Dierks Bentley is prepping for his first run at being a host of the ACM Awards this year, along with his buddy, Luke Bryan, who’s been at it for a few years now. He says traditionally his favorite part of attending an awards show is the performances.

“My favorite thing about awards shows really are the performances. I mean, it’s awesome to be nominated. It’s just a huge honor. Getting nominated for any award show IS a win,” says Dierks. “It’s just a fun night for me and my wife and I get a chance to go in there and hang out and see old friends and cut up a little bit, but then sit down and watch the performances, you know? Just see who’s doing what, what the collaborations are, the production ideas, the singing, the musicianship, and I feel like the ACMS, every year they just get better and better, where it’s just great performances.”

As a co-host this year, Dierks says he’ll enjoy getting a behind-the-scenes look at all of the cool performances. “I’m really looking forward, obviously, to being a host on that show and getting kind of a behind-the-scenes look at some of the rehearsals and what goes into the performances.”

In addition to his role of co-host, Dierks is also nominated for Male Vocalist and Video of the Year (for “Riser”).

The 51st Academy of Country Music Awards will air live from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas April 3rd at 8pm ET/PT delayed on CBS.

• Dierks’ new album Black, which features his Top 10 single “Somewhere on a Beach,” will be released May 27th.