’s most unique and extensive entertainment archive libraries, with more than 55 years of award-winning shows, historic programs, specials, performances and legendary programming. For additional information, visit www.dickclark.com.

About Cumulus Media

A leader in the radio broadcasting industry, Cumulus Media (NASDAQ:CMLS) combines high-quality local programming with iconic, nationally syndicated media, sports and entertainment brands to deliver premium content choices to the 245 million people reached each week through its 454 owned-and-operated stations broadcasting in 90 U.S. media markets (including eight of the top 10), more than 8,200 broadcast radio stations affiliated with its Westwood One network and numerous digital channels. Together, the Cumulus/Westwood One platforms make Cumulus Media one of the few media companies that can provide advertisers with national reach and local impact. Cumulus/Westwood One is the exclusive radio broadcast partner to some of the largest brands in sports and entertainment, including the NFL, the NCAA, the Masters, the Olympics, the GRAMMYs, the Country Music Awards, the Billboard Music Awards and Miss America. Additionally, it is the nation's leading provider of country music and lifestyle content through its NASH brand, which serves country fans nationwide through radio programming, NASH Country Daily, concerts, licensed products and television/video. For more information, visit www.cumulus.com.

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SOCIAL MEDIA INFORMATION:

Cheat Tweet: .@TobyKeithMusic to perform a @merlehaggard tribute at the @ACCAs. Don't miss it May 1 on @FOXTV: bit.ly/ACCAsTribute

Twitter: @ACCAs

Instagram: @ACCAs

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/americancountrycountdownawards/

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Snapchat: ACCAwards

Vine: ACCAwards 

“2016 American Country Countdown Awards Adds Kelsea Ballerini, Cam, Dan + Shay, Sam Hunt, Martina McBride, and Cole Swindell to Star-Studded Lineup of Performers

“2016 AMERICAN COUNTRY COUNTDOWN AWARDS” ADDS

KELSEA BALLERINI, CAM, DAN + SHAY, SAM HUNT, MARTINA MCBRIDE

AND COLE SWINDELL TO STAR-STUDDED LINEUP OF PERFORMERS

The 2^nd Annual Country Music Awards Show Airs Live

From Los Angeles, Sunday, May 1 on FOX

Los Angeles, CA (April, 7 2016) – Country’s biggest stars and rising newcomers including Kelsea Ballerini, Cam, Dan + Shay, Sam Hunt, Martina McBride, and Cole Swindell will join previously announced powerhouse performers Florida Georgia Line, Thomas Rhett, Carrie Underwood and more on the star-studded “American Country Countdown Awards” airing Sunday, May 1 (8:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) on FOX. This year’s host and additional performers will be announced shortly.

Breakout artist Kelsea Ballerini is the latest recipient of the 2016 ACM New Female Vocalist of the Year award with two consecutive No. 1 smashes — the Gold-certified "Love Me Like You Mean It” and the infectious follow-up “Dibs” — from her critically acclaimed debut album “The First Time.” The country sweetheart is the first solo female artist in 15 years to hit No. 1 with her first two country singles and one of only 11 women to have ever hit the top of the charts with a debut. The Black River Entertainment recording artist is a two-time 2016 ACCA finalist for Female Vocalist Of The Year and Breakthrough Female Of The Year.

Shining newcomer Cam is a two-time 2016 ACCA finalist for Female Vocalist of the Year and Breakthrough Female Vocalist of the Year. Her No. 1 smash “Burning House” was certified Platinum by the RIAA and remains the only single by a country female to achieve more than 1 million downloads the past year. When Cam’s debut album “Untamed” was released in December, it earned 2015’s best first-week sales by a debut country artist.

Critically acclaimed duo and current two-time ACCA finalist Dan + Shay (Dan Smyers and Shay Mooney) hit No. 1 on Billboard's Country Albums Chart with their first album “Where It All Began.” Racking up more than 26 million YouTube views, they are the only new country duo in SoundScan recorded history to debut at No. 1. Dan + Shay have been nominated for both the CMA’s and ACM’s Vocal Duo of the Year for two years in a row, and were previously nominated for a CMT Music Video Award.

Standout newcomer Sam Hunt is a current five-time ACCA finalist including coveted categories Artist Of The Year and Album Of The Year. His Grammy-nominated debut album “Montevallo” topped the Billboard Country Albums Chart in its first week and remains the best-selling debut album for a country artist since 2011.

