Trace Adkins, Kristin Chenoweth to host ACAs

[August 06, 2011]  NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- Multi-platinum country star Trace Adkins says he won't be as nervous this time when he hosts the second American Country Awards on Fox television.

Emmy-winning actress Kristin Chenoweth will join him as co-host for the fan-voted awards show airing live from Las Vegas on Dec. 5.

Adkins signed on to host last year because he thought it would be a challenge that would take him out of his comfort zone. But he said he didn't start to enjoy it until about halfway into the two-hour show.

"Up until that point, I was pretty scared and nervous that I was not doing very well, and I probably didn't do well, but at least I became comfortable with the fact that I probably wasn't doing well," Adkins told The Associated Press in a recent interview.

This time, he won't be as self-conscious.

"When you're just stumbling through something, everything's a blur. I don't know if you learn a whole lot, but I'm looking forward to it," said Adkins.

His biggest take-away? "Don't take yourself too seriously, and try to have fun with it."

Fans will pick the winners in traditional categories as well as other areas such as touring. Nominees, performers and presenters will be announced soon.

[Associated Press; By CAITLIN R. KING]

Contact Caitlin R. King on Twitter at http://twitter.com/AP_Country.

AP entertainment video producer Lauri Neff contributed to this report from New York.

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