The Best Looks In CMA Awards History
Each year, the best of country music come together at the Country Music Association Awards ceremony, the CMAs. And each year, the ladies of the music industry dress to impress, wearing some of the most gorgeous designs to celebrate the evening.
From Dolly Parton to Carrie Underwood, here are some of the most glamorous CMA dresses of all time.
Carrie Underwood
Carrie Underwood had one of the boldest looks on the CMA red carpet in 2021. That year she went full-on metallic with a silver look that only she could pull off.
The sheer dress was covered in pointed silver accents, all leading up to the "powerful woman" shoulder pad on one shoulder.
Jennifer Nettles
For the 2017 CMA Awards, singer Jennifer Nettles held nothing back with her wardrobe. As a presenter, Nettles opted for a statement design by Genny Fall. The blue satin dress went down to the floor and featured a slit up one leg.
The bold part of this dress has to be the embroidered "G" hip cutout, a detail that pays homage to the designer.
Maren Morris
Maren Morris looked like a mermaid princess during the 2016 CMA Awards. A good thing, too, since she had to walk on stage to accept her award for New Artist of the Year!
Her mermaid gown was a beautiful pattern of gold and black sequins with a sheer plunge neckline.
Lauren Akins
Lauren Akins opted for a very classy look during the 2018 CMA Awards. During the ceremony, Atkins looked stunning, wearing an off-the-shoulder pink dress with subtle detailing, including the Ombre shading that went all the way down to the bottom of the skirt.
She paired the look with matching lipstick and a simple silver clutch bag.
Miranda Lambert
Miranda Lambert was pretty in pink during the 2019 CMA Awards. Before heading into wardrobe to switch up her look prior to a performance, Lambert wore this gorgeous pink gown with a high-leg slit.
The dress featured little floral detailing which looked very soft alongside Lambert's perfect-looking beach wave hairstyle.
Pink
Leave it to Pink to look absolutely stunning walking on the CMA red carpet! In 2017, the singer wore a slightly modified version of a Monsoori gown, complete with yards upon yards of tulle, accent shoulders, and a black belt to tie everything together.
That year, Pink was accompanied to the event by her daughter, Willow.
Faith Hill
During the 2017 CMA Awards, country music queen Faith Hill wore a beaded Armani Privé Fall gown. The sparkling dress was designed with a statement sleeve on one side which looked perfect with Hill's messy bun up-do.
The singer then went on to do a quick wardrobe change before her onstage performance, leaving this gorgeous design behind.
Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift looked stunning during the 2012 CMA Awards. For the event, the country music star wore a beautiful gown designed by Jenny Packham. The nude-color sheer gown had a beautiful detailing of embellished red flowers.
That year, Swift was nominated for three awards but sadly didn't win and get to show off her dress onstage.
Kacey Musgraves
During her performance at the 2014 CMA's, Kacey Musgraves changed into this cute yet beautiful yellow mini-dress, complete with a cowgirl belt and belt buckle.
Not only did she get to perform her hit single "Follow Your Arrow," but that year, she also went on stage to accept an award for the song, winning Song of the Year.
Carrie Underwood
During the 2016 CMA Awards, Carrie Underwood looked like a princess. The country music star stepped out on the red carpet wearing a gown designed by Dubai-based designer Michael Cinco.
The dusty pink dress was completely beaded and paired with Butani earrings and rings by Hearts on Fire and Harry Kotlar.
Kelsea Ballerini
Flirty and fun, Kelsea Ballerini stepped out on the CMA red carpet, looking like she was ready to have a great night! For the ceremony, the country music star wore a fuchsia gown with a whole lot of beautiful floral detailing.
Ballerini opted to forego jewelry instead of going for a simple ponytail hairstyle to further showcase the dress.
Kimberly Schlapman
Kimberly Schlapman of Little Big Town opted to match the red carpet during the 2015 CMA Awards. Of course, she looked way better than the old carpet, wearing a stunning mermaid gown with some funky detailing.
The red and black ruffles were not only seen in front but also down the entire backside of her dress!
Dolly Parton
Dolly Parton did not disappoint when she hit the stage during the 2019 CMA Awards. While her performance was spectacular, her outfit choice was even better.
The country music star opted for a white gown loaded with sparkling rhinestones and fringe detailing on the skirt and sleeves. It was the perfect statement piece for a legend.
Kacey Musgraves
Kacey Musgraves looked like a dream when she walked out on the 2013 CMA red carpet. For the event, the country star took to the Blumarine Spring 2014 catalog.
There, she found this nude-colored gown. The piece is a minidress with a sheer overlay, complete with floral detailing from the neck to the bottom of the skirt.
Reba McEntire
Reba McEntire nailed the assignment when she stepped onto the CMA red carpet in 2016. That year, she wore a form-fitting sparkly gold gown, complete with long sleeves and her signature voluminous hairstyle.