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“2016 AMERICAN COUNTRY COUNTDOWN AWARDS” PERFORMERS – Page 2

Multiple Grammy® Award nominee and vocal powerhouse Martina McBride has sold over 18 million albums to date, including 20 Top 10 singles and six No. 1 hits. Recently, she released her

new single, Reckless,” the title track from her 13^th studio album due out April 29. She has earned more than 15 major music awards, including four wins for Female Vocalist of the Year from the Country Music Association and three Academy of Country Music Awards for Top Female Vocalist.

Rising singer/songwriter Cole Swindell just hit the top of the country singles charts for a record- breaking fifth consecutive time with the title track “You Should Be Here,” from his forthcoming album, following four No. 1 singles off his Platinum-certified debut. The 2015 ACM New Artist Of The Year and Billboard Top New Artist has earned over 250 million streams and sold over 4 million tracks. Additionally, he has co-written eight of the biggest No. 1 songs in country music for some of the format’s hottest stars, including Luke Bryan, Florida Georgia Line and Thomas Rhett.

The AMERICAN COUNTRY COUNTDOWN AWARDS is based on country music’s longest-running radio countdown show (43 years), “American Country Countdown with Kix Brooks,” and honors country music’s biggest stars, based on album sales and radio airplay. Finalists and winners for all categories are based on radio airplay charts, sales and streaming data from April 1, 2015 to March 28, 2016 provided by BuzzAngle Music. Touring data is from Pollstar “The Concert Hotwire.” The NASH Icon Award is chosen by The American Country Countdown.

Tickets for the AMERICAN COUNTRY COUNTDOWN AWARDS at the “Fabulous” Forum in Inglewood, CA are on sale now at www.ticketmaster.com.

To apply for press and publicist credentials, please visit: http://www.dickclark.com/shows/american-country-countdown-awards. Deadline to apply is Friday, April 15, 2016, 5:00 PM PT.

The AMERICAN COUNTRY COUNTDOWN AWARDS is produced by dick clark productions.  Allen Shapiro (CEO, dick clark productions), Mike Mahan (President, dick clark productions), Mark Bracco (Executive Vice President, Programming and Development, dick clark productions), Kix Brooks, Richard Godfrey and Tom Forrest are executive producers.

About dick clark productions

dick clark productions (dcp) is the world’s largest producer and proprietor of televised live event entertainment programming, with the “Academy of Country Music Awards,” AMERICAN COUNTRY COUNTDOWN AWARDS, “American Music Awards,” “Billboard Music Awards,” “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest,” “Golden Globe Awards,” “Hollywood Film Awards” and the “Streamy Awards.” Weekly television programming includes SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE, from 19 Entertainment, a division of CORE Media Group and dcp; and “World’s Funniest,” from Jukin Media and dcp. dcp also owns one of the world’s most unique and extensive entertainment archive libraries, with more than 55 years of award-winning shows, historic programs, specials, performances and legendary programming. For additional information, visit www.dickclark.com. 

About Cumulus Media 

A leader in the radio broadcasting industry, Cumulus Media (NASDAQ:CMLS) combines high-quality local programming with iconic, nationally syndicated media, sports and entertainment brands to deliver premium content choices to the 245 million people reached each week through its 454 owned-and-operated stations broadcasting in 90 U.S. media markets (including eight of

-more-

“2016 AMERICAN COUNTRY COUNTDOWN AWARDS” PERFORMERS – Page 3

the top 10), more than 8,200 broadcast radio stations affiliated with its Westwood One network and numerous digital channels. Together, the Cumulus/Westwood One platforms make Cumulus Media one of the few media companies that can provide advertisers with national reach and local impact. Cumulus/Westwood One is the exclusive radio broadcast partner to some of the largest brands in sports and entertainment, including the NFL, the NCAA, the Masters, the Olympics, the GRAMMYs, the Country Music Awards, the Billboard Music Awards and Miss America.

Additionally, it is the nation's leading provider of country music and lifestyle content through its NASH brand, which serves country fans nationwide through radio programming, NASH Country Weekly magazine, concerts, licensed products and television/video. For more information, visit www.cumulus.com.

