Trace Adkins, Danica Patrick to co-host American Country Awards on FOX

Adkins will perform music from his Celtic-infused Christmas album

Multi-platinum recording artist Trace Adkins and NASCAR superstar Danica Patrick will co-host the fourth annual American Country Awards, airing live from Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas Tuesday, Dec. 10 (8 p.m.), on FOX. This is Adkins' fourth time serving as a host of the annual awards show, which gives fans the opportunity to vote for their favorite artists in categories such as artists, albums, singles, videos and touring, encompassing the entire spectrum of country music and bestowing honors that no other awards show has.

Nominees, performers and presenters to be announced.

"I can't wait to see if I have what it takes to keep up with this racing superstar," Adkins said.

"I'm so excited to host the American Country Awards with Trace Adkins," Patrick said. "I have no doubt he'll be able to keep up with me. I've become a huge fan of country music since I came to NASCAR, and have been fortunate to be in videos with Miranda Lambert and Colt Ford. This is going to be a really cool experience, and I'm excited to be a part of it. It's going to be a great show!"

In addition to his hosting duties, Adkins will be joined by legendary drummer Kenny Aronoff and other guests for a special performance of "Carol of the Drum" (otherwise known as "Little Drummer Boy"). The song is featured on Adkins' recently announced Celtic-infused Christmas album, "The King's Gift."

With his trademark baritone and wry sense of humor, Adkins is one of country music's most accomplished entertainers. With total sales surpassing 10 million albums, a long list of hit singles and platinum albums, he is also a television personality, actor and author.

Patrick burst onto the scene in May 2005, when she stunned the world by leading 19 laps and finishing fourth in her first Indianapolis 500 - becoming the first woman to lead laps and score a top-five finish in the historic race. Three years later, in April 2008, Patrick became the first woman to win a major-league, open-wheel race in a North American series with her victory in the IZOD IndyCar Series Indy Japan 300 at the Twin Ring Motegi oval in Japan.