She paired the gown with simple earrings, no necklace, and very clean and understated makeup. It was the perfect combination.
Kelsea Ballerini
When it comes to event appearances, Kelsea Ballerini doesn't disappoint. During the 2021 CMA Awards, she wore this gorgeous black and silver sequined dress designed by Alberta Ferretti.
It was the perfect choice for the singer, as she went on stage to accept two awards during the ceremony: Musical Event of the Year and Video of the Year.
RaeLynn
Country music singer RaeLynn went in a flowy gown for the 2016 CMA Awards. The gray gown was made of yards of embroidered lace paired with a floor-length organza skirt.
That year, she received her third CMA nomination. Sadly, she did not win and got to show off her show-stopping gown on the big stage.
Dolly Parton
Honestly, Dolly Parton can do no wrong when it comes to getting dressed up for events. During the 1988 CMA Awards, the country music star went in a white knee-length dress.
Of course, is Ms. Dolly even rocking a dress if the garment isn't covered in sparkling embellishments all over?
Miranda Lambert
Miranda Lambert stepped out on the CMA red carpet in 2021 wearing an LBD (little black dress). The hip-hugging long-sleeve dress was designed by Versace and featured a sparkly black belt, oversized, of course!
The country singer paired the LBD with strappy black heels, a bright pink clutch, and some matching earrings.
Sheryl Crow
Sheryl Crow looked gorgeous walking across the CMA Awards red carpet in 2013. That year, the country music star wore a black gown by Ralph Lauren. While the dress itself is stunning, the neckline detailing is what really "makes the dress."
The neckpiece was full of multi-colored beads and was the perfect statement piece.
Brittany Aldean
Brittany Aldean supported her husband, country music star Jason Aldean, on the CMA red carpet in 2021. Of course, she looked great doing it! That year, Aldean wore a long-sleeve gown.
But this gown was anything but ordinary with its high-neck disco-ball top and feathered skirt with a high leg slit!
Shania Twain
Country music singer Shania Twain proved that simple never goes out of style. During the 2004 CMA Awards ceremony, Twain opted for a mermaid gown.
While the dress is solid black it does feature very faint detailing in the form of texture, making this look anything but simple and bland.
Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift embodied her 2012 album Red during the 2013 CMA Awards. She looked stunning in the floor-length red gown with its embroidered detailing. More so, Swift was able to show off the dress onstage.
That year, she won four awards: the Pinnacle Award, the International Artist Achievement Award, Musical Event of the Year, and Music Video of the Year.
Madeline Edwards, Mickey Guyton, And Brittney Spencer
During the 2021 CMA Awards, country music star Mickey Guyton was joined on stage by up-and-coming country singers Madeline Edwards and Brittney Spencer.
While their rendition of "Love My Hair" was spectacular, it was the color coordination and stunning wardrobe choices that brought the performance to a whole new level.
Kelsea Ballerini
Kelsea Ballerini did nothing short of wow people when she stepped out for the 2020 CMA Awards. That year, the singer wore a sheer red gown, complete with 3D flowers and vines!
Not only that, but she paired the statement dress with red satin Dolce & Gabbana heels, complete with flower accents to match the gown.
Miranda Lambert
It might have been the 2014 CMA Awards, but Miranda Lambert's attire looked as though she stepped out of a fancy event in the 1920s. Aside from her soft and beautiful '20s gal hairstyle, the country singer wore a flapper-inspired light pink dress.
The gown had lovely beaded detailing throughout. All she was missing was a long string of pearls!
RaeLynn
During the 2015 CMA Awards, RaeLynn stepped out on the carpet, looking sweeter than ever. For the event that year, she wore a red-orange halter dress, complete with a high-low hem and simple black heels.
To bring the look together, RaeLynn opted for a sparkly red clutch. It was a simple show-stopping look!
Taylor Swift
During the 2009 CMA Awards, Taylor Swift stepped out on the red carpet looking like a fairytale. She opted to wear a sparkly gold strapless sequinned dress, complete with a tulle skirt and a sweetheart neckline.
To showcase more of the dress, Swift put her naturally curly hair in a lazy up-do.
Kelly Clarkson
During the 2013 CMA Awards, Kelly Clarkson was red hot in this mini-dress. With a full skirt and short, yet detailed, sleeves, the red dress was the perfect choice for the presenter.
That year, Clarkson presented the award for Male Vocalist of the Year, won by country star Blake Shelton.
Carrie Underwood
Country music star Carrie Underwood looked like a Greek goddess during the 2012 CMA Awards red carpet. The Reem Acra design was a floor-length white dress with a plunging neckline.
But it was the gold leaf details around the torso that really pulled the piece together, along with Underwood's matching gold earrings.