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SOCIAL MEDIA INFORMATION:

Cheat Tweet: @KelseaBallerini, @SamHuntMusic, @coleswindell and MORE announced to PERFORM at the @ACCAs: bit.ly/ACCAsPerform

Twitter: @ACCAs

Instagram: @ACCAs

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/americancountrycountdownawards/

Tumblr: http://theaccawards.tumblr.com/

Snapchat: ACCAwards

Vine: ACCAwards

CONTACTS:

AMERICAN COUNTRY COUNTDOWN AWARDS

Lisa Chader                                         615-428-7223              lisa@wortmanworks.com

dick clark productions

Liz Morentin                                        310-255-4602              lmorentin@dickclark.com

Lydia Baskharoon                               310-255-0319              lbaskharoon@dickclark.com

FOX

Alyssa McGovern                              310-369-5361                 Alyssa.mcgovern@fox.com

Kelley Kirkpatrick                               310-369-5820                 Kelley.Kirkpatrick@fox.com

Nicole Gonzales                                310-369-0827              nicole.gonzales@fox.com

Finalists Announced For "2016 American Country Countdown Awards" Airing Live From the Forum in Los Angeles Sunday, May 1 on Fox

LUKE BRYAN LEADS WITH SEVEN CATEGORIES; SAM HUNT GARNERS FIVE;

THOMAS RHETT AND ZAC BROWN BAND EACH EARN FOUR; AND

FLORIDA GEORGIA LINE RECEIVE THREE

SUPERSTAR AND MULTI-CATEGORY FINALIST CARRIE UNDERWOOD

SET TO PERFORM

Finalists for the 2016 AMERICAN COUNTRY COUNTDOWN AWARDS were announced today. Country superstar Luke Bryan dominates the list with seven category nods, followed by newcomer Sam Hunt with five, Thomas Rhett and Zac Brown Band each with four, and Florida Georgia Line with three. Additionally, megastar and multi-category finalist Carrie Underwood has been added as a performer, joining previously announced performers Florida Georgia Line, Thomas Rhett and more. The AMERICAN COUNTRY COUNTDOWN AWARDS are based on country music’s longest-running radio countdown show, “American Country Countdown with Kix Brooks,” which has recognized the best in country radio for more than 40 years. This year’s host and additional performers and presenters will be announced soon.

The 2016 American Country Countdown Awards will air live from the Forum in Los Angeles, CA, Sunday, May 1 (8:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) on FOX. The two-hour event is the first country music awards show to air live from Los Angeles in more than 10 years. Tickets for the AMERICAN COUNTRY COUNTDOWN AWARDS at the Forum are on sale now at www.ticketmaster.com.

Superstar Carrie Underwood emerged from her 2005 AMERICAN IDOL win to become a true multi-format, multi-media artist, spanning achievements in music, television and film. A seven-time Grammy® Award winner, she has amassed more than 100 major honors, sold 58 million records worldwide and recorded 23 No. 1 singles, 13 of which she co-wrote, with a catalog of songs that has been streamed more than 1.5 billion times worldwide. She is a finalist in two categories for the 2016 AMERICAN COUNTRY COUNTDOWN AWARDS: Female Vocalist Of The Year; and Album Of The Year (for “Storyteller”).

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“AMERICAN COUNTRY COUNTDOWN AWARDS” FINALISTS – Page 2

In addition to Underwood, A Thousand Horses, Blake Shelton, Cam, Carrie Underwood, Dan + Shay, Jana Kramer, Jason Aldean, Kelsea Ballerini, and Old Dominion each were named finalists in two categories. Brothers Osborne, Chris Janson, Chris Stapleton, Garth Brooks, Karen Fairchild, Kenny Chesney, Little Big Town, Michael Ray, and Miranda Lambert also received nods.

