Few would disagree that Rihanna is the music industry's finest pop singer from Barbados, but she's taking on a new challenge by going country in an upcoming awards show appearance. The songstress will join Sugarland, a popular country music duo, for a collaborative performance at the 46th incarnation of the Academy of Country Music Awards.

Rihanna will join Sugarland leader Jennifer Nettles on the stage for a duet of 'California King Bed' -- a track from the pop star's most recent album 'Loud.' On Rihanna's album, the song is an emotional acoustic ballad that quickly evolves into arena-worthy adult contemporary rock music. For the awards stage, the duo will embrace the track's acoustic feel and flip it into a "country-tinged" number.

While collaborations between the urban pop and country worlds are rare, Sugarland has embraced the idea throughout its career. The group has performed with both Beyonce and Keri Hilson for the American Music Awards and VH1's 'Divas Salute the Troops' respectively.

Fans can tune in to the ACM Awards on April 3 at 8PM on CBS. The show, which will broadcast live from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, also will include performances from country stars Taylor Swift, Toby Keith, Miranda Lambert, Keith Urban, Brad Paisley, Martina McBride, Carrie Underwood, Reba McEntire and many more. For a more countrified take on the news, please visit The BoomBox sister site The Boot.



Watch Rihanna's 'S&M'
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