Country Stars shine at 2023 CMT Music Awards in Austin, Texas

Carrie Underwood leads the pack with two nominations and a performance

Austin, Texas – The CMT Music Awards returned with a bang as the country music industry came together to celebrate their achievements and performances at the Moody Center. The ceremony, which was voted on by fans and hosted by Kelsea Ballerini and Kane Brown, saw some of country music’s biggest names walk down the red carpet in stunning outfits. However, all eyes were on Carrie Underwood, who was focused on having fun while making sure her fans got their money’s worth.

Underwood, who is the most awarded artist in CMT history with 25 wins, was nominated for two awards this year. She is up for “Hate My Heart” for Video of the Year and “Ghost Story” for Female Video of the Year. Underwood could extend her reign with a win or two this year.

Underwood’s preparation for the 2023 CMT Music Awards

Underwood had been excited about performing at the ceremony since she found out she was going to be part of it. The singer has been working hard to ensure that her fans get a big, fun performance.

The “REFLECTION” artist has a history of wearing dramatic and sparkly costumes for performances. Her costumes are created with the directive of “more rhinestones and more fringe.” Underwood’s costumes are a collaboration between her stylist Emma Trask and other designers.

However, while she is focused on having fun at the ceremony, Underwood’s husband Mike Fisher is at home taking care of their two sons. The singer makes sure that she records videos for them so