Below are the finalists for the 2016 AMERICAN COUNTRY COUNTDOWN AWARDS:

ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Blake Shelton

Florida Georgia Line

Jason Aldean

Luke Bryan

Sam Hunt

MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR

Blake Shelton

Jason Aldean

Luke Bryan

Sam Hunt

Thomas Rhett

FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR

Cam

Carrie Underwood

Jana Kramer

Kelsea Ballerini

Miranda Lambert

GROUP/DUO OF THE YEAR

A Thousand Horses

Dan + Shay

Florida Georgia Line

Old Dominion

Zac Brown Band

BREAKTHROUGH MALE OF THE YEAR

Chris Janson

Michael Ray

Sam Hunt

BREAKTHROUGH FEMALE OF THE YEAR

Cam

Jana Kramer

Kelsea Ballerini

BREAKTHROUGH GROUP/DUO OF THE YEAR

A Thousand Horses

Dan + Shay

Old Dominion

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“AMERICAN COUNTRY COUNTDOWN AWARDS” FINALISTS – Page 3

SONG OF THE YEAR

“Stay A Little Longer” – Brothers Osborne

“Home Alone Tonight” – Luke Bryan featuring Karen Fairchild

“Strip It Down” – Luke Bryan

“Die A Happy Man” – Thomas Rhett

“Homegrown” – Zac Brown Band

ALBUM OF THE YEAR

“Storyteller” – Carrie Underwood

“Traveller” – Chris Stapleton

“Kick The Dust Up” – Luke Bryan

“Montevallo” – Sam Hunt

“Jekyll + Hyde” – Zac Brown Band

DIGITAL SONG OF THE YEAR

“Girl Crush” – Little Big Town

“Kick The Dust Up” – Luke Bryan

“Die A Happy Man” – Thomas Rhett

DIGITAL ALBUM OF THE YEAR

“Anything Goes” – Florida Georgia Line

“Montevallo” – Sam Hunt

“Tangled Up” – Thomas Rhett

TOURING ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Garth Brooks

Kenny Chesney

Luke Bryan

Shania Twain

Zac Brown Band

AMERICAN COUNTRY COUNTDOWN AWARDS finalists and winners for all categories are based on radio airplay charts, sales and streaming data from April 1, 2015 to March 28, 2016 provided by BuzzAngle Music. Touring data is from Pollstar “The Concert Hotwire.” The NASH Icon Award is chosen by The American Country Countdown.  

To apply for press and publicist credentials, please visit: http://www.dickclark.com/shows/american-country-countdown-awards. Deadline to apply is Friday, April 15, 2016, 5:00 PM PT.

The AMERICAN COUNTRY COUNTDOWN AWARDS is produced by dick clark productions.  Allen Shapiro (CEO, dick clark productions), Mike Mahan (President, dick clark productions), Mark Bracco (Executive Vice President, Programming and Development, dick clark productions), Kix Brooks, Richard Godfrey and Tom Forrest are executive producers.

About AMERICAN COUNTRY COUNTDOWN AWARDS

The AMERICAN COUNTRY COUNTDOWN AWARDS is based on country music’s longest-running radio countdown show (43 years), “American Country Countdown with Kix Brooks,” and honors country music’s biggest stars, based on album sales and radio airplay. Since launching in 1973, the radio show now airs on more than 280 radio stations in 155 markets, covering 90% of the country.

-more-

“AMERICAN COUNTRY COUNTDOWN AWARDS” FINALISTS – Page 4

About dick clark productions

dick clark productions (dcp) is the world’s largest producer and proprietor of televised live event entertainment programming, with the “Academy of Country Music Awards,” AMERICAN COUNTRY COUNTDOWN AWARDS, “American Music Awards,” “Billboard Music Awards,” “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest,” “Golden Globe Awards,” “Hollywood Film Awards” and the “Streamy Awards.” Weekly television programming includes SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE, from 19 Entertainment, a division of CORE Media Group and dcp; and “World’s Funniest,” from Jukin Media and dcp. dcp also owns one of the world’s most unique and extensive entertainment archive libraries, with more than 55 years of award-winning shows, historic programs, specials, performances and legendary programming. For additional information, visit www.dickclark.com.

About Cumulus Media 

A leader in the radio broadcasting industry, Cumulus Media (NASDAQ:CMLS) combines high-quality local programming with iconic, nationally syndicated media, sports and entertainment brands to deliver premium content choices to the 245 million people reached each week through its 454 owned-and-operated stations broadcasting in 90 U.S. media markets (including eight of the top 10), more than 8,200 broadcast radio stations affiliated with its Westwood One network and numerous digital channels. Together, the Cumulus/Westwood One platforms make Cumulus Media one of the few media companies that can provide advertisers with national reach and local impact. Cumulus/Westwood One is the exclusive radio broadcast partner to some of the largest brands in sports and entertainment, including the NFL, the NCAA, the Masters, the Olympics, the GRAMMYs, the Country Music Awards, the Billboard Music Awards and Miss America. Additionally, it is the nation's leading provider of country music and lifestyle content through its NASH brand, which serves country fans nationwide through radio programming, NASH Country Weekly magazine, concerts, licensed products and television/video. For more information, visit www.cumulus.com.    

