The Academy of Country Music just announced the first crop of artists to play the upcoming ACM Awards, which includes vocal powerhouses Miranda Lambert and Maren Morris.
Videos by Wide Open Country
And in a move that's sure to get the Twittersphere going, the Backstreet Boys also plan on playing the show. The boy band's debut marks another turning point in country music. Florida Georgia Line enlisted the 90s favorites for their current single "God, Your Mama, and Me."
The bros will be in full force, with performances from Jason Aldean and Luke Bryan also on the schedule. But we'll also hear from Dierks Bentley, Lady Antebellum and Little Big Town. In other words, there's no shortage of star power in this first crop of performers.
But there is a noticeable absence of the Americana-tinged country we've seen earn high praise from other organizations. You know, folks like Chris Stapleton and Sturgill Simpson. Perhaps they'll be part of the future announcements? One can only hope. Chris Stapleton also appears on the Best Male Vocalist list, sparking hope he may perform.
READ MORE: Chris Stapleton Announces New Album and Extensive 2017 Tour
The ACM Awards air live on Sunday, April 2 at 7 p.m. CST from Las Vegas' T-Mobile Arena. The new venue opened in April 2016, just after last year's awards, which took place for the final time at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.
Luke Bryan and Dierks Bentley return to host the evening's festivities. Blake Shelton previously hosted alongside Bryan for three years, and with Reba McEntire for two years prior to that.
This year's round of nominees includes most of the usual favorites. Lauren Alaina makes a surprise appearance on New Female Vocalist of the Year lists alongside singers like Brandy Clark and Maren Morris. Her buddy Kane Brown also takes place in the male counterpart of that award.
