The line-up for the 50th Academy of Country Music Awards, taking place April 19 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, is starting to read like a pop-chart Mad Lib.
George Strait, Garth Brooks, Blake Shelton -- of course they're coming. But ... Christina Aguilera? And Nick Jonas? Yes, yes they are.
Says the academy, there will be "special duets by Christina Aguilera with surprise artists," by which I assume they mean "The Voice co-star Blake Shelton" and probably, oh, I dunno ... Chris Gaines? Then again, why not: When Florida Georgia Line is considered "country music" -- or, really, "music" -- when anything goes. Why not Nick Jonas? Was One Direction not available?
Oh, right -- Christina's on Nashville. As Jade St. John, a pop singer wanting to go country. Life, meet art! Or what passes for it.
There's also this bit of Breaking News for fans of actual country music: "Brooks & Dunn will take the stage for a historic reunion in honor of the Academy's golden anniversary, marking their first televised performance together since 2010." Which, in country-music years, is five years ago.
Also added to the line-up today: Alan Jackson (who looks like Hank Williams compared to this crowd), Martina McBride, Brad Paisley, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, Rascal Flatts and Dan + Shay.
On a completely related note: In 1969 Buddy Ebsen hosted the ACMs.