SOCIAL MEDIA INFORMATION:

Cheat Tweet: Here are the finalists for the 2016 @ACCAs! Watch the #ACCAs LIVE Sunday, May 1 on @FOXTV. www.theaccawards.com

Twitter: @ACCAs

Instagram: @ACCAs

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/americancountrycountdownawards/

Tumblr: http://theaccawards.tumblr.com/

Vine: ACCAwards

Snapchat: ACCAwards

CONTACTS:

AMERICAN COUNTRY COUNTDOWN AWARDS

Lisa Chader 615-428-7223 lisa@wortmanworks.com

dick clark productions

Liz Morentin 310-255-4602 lmorentin@dickclark.com

Lydia Baskharoon 310-255-0319 lbaskharoon@dickclark.com

FOX

Alyssa McGovern 310-369-5361 Alyssa.mcgovern@fox.com

Kelley Kirkpatrick 310-369-5820 Kelley.Kirkpatrick@fox.com

Nicole Gonzales 310-369-0827 nicole.gonzales@fox.com

COUNTRY MUSIC SUPERSTARS LUKE BRYAN, FLORIDA GEORGIA LINE AND THOMAS RHETT TO PERFORM LIVE ON “AMERICAN COUNTRY COUNTDOWN AWARDS” SUNDAY, MAY 1, ON FOX

COUNTRY MUSIC SUPERSTARS LUKE BRYAN, FLORIDA GEORGIA LINE AND THOMAS RHETT TO PERFORM LIVE ON “AMERICAN COUNTRY COUNTDOWN AWARDS” SUNDAY, MAY 1, ON FOX

Live Event Is First Country Music Awards Show to Air from Los Angeles in More Than 10 Years

Tickets on Sale Tomorrow, Tuesday, March 22, at 10:00 AM PT

Country music hitmakers Luke Bryan, Florida Georgia Line and Thomas Rhett are set to perform on the AMERICAN COUNTRY COUNTDOWN AWARDS airing Sunday, May 1 (8:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) on FOX, live from the “Fabulous” Forum in Inglewood, CA. The two-hour event is the first country music awards show to air live from Los Angeles in more than 10 years. It will honor the year’s best country music with awards, performances, special moments and additional surprises. This year’s host, additional performers and award finalists will be announced in the coming weeks.

Tickets for the AMERICAN COUNTRY COUNTDOWN AWARDS at the Forum go on sale to the general public Tuesday, March 22, at 10:00 AM PT at www.ticketmaster.com.

Luke Bryan, the reigning Academy of Country Music (ACM) and Country Music Association (CMA) Entertainer of the Year, debuted his first album in 2007 and has since placed 15 singles at No. 1 and sold eight million albums with 30 million digital tracks from his five studio albums. He is currently headlining his “Kill The Lights Tour” in promotion of his Platinum-selling, No. 1-debuting album, “Kill The Lights,” which became the best-selling country album of 2015 and the 10th biggest selling album on the all-genre Billboard Top 200 year-end list.

Powerhouse duo Florida Georgia Line has skyrocketed to stardom with four back-to-back, multi-week No. 1 singles – a feat only previously accomplished by Brooks & Dunn – breaking the record for the longest No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart and selling over 24 million tracks worldwide of their 2X-Platinum debut, “Anything Goes.”

Multi-Platinum selling artist Thomas Rhett continues to establish himself as one of country music’s elite new artists, solidifying five back-to-back No. 1s and two consecutive Platinum chart-toppers off his ACM-nominated Album of the Year, “Tangled Up.” His sophomore effort's record-breaking smash, “Die A Happy Man,” recently spent its 17th frame atop the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and continues to be a top-selling digital track.

