The Most Stunning ACM Awards Looks of All Time

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Country music stars definitely have their own signature styles in comparison to other A-list stars so that typically means their award show looks are unlike anything we see on Oscars or Met Gala red carpets. With the 2024 Academy of Country Music Awards happening tonight, we’re expecting yet another star-studded red carpet filled with plenty of daring looks.

Like any awards show red carpet, celebrities tend to go all out for the big night. And, while some looks might fall flat with viewers, some other looks immediately join the night’s best-dressed list. So, in honor of the Academy of Country Music Awards, we decided to take a trip down memory lane to remember the must-see looks of the ACM Awards’ red carpets over the years, from 1986 to the 2023 red carpet.

On the 2012 red carpet, for example, Taylor Swift took everyone’s breath away as she rocked her new bangs in a white gown with gold detailing. The simple yet ultra-elegant look has since become a timeless classic. Years later, in 2017, Carrie Underwood absolutely wowed in a nude dress with silver crystal apliqués that made her look like a real princess. And, in 2022, Kelsea Ballerini looked sexy and sultry in a gorgeous black plunging gown that showed her own spin on the LBD.

Check out these and many more incredible looks from the ACM Awards red carpets below!

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Kelsea Ballerini

Kelsea Ballerini
Kelsea Ballerini

Kelsea Ballerini took our breath away on the carpet in this gold halter dress.

Lainey Wilson (2023)

Lainey Wilson (2023)
Lainey Wilson (2023)

Lainey Wilson put some extra flare into her recognizable personal style with this silky green cape attached to a stunning and revealing jumpsuit.

Nicole Kidman (2023)

Nicole Kidman (2023)
Nicole Kidman (2023)

Nicole Kidman went for a cool and comfortable look while taking a backseat to let husband Keith Urban shine during the award show.

Nicolle Galyon

Nicolle Galyon
Nicolle Galyon

There is something so classic and timeless, yet still daring and modern about Nicolle Galyon’s loose fitting gown with a stunning feather trim.

Gabby Barrett (2023)

Gabby Barrett (2023)
Gabby Barrett (2023)

Gabby Barrett brought the drama in this statement all-black outfit to the 2023 carpet. The singer paired this figure-hugging velvet dress with billowing sleeves. What a stunner!

Carrie Underwood (2022)

Carrie Underwood (2022)
Carrie Underwood (2022)

When country singer Carrie Underwood strutted down the 2022 ACM Awards carpet in this sparkling mini dress, everyone gasped. Not only did the “Before He Cheats” singer look like a tanned goddess, but we were also immediately jealous of her toned and defined legs. What can we do to get her workout routine?

Kelsea Ballerini (2022)

Kelsea Ballerini (2022)
Kelsea Ballerini (2022)

Country superstar Kelsea Ballerini has never looked better than when she walked the 2022 carpet in this plunging black dress. The matching gloves, silver chocker, and tasseled low bun updo were the perfect complements to the look.

Dolly Parton (2022)

Dolly Parton (2022)
Dolly Parton (2022)

The 2022 Awards also saw one of Dolly Parton’s best looks to date in this silver and bronze dress with black fringes on the skirt and sleeves. Fun and stylish!

Mickey Guyton (2021)

Mickey Guyton (2021)
Mickey Guyton (2021)

Mickey Guyton looked radiant at the 2021 ACM Awards in this pleated gold and purple dégradé gown with an ultra-plunging neckline. Love the billowing sleeves!

Carly Pearce (2021)

Carly Pearce (2021)
Carly Pearce (2021)

Also at the 2021 event, country singer Carly Pearce proved pink is her color in this all-fuchsia look. The singer paired this minimalistic ruched dress with matching heels and the same color on her lips.

Miranda Lambert (2019)

Miranda Lambert (2019)
Miranda Lambert (2019)

At the 2019 ACM Awards, Miranda Lambert commanded everyone’s attention in this neon green halter dress. In addition to flattering her figure, the dress’ color made her look tanned and ultra-modern.

