Bryan replaces Reba to co-host ACMs with Shelton

Tuesday, January 8, 2013 – The search is over for a co-host for the Academy of Country Music awards. Blake Shelton has a new partner - Luke Bryan.

"I just found out some good news - that I'm going to be Blake Shelton's co-host on the 2013 ACM awards. I got to feel that the ACMs really knew what they were doing when they chose someone like me," said Bryan via a YouTube message. "Someone well spoken from the south. Someone that's maintained their country roots. Hadn't moved out to LA and left us all behind here in Nashville. Someone that can relate to the fans and someone that will help pick Blake up, keep the show rolling when it may be slipping away from him. So good job ACM."

Bryan is replacing long-time host Reba McEntire. In a video posted on Jan. 4, Shelton claimed they were looking for a new host, "setting the bar a little bit lower." He said they were "trying to get someone that could read."

"It's desperate times, and I had to take what I could get," Shelton said.

Shelton and Bryan are, in fact, friends. The ACMs will be held April 7.