The AMERICAN COUNTRY COUNTDOWN AWARDS is based on country music’s longest-running radio countdown show (43 years), “American Country Countdown with Kix Brooks,” and honors country music’s biggest stars, based on album sales and radio airplay. The 2014 inaugural AMERICAN COUNTRY COUNTDOWN AWARDS featured performances by Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Kenny Chesney, Eric Church, Kelly Clarkson, Brett Eldredge, Florida Georgia Line, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Carrie Underwood and Hank Williams, Jr.

About dick clark productions

dick clark productions (dcp) is the world’s largest producer and proprietor of televised live event entertainment programming, with the “Academy of Country Music Awards,” AMERICAN COUNTRY COUNTDOWN AWARDS, “American Music Awards,” “Billboard Music Awards,” “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest,” “Golden Globe Awards,” “Hollywood Film Awards” and the “Streamy Awards.” Weekly television programming includes SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE, from 19 Entertainment, a division of CORE Media Group and dcp; and “World’s Funniest,” from Jukin Media and dcp. dcp also owns one of the world’s most unique and extensive entertainment archive libraries, with more than 55 years of award-winning shows, historic programs, specials, performances and legendary programming. For additional information, visit www.dickclark.com. 

About Cumulus Media 

A leader in the radio broadcasting industry, Cumulus Media (NASDAQ:CMLS) combines high-quality local programming with iconic, nationally syndicated media, sports and entertainment brands to deliver premium content choices to the 245 million people reached each week through its 454 owned-and-operated stations broadcasting in 90 U.S. media markets (including eight of the top 10), more than 8,200 broadcast radio stations affiliated with its Westwood One network and numerous digital channels. Together, the Cumulus/Westwood One platforms make Cumulus Media one of the few media companies that can provide advertisers with national reach and local impact. Cumulus/Westwood One is the exclusive radio broadcast partner to some of the largest brands in sports and entertainment, including the NFL, the NCAA, the Masters, the Olympics, the GRAMMYs, the Country Music Awards, the Billboard Music Awards and Miss America. Additionally, it is the nation's leading provider of country music and lifestyle content through its NASH brand, which serves country fans nationwide through radio programming, NASH Country Weekly magazine, concerts, licensed products and television/video. For more information, visit www.cumulus.com.

*   *   *

SOCIAL MEDIA INFORMATION

Cheat Tweet: First round of performers added for @TheACCAwards on @FOXTV - @LukeBryanOnline, @FLAGALine & @ThomasRhett! #ACCAs

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheACCAwards
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/americancountrycountdownawards/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theaccawards/
Tumblr: http://theaccawards.tumblr.com/
Snapchat: ACCAwards
Vine: ACCAwards

AMERICAN COUNTRY COUNTDOWN AWARDS
Lisa Chader 615-428-7223 lisa@wortmanworks.com

dick clark productions
Liz Morentin 310-255-4602 lmorentin@dickclark.com
Lydia Baskharoon 310-255-0319 lbaskharoon@dickclark.com

FOX
Alyssa McGovern 310-369-5361 Alyssa.mcgovern@fox.com
Kelley Kirkpatrick 310-369-5820 Kelley.Kirkpatrick@fox.com
Nicole Gonzales 310-369-0827 nicole.gonzales@fox.com

TRACE ADKINS AND NASCAR SUPERSTAR DANICA PATRICK TO CO-HOST “AMERICAN COUNTRY AWARDS,” AIRING LIVE TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10 ON FOX

615-989-1519jwortman@wortmanworks.com

TRACE ADKINS AND NASCAR SUPERSTAR DANICA PATRICK TO CO-HOST  “AMERICAN COUNTRY AWARDS,” AIRING LIVE TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10 ON FOX

Adkins Will Perform Music from his Celtic-Infused Christmas Album

Multi-platinum recording artist Trace Adkins and NASCAR superstar Danica Patrick will co-host the fourth annual AMERICAN COUNTRY AWARDS, airing live from Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas Tuesday, Dec. 10 (8:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) on FOX. This is Adkins’ fourth time serving as a host of the annual awards show, which gives fans the opportunity to vote for their favorite artists in categories such as artists, albums, singles, videos and touring, encompassing the entire spectrum of country music and bestowing honors that no other awards show has. Nominees, performers and presenters to be announced.

“I can’t wait to see if I have what it takes to keep up with this racing superstar,” said Adkins.

