The Boldest Looks From The 2019 Country Music Awards
On November 13, 2019, the biggest names in country music headed to the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee for the 53rd Annual Country Music Awards. The special night brought together country legends and exciting new artists alike, hosted by Carrie Underwood with the help of Reba McEntire and Dolly Parton. For those who took home an award, it will be a night they'll never forget. But regardless of whether they left with new hardware in hand, the country stars absolutely rocked the red carpet. These are the outfits that will keep Nashville talking after the curtains close for the 2019 CMA Awards.
Kelsea Ballerini
Artist Kelsea Ballerini heated up the red carpet in her hometown of Nashville for the 2019 CMA's wearing a beaded bohemian top. Ballerini is nominated for Female Vocalist of the Year-- she's been breaking barriers in country music as he first female artist to send a debut single to the top of that chart since Carrie Underwood did it in 2006.
Ballerini is also the first female country artist to have her first three released singles top the country music charts since Wynonna Judd. Her other half is Australian country singer Morgan Evans.
Miss Alabama 2018, Hannah Brown Knows How To Rock A Gown
Although Hannah Brown isn't a country music artist, she let her presence be known at the CMA Awards. Brown was crowned Miss Alabama USA in 2018 and went on to become a top contestant on The Bachelor season 23 and Dancing With The Stars season 28.
Brown shined in a delicate white dress with polka dot print and a long flowing train. Her red lipstick and diamond earrings paired perfectly with the dream-life fairy tale gown.
Did Maren Morris Wear Blue For Her Baby Boy On The Way?
Grammy award-winning artist Maren Morris attended the CMA Awards wearing a beautiful two-piece baby blue dress with flowing sleeves and a flattering cut. She took home the CMA for Album of the Year for Girl. Before she performed her own songs, Morris wrote singles for Tim McGraw, Kelly Clarkson, and others.
Morris' dress doesn't show off her baby bump, however. She and her husband, country singer Ryan Hurd announced that they were expecting their first child, a boy, in March 2020.
Jennifer Nettles Arrived With A Message
One-half of the duo Sugarland, artist Jennifer Nettles had something to say when she showed up the 2019 CMA Awards. The Georgia native wore a white suit with clean lines and the female gender symbol on her pant leg. But it was the pink fabric resembling a cape that caught everyone's eyes, turning her suit into a type of gown.
The 2019 awards show is dedicated to women in country music and opened with an all-female performance of epic proportions. Nettles's pink addition to her suit read, "play our [expletive] records, please & thank you", urging radio stations to give female artists equal airtime.
Carly Pearce and Michael Ray in Sparkling Silver
"Every Little Thing" artist Carly Pearce attended the CMA's dressed to the nines in a dazzling silver dress with gold straps and detailing. Her look was a combination of edgy and glamorous for the big night.
Michael Ray's black suit with silver leaf design perfectly complimented Pearce's dress without stealing her thunder. The newlywed couple tied the knot outside of Nashville a month before the awards show on October 6, 2019.
Danielle Bradbery Rocked A Red Off-The-Shoulder Gown
Winner of The Voice season four, artist Danielle Bradbery sought to spice things up on the red carpet with her near-perfect matching off-the-shoulder dress. At age 16, she was the youngest the win The Voice. Now 23-years-old, Bradbery has released two studio albums, Danielle Bradbery (2013) and I Don't Believe We've Met (2017).
She's currently on the Live Forever Tour with Kane Brown. Bradbery has also toured with Thomas Rhett, Brett Eldredge, and Miranda Lambert among others. In 2018 she also wore a red gown to the CMA Awards!
Nicole Hocking and Luke Combs Keep It Classy
Cleaned up and ready for a night in Nashville, Luke Combs attended the 2019 CMA's with his fiance, Nicole Hocking. Signed to Columbia Nashville, Combs has released five hit singles including "When It Rains It Pours" and "Beautiful Crazy."
Nicole dressed to the nines in a dazzling silver-and-black pinstriped dress. Combs cleaned up in a dark maroon suit-- check out the reflection of Hocking's dress on his jacket!
All Eyes On Carrie Underwood
Carrie Underwood was not only the host of the 2019 CMA's but a performer. That also means that country music fans were lucky enough to see Underwood in several outfits throughout the night. She dazzled the red carpet with a beautiful lace and beaded dress with long light blue train.
Underwood is the recipient of fourteen Country Music Awards, along with seven Grammy Awards, eleven Billboard Music Awards, thirteen American Music Awards, and plenty more.
Reese Witherspoon, Sheryl Crow & Nicole Kidman
Actress and Nashville-native Reese Witherspoon has confessed to wanting to be a country music artist when she was younger. Her life took a different path, but her heart is pure country. Witherspoon posed in her black off-the-shoulder dress with beautiful beaded detailing alongside artist Sheryl Crow and actress Nicole Kidman.
The three ladies have known each other for quite a number of years and are a sight to behold dressed up for the 2019 CMA's. Crow rocked a gorgeously detailed low-cut, long-sleeved dress while Kidman donned a beautiful flowing floral gown.
