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ACM Special Reels In Viewers

More than 10 million people tuned in to watch superstars of country music pay tribute to all-time leading Academy of Country Music Award winners Brooks & Dunn on ACM PRESENTS: BROOKS & DUNN - THE LAST RODEO on the CBS Television Network on Sunday, May 23, 2010.

Country music held its own against the much-hyped series finale of ABC's "Lost" and LIVE season finale of NBC's "Celebrity Apprentice." From 8:00-10:00PM, ACM PRESENTS: BROOKS AND DUNN - THE LAST RODEO was second in households (6.3/11) and viewers (10.08m).

The special featured performances by Jason Aldean, Kenny Chesney, Faith Hill, Jennifer Hudson, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Reba McEntire, Tim McGraw, Brad Paisley, Rascal Flatts, Darius Rucker, George Strait, Sugarland, Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood and Keith Urban with presenters Dr. Maya Angelou, Miranda Cosgrove & Matthew McConaughey. Ticket proceeds from the television taping went to ACM Lifting Lives, which in turn quickly earmarked funding for those affected by the recent floods in Middle Tennessee.

During the tribute concert special, Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn received the Academy's Milestone Award in recognition of their astounding 20-year career and were honored for holding the record for the most wins of any artist in the Academy's history. Brooks & Dunn have 27 ACM Awards in total, including three prior Entertainer of the Year awards and a Top Vocal Duo award that they received during the ACM Awards broadcast in April. They hold the record for most Top Vocal Duo wins, with 16 awards, eight of which are consecutive from 2000-2007.

Brooks & Dunn have had 23 #1 hits, sold more than 30 million records, and won more than 80 major industry awards during their career. In August 2009, they announced they will retire as a duo in late 2010 and embark on a final farewell tour this summer, called "The Last Rodeo."

ACM PRESENTS: BROOKS & DUNN - THE LAST RODEO all-star concert tribute television special was produced by dick clark productions, and taped at MGM Grand Garden Arena in April. Orly Adelson, R.A. Clark, Bob Romeo and Clarence Spalding were executive producers. Barry Adelman was producer and Bob Bardo was executive in charge of production. Proceeds from the live event benefited ACM Lifting Lives, the charitable arm of the Academy of Country Music. Ticket proceeds from the event will go to those affected by the recent floods in Middle Tennessee. For more information, please visit www.acmliftinglives.org.