“I’m so excited to host the AMERICAN COUNTRY AWARDS with Trace Adkins,” Patrick said. “I have no doubt he’ll be able to keep up with me. I’ve become a huge fan of country music since I came to NASCAR and have been fortunate to be in videos with Miranda Lambert and Colt Ford. This is going to be a really cool experience and I’m excited to be a part of it. It’s going to be a great show!”

In addition to his hosting duties, Adkins will be joined by legendary drummer Kenny Aronoff and other guests for a special performance of “Carol of the Drum” (otherwise known as “Little Drummer Boy”). The song is featured on Adkins’ recently announced Celtic-infused Christmas album, “The King’s Gift.”

The third annual AMERICAN COUNTRY AWARDS, co-hosted by Trace Adkins and Kristin Chenoweth, featured performances by Jason Aldean, Dierks Bentley, Luke Bryan, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Kip Moore, Jake Owen and Rascal Flatts, as well as by Adkins and Chenoweth. The special also featured appearances by Lauren Alaina, Natasha Bedingfield, champion cowboy Trevor Brazile, Lee Brice, Lindsey Buckingham, Carmen Electra, Eli Young Band, Florida Georgia Line, Gloriana, Casey James, Jana Kramer, Miranda Lambert, Love and Theft, Dustin Lynch, Scotty McCreery, Penn & Teller, LeAnn Rimes, the San Francisco Giants’ Brandon Belt and Barry Zito, Ron White and Chris Young.

With his trademark baritone and wry sense of humor, Trace Adkins is one of country music’s most accomplished entertainers. With total sales surpassing 10 million albums, a long list of hit singles and platinum albums, he is also a television personality, actor and author. A Grammy Award nominee and member of the Grand Ole Opry, Adkins will release his Christmas album of Celtic-infused carols, “The King’s Gift,” on October 29, 2013, then embark on The Christmas Show Tour, a theatrical musical production for the whole family, in theaters this holiday season. This will be Adkins’ fourth time hosting the AMERICAN COUNTRY AWARDS.

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“AMERICAN COUNTRY AWARDS” CO-HOSTS

Danica Patrick burst onto the scene in May 2005, when she stunned the world by leading 19 laps and finishing fourth in her first Indianapolis 500 – becoming the first woman to lead laps and score a Top-Five finish in the historic race. Three years later, in April 2008, Patrick became the first woman to win a major-league, open-wheel race in a North American series with her victory in the IZOD IndyCar Series Indy Japan 300 at the Twin Ring Motegi oval in Japan.

In February 2013, Patrick, driver of the No. 10 GoDaddy Chevrolet SS for Stewart-Haas Racing, once again made headlines around the world with her record-setting performance in the 55th Daytona 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Florida’s Daytona International Speedway. She became the first woman to win a Sprint Cup pole when she set the fastest time in qualifying for the Daytona 500 and then finished in eighth place, the highest finishing position ever for a woman in the “Great American Race.”

AMERICAN COUNTRY AWARDS is executive-produced by Bob Bain (TEEN CHOICE 2013, “Kids’ Choice Awards”). Paul Flattery, Tisha Fein and Fletcher Foster serve as producers; and Greg Sills is supervising producer. Michael Dempsey will direct the special. “Like” AMERICAN COUNTRY AWARDS on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AmericanCountryAwards. Follow the series on Twitter @ACAINSIDER.

[EDITOR’S NOTE: For photos and more information on the AMERICAN COUNTRY AWARDS, please visit www.foxflash.com.]

-FOX-

Top Stars Perform at American Country Awards

Co-hosts Trace Adkins and Kristin Chenoweth, Black Shelton, Pistol Annies, Thompson Squares, Eli Young Band and The Band Perry to perform

Lauren Alaina, Rachel Bilson, Miranda Lambert, Scotty McCreery and the Men of “Pawn Stars” (Richard Harrison, Rick Harrison, Corey Harrison and Austin Russell) Among Stars Scheduled to Appear

Voting for Artist of the Year Continues at www.theacas.com Until Friday, December 2

Nashville, TN - (October 31,2011) - Co-hosts Trace Adkins and Kristin Chenoweth, along with country music’s Blake Shelton, Pistol Annies, Thompson Square, Eli Young Band and The Band Perry are set to perform at the AMERICAN COUNTRY AWARDS (ACA) airing live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas Monday, Dec. 5 (8:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) on FOX.