Mickey Guyton Rocks A Red Jumpsuit
Country singer-songwriter Mickey Guyton attended the 2019 CMA's wearing a glamorous red jumpsuit with beaded detailing. Signed to Capitol Nashville, Guyton's first single was "Better Than You Left Me" on her self-titled, debut album.
While Guyton hasn't released a new album in four years, she's been keeping busy, including performing at the Grand Ole Opry in October 2019 and releasing a new single "Sister" for which she also filmed a music video.
Brandi Carlile Rocked a Green Suit With Leopard
Country artist Brandi Carlile has had a busy year, including founding country music supergroup The Highwomen and performing at the Walt Disney Concert Hall. She's been nominated for plenty of awards throughout her career and has taken home three Grammy's.
Carlile attended the 2019 CMA's alongside her supergroup members Maren Morris, Amanda Shires and Natalie Hemby. Carlile wore a green suit with leopard pockets and cuffs and a soft pink scarf.
Thomas Rhett and Lauren Atkins Make It A Family Affair
Thomas Rhett was nominated for the Best Album of the Year Award and Male Vocal Artist of the Year. Rhett and his beautiful wife, Lauren Atkins made the star studded night a family affair.
Atkins walked the red carpet in a gorgeous black gown with red floral print and train. She must have had a last minute tailoring appointment as her baby bump (a third girl!) stole the show. The couple also brought their two daughters along, Willa Gray and Ada James.
LANco Didn't Pass Up An Opportunity To Clean Up
The men of LANco showed up to the 2019 CMA's looking sharp from head to toe. Chandler Baldwin, Jared Hampton, Brandon Lancaster, Eric Steedly and Trip Howell ditched the uniform black suit option and opted to each wear a uniquely-styled suit and dress shoes for the evening.
Signed to Arista Nashville, the band has released one album, Hallelujah Nights in 2017 and two singles in 2019, "Rival" and "What I See."
The New One To Watch: Kylie Morgan
Singer-songwriter Kylie Morgan made waves when she moved to Nashville at the age of 18. She was named "Who New To Watch" by the Country Music Association and made the list of CMT's Listen Up Class of 2019.
Over summer 2019 Morgan opened for Jon Pardi, Kip Moore and others and she's not slowing down. The Oklahoma native attended the 2019 CMA's in a velvet blue long-sleeved dress and flowing curls.
Maddie and Tae Had A Little Fun
Country music duo Maddie and Tae first met while in high school and began a music career together after graduating and moving to Nashville. They were the first to be signed to Dot Records where they recorded and released their debut single 'Girl in a Country Song" in 2014.
Their latest album, One Heart to Another, features "Die from a Broken Heart" and "Tourist in This Town." The duo attended the 2019 CMA's wearing flirty dresses-- Maddie in silver beaded dress and Tae in a soft periwinkle slit dress with buckle detailing.
Jimmie Allen Pays Homage To His Dad
Jimmie Allen is still relatively new to the country music scene but has proven his place. Since signing with Broken Bow Records he's had two singles, "Best Shot" and "Make Me Want To." Allen attended the CMA Awards has a guest and a performer.
No one can blame him for being a big starstruck as he rubbed elbows with the biggest names in the business. He posted a backstage photo on Instagram with him alongside Reba McEntire and Dolly Parton and shared, "I can't even speak."
Lindsay Ell's Subtly Beautiful Dress
The talented Lindsay Ell attended the 2019 CMA Awards wearing a gorgeous pale form-fitting dress. The dress featured a beaded pattern complimented by Ell's diamond rings.
After six tours as the opening artist, Ell hit the road in 2019 headlining her own Monster Energy Outbreak Tour. She's also been featured on Brantley Gilbert's 2019 single, "What Happens in a Small Town." The Calgary-native is known for her unique sound, combining country, rock, blues and pop music.
Dan Smyers and Shay Mooney Go Black and White
Country pop duo Dan Smyers and Shay Mooney coordinated their black and white suits with their wives, Abby Law and Hannah Billingsley. Dan + Shay released two singles in 2019, "All to Myself" and "10,000 Hours" with Justin Bieber.
In 2015 Dan + Shay were nominated for a CMA Award for Vocal Duo of the Year. They have plenty of hardware at home, having won a Grammy Award, CMT Music Award, and a Billboard Music Award among others.
Jon Pardi and Summer Duncan Paint It Black
Country artist Jon Pardi attended the event with his new fiance Summer Duncan. He proposed to her the previous month on stage during his concert at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville.
The couple both wore black-- Pardi's suit featuring a red and black beaded design while Duncan wore a form-fitting dazzling black dress. Pardi has a new album on the way. titled Heartache Medication, which is also the name of the album's lead single.
Halsey's Dramatic Gown
Singer-songwriter Halsey attended the 2019 CMA Awards in a stunning off-the-shoulder gown. The black dress featured a rose design and black lace sleeves. Halsey's classic bob finished the look.
Halsey performed "What If I Never Get Over You" and "Graveyard" with Lady Antebellum that evening, wowing the audience with the surprise duet that received wild applause. She's gearing up to head to Europe for her 2020 Manic World Tour featuring her third studio album.
