Stars line up for country awards

Strait won a career achievement prize at the 2003 awards

Country music legend George Strait and American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson are to perform at the Academy of Country Music Awards, it has been announced.

Strait leads the nominations at the 42nd annual awards with eight nods, including top male vocalist.

Clarkson will sing a duet with Reba McEntire, who will host the award show for a record-breaking ninth time.

The event will be held at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on 15 May. Kenny Chesney and Sugarland are also set to appear.

Chesney will be defending his title of ACM entertainer of the year at the ceremony. The singer goes up against Strait, Brooks and Dunn, Rascal Flatts and Tim McGraw.

Duo Brooks and Dunn are up for seven awards, including album of the year, while Rascal Flatts have six nominations.