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ACM LEE ANN WOMACK TO HOST 4TH ANNUAL ACM HONORS

Country music superstar LEE ANN WOMACK will host the 4th Annual ACM HONORS, an evening dedicated to recognizing the special honorees and off-camera category winners from the 45th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards. The event will take place on Monday, September 20, 2010 at The Ryman Auditorium in Nashville.

This is Womack's second time hosting the event and the first time it will be held at the Ryman Auditorium, which was recognized last year at ACM Honors as Venue of the Year.

Those being honored include Special Award recipients Rod Essig, Marty Robbins, Don Schlitz, Mel Tillis, Keith Urban, Cindy Walker and the film Crazy Heartalong with winners of the MBI (musician, bandleader, instrumentalist) and Industry categories, which are not presented during the live telecast of the Academy of Country Music Awards.

"We are excited to have Lee Ann back to host Honors this year. Her appreciation and love of country music makes her a perfect fit to help the Academy pay tribute to those who have paved the way, " said Michelle Goble, Director of Membership and Events at the Academy of Country Music.

"It is an honor to be asked again by the Academy of Country Music to be a part of the awards honoring the people who make our business work on such a core level," says 5-time ACM Award winner Lee Ann Womack. "For the artists, the songwriters, the people who bring this music to the fans, these awards recognize the exceptional contributions of the people who create the foundation for everything we do -- and any time you can recognize that kind of contribution, it is a wonderful thing to be a part of."

In addition to award presentations, the special evening will include video tributes and musical performances by an all-star lineup. Those being honored include Special Award recipients Rod Essig, Marty Robbins, Don Schlitz, Mel Tillis, Keith Urban, Cindy Walker and the film Crazy Heartalong with winners of the MBI (Musician, Bandleader, Instrumentalist) and Industry categories, which are not presented during the live telecast of the Academy of Country Music Awards.

Artists scheduled to appear include: Kix Brooks, Luke Bryan, Buxton Hughes, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Larry & Steve Gatlin with Ronny Robbins, Martina McBride, John Rich, Kenny Rogers, The Secret Sisters, Marty Stuart, Randy Travis, Lee Ann Womack and more.

The Academy of Country Music Special Awards are voted on by the ACM Board of Directors and are awarded during years that the Board of Directors feels there are clear and deserving candidates. Honorees include:

• Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award - Marty Robbins & Mel Tillis
• Jim Reeves International Award - Keith Urban
• Mae Boren Axton Award - Rod Essig
• Poet's Award - Don Schlitz & Cindy Walker
• Tex Ritter Award - Crazy Heart

The winners of the MBI awards are voted based on Academy of Country Music ballots by members classified in the Artist-Entertainer-MBI and the Producer-Engineer-Studio Manager categories. Honorees include:

• Audio Engineer of the Year - Justin Niebank
• Producer of the Year - Dann Huff
• Top Bass Player of the Year - Michael Rhodes
• Top Fiddle Player of the Year - Stuart Duncan
• Top Guitarist of the Year - Brent Mason
• Top Percussionist/Drummer of the Year - Shannon Forrest
• Top Piano/Keyboard Player of the Year - Michael Rojas
• Top Specialty Instrument(s) Player of the Year - Randy Scruggs
• Top Steel Guitar Player of the Year - Paul Franklin

Winners of the Industry Awards categories are voted on by the membership of the Academy of Country Music. Honorees include:

• Casino of the Year - Green Valley Ranch Resort, Spa and Casino (Las Vegas, NV)
• Don Romeo Talent Buyer of the Year - Todd Boltin, Variety Attractions, Inc.
• Nightclub of the Year - Billy Bob's Texas (Ft. Worth, TX)
• Promoter of the Year - Brian O'Connell, LiveNation
• Venue of the Year - Sommet Center (Nashville, TN) - Effective March 2, 2010, this venue was renamed the Bridgestone Arena