Reba McEntire

So what's it like to win an Academy of Country Music Award? Not pretty, says Reba McEntire, who has nabbed 10. "You go up there, and you're so nervous, you're just like, 'Uh lelelelelah,'" says the singer-actress. "The emotions really take over."

Let's hope that McEntire, 47, who also stars on the WB sitcom Reba, won't be at a loss for words May 22 when she steps onstage in L.A. as host of the 37th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards (CBS, 8 p.m., ET). "I have done it before [cohosting in 1986, '88, '93 and '94], so I'll do fine," says McEntire of her first solo gig. Although, she admits, "you have to be on your toes." Producer Dick Clark "will tell me, 'Okay, we're running behind; keep it short.' Or 'Stretch it out.'" She has also learned to accept the show's early prep time. "I used to say, 'I don't want to put my makeup on in the afternoon. I want to wait until the last minute so I will look fresh.' Well, that's a lot of baloney! You just put it on as quick as you can so you're ready when they call you."

McEntire, who got good notices in the 2001 Broadway revival of Annie Get Your Gun and has just released her third greatest hits album, will be accompanied by her manager-husband, Narvel Blackstock, 45, and their son Shelby, 12. Does Shelby have a say in the outfits she'll wear? "No, not at 12 years old!" says his mom, laughing. "Now that would be a fashion faux pas!"