The two-hour event will also feature appearances by Lauren Alaina, Rachel Bilson, Miranda Lambert, Scotty McCreery and the men of “Pawn Stars” (Richard Harrison, Rick Harrison, Corey Harrison and Austin Russell). Additional performers and presenters will be announced soon.

The two-hour live music spectacular offers country music fans the opportunity to vote for their favorite artists not only in traditional categories, but also in a previously unrecognized area of the business – touring – encompassing the entire spectrum of country music.

Voting for all categories remains open until Friday, Nov. 11 at www.theacas.com. Voting for Artist of the Year continues until Friday, Dec. 2.

Blake Shelton has been dubbed one of the “most versatile of contemporary country singers” by The New York Times. The 2010 CMA Male Vocalist of the Year continues to prove to be one of the industry’s hottest vocalists as he caps a successful year with career highlights that include Academy of Country Music (ACM) and Country Music Television (CMT) Awards, multiple Country Music Association (CMA) Award wins, the release of three albums: “Hillbilly Bone,” “All About Tonight” and a greatest-hits album, “Loaded: The Best of Blake Shelton.” He garnered two No. 1 hits with the title tracks, “Hillbilly Bone” (featuring long-time friend and ACA co-host Adkins) and “All About Tonight.” Shelton was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in 2010. He has seven No. 1 hits, including his back-to-back multi-week No. 1 singles “She Wouldn’t Be Gone” and “Home”; his five-week No. 1 debut single “Austin”; and two additional multi-week No. 1 hits, “The Baby” and “Some Beach.” Every single one of Shelton’s singles released since 2007 has peaked in the Top 10.

The Pistol Annies are comprised of Ashley Monroe (“Hippie Annie”), Angaleena Presley (“Holler Annie”), and Miranda Lambert (“Lone Star Annie”). The trio was born out of a songwriting session when Monroe introduced Lambert to the music of her friend, Presley. “Hell on Heels” is the title track to the trio’s 2011 debut album. The trio has performed on selected Miranda Lambert tour dates and it is planning a tour of its own soon. Every song on “Hell on Heels” was written by one or more of the Annies, who all co-wrote the track “Family Feud” with “Pistol Andy” Blake Shelton.

One of country music’s biggest breakout acts of 2011, Stoney Creek Records’ Thompson Square has earned 12 major awards show nominations in 2011 including seven ACA nominations, an American Music Award (ACA) nod for New Artist of the Year, and two CMA nominations for New Artist of the Year and Vocal Duo of the Year. The husband-and-wife team, comprised of the Oklahoma-bred Keifer Thompson and Alabama-bred Shawna Thompson, combine classic country and rock influences to forge a sound that is thoroughly modern, but built on the bedrock of tradition. The duo’s No. 1 single “Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not” is country radio’s most played song of the year, according to music industry tracking service Mediabase. Their current single, "I Got You," is a Top 10 hit. Thompson Square spent the past year on the road opening for multi-platinum country rocker Jason Aldean on his My Kinda Party 2011 Tour. The pair joins Darius Rucker's U.S. tour in November and joins Lady Antebellum’s Own the Night 2012 World Tour in January.

The Eli Young Band’s lead single “Crazy Girl,” has been certified platinum with sales of more than one million downloads. The song is currently at No. 2 on both country radio charts while the video for the single has tracked over six million views on YouTube. “Life at Best” made its debut at No. 3 on the Billboard Country Albums chart and No. 6 on the Billboard 200. It came in at No. 1 on the iTunes Store Top 10 Country Albums chart and No. 3 on iTunes’ all-genre Top 10 Albums chart, just behind Jay Z/Kanye West and Adele. While currently on tour with Dierks Bentley, EYB is a headliner in its own right, selling out shows across the country from California to Rhode Island.

AMERICAN COUNTRY AWARDS is executive-produced by Bob Bain (TEEN CHOICE 2011, “Kids’ Choice Awards”). Fletcher Foster, Paul Flattery and Tisha Fein serve as producers; and Greg Sills is supervising producer. Michael Dempsey will direct the special.

To apply for press credentials for the AMERICAN COUNTRY AWARDS, please visit www.foxcredentials.com

Visit www.theacas.com for the complete list of categories and nominees.