ACM awards show is moving to LV

Friday, Nov. 22, 2002 | 9:35 a.m.

The prestigious Academy of Country Music Awards ceremony is moving to Las Vegas from Los Angeles.

The Academy's 38th annual ceremony will be televised live on May 21 from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. on CBS Television (KLAS Channel 8) from Mandalay Bay's 12,000-seat Events Center.

"Mandalay Bay is very excited to be a part of one of the most prestigious awards programs in the music business," Glenn Medas, vice president of entertainment for Mandalay Resort Group, said in a prepared statement. "We look forward to working with the Academy to create a memorable experience for the performers and nominees, as well as the viewers and fans alike."

Reba McEntire will host the event. She has won 10 ACM awards.

"All of us on the board are very excited about the move to Las Vegas," Bob Romeo, chairman of the ACM Board, noted in the news release. "It will enhance the flavor of the show for this year and in future years."

The Academy of Country Music, originally the Country & Western Music Academy, was founded in 1964. It is produced by Dick Clark Productions. The nominations are announced in March; last year Brooks & Dunn and Alan Jackson captured the most trophies.

The first winner of the Top Male Vocalist Award was Buck Owens. Merle Haggard was named Most Promising New Artist.

In 1968 the Academy adopted its trademark hat-shaped trophy, and four years later the awards show was broadcast nationally for the first time through syndication.

The gala event was picked up by ABC from 1974 through 1979, until the ACM joined forces with Dick Clark Productions. The show then moved to NBC for a time and finally to CBS.