Kacey Musgraves (2019)

Kacey Musgraves (2019)
Kacey Musgraves (2019)

Speaking of color, singer Kacey Musgraves wasn’t afraid to be bold with her outfit on the 2019 red carpet. The singer looked incredible in this aqua, pink and baby blue suit with pleated details on the side.

Carrie Underwood (2017)

Carrie Underwood (2017)
Carrie Underwood (2017)

Carrie Underwood looked breathtaking on the 2017 red carpet in this silver and mesh dress that was sexy and chic without showing too much skin. The singer then perfectly accessorized with silver drop earrings, silver rings and side-swept bangs.

Kelsea Ballerini (2016)

Kelsea Ballerini (2016)
Kelsea Ballerini (2016)

Kelsea Ballerini looked regal on the 2016 red carpet in this strapless black and deep purple dress. So elegant!

Jessie James Decker (2015)

Jessie James Decker (2015)
Jessie James Decker (2015)

Jessie James Decker gave us all some much-needed baby bump outfit inspo in this white long-sleeve dress at the 2015 ACM Awards. Simple yet super chic!

Miranda Lambert (2014)

Miranda Lambert (2014)
Miranda Lambert (2014)

Miranda Lambert proved that less is more in this gorgeous nude-colored gown with cascading golden crystals on the 2014 carpet. By keeping her accessories to a minimum, Lambert’s look is totally timeless.

Sheryl Crow (2014)

Sheryl Crow (2014)
Sheryl Crow (2014)

Sheryl Crow looked stunning on the 2014 carpet in this black and nude gown with geometric patterns. Crow then made the look extra special with long golden earrings.

Shakira (2014)

Shakira (2014)
Shakira (2014)

In her first-ever appearance at the event in 2014, Colombian singer Shakira turned heads in this blue butterfly-inspired gown. The dress, which has a figure-flattering skirt, was filled with cutouts around the singer’s torso and legs.

Taylor Swift (2012)

Taylor Swift (2012)
Taylor Swift (2012)

Way before the Eras Tour even existed, Taylor Swift showed up to the 2012 ACM Awards in this sleek white gown with gold detailing. Less is more!

Taylor Swift (2011)

Taylor Swift (2011)
Taylor Swift (2011)

Swift also looked incredible on the 2011 red carpet in this lace yellow gown. Can we talk about the difference a year made?

Nicole Kidman (2009)

Nicole Kidman (2009)
Nicole Kidman (2009)

Nicole Kidman, who often attends the ACM Awards as her husband Keith Urban’s plus one, looked incredible on the 2009 red carpet in this black sequined gown that was totally backless.

Kellie Pickler (2009)

Kellie Pickler (2009)
Kellie Pickler (2009)

On the 2009 red carpet, Kellie Pickler gave the term “mermaid dress” a whole new meaning in this golden fish scale-inspired strapless dress. This dress fit her like a glove!

Faith Hill (2000)

Faith Hill (2000)
Faith Hill (2000)

Faith Hill looked like a true Greek goddess at the 35th ACM Awards in this white draped dress with an ultra-high slit on one side.

Ashley Judd (1997)

Ashley Judd (1997)
Ashley Judd (1997)

Back in 1997, Ashley Judd wowed in this simple yet elegant white dress on the red carpet. A true timeless dress!

Nancy Stafford (1991)

Nancy Stafford (1991)
Nancy Stafford (1991)

American actress Nany Stafford looked absolutely radiant at the 1991 show in this bright pink dress with a maxi belt on the waist. Barbie before Barbiecore even existed!

Catherine Bach (1986)

Catherine Bach (1986)
Catherine Bach (1986)

Actress Catherine Bach proved red is her color at the 1986 ACM Awards in this sequined dress and matching feathered bolero. If you ask us, we could totally see this walking the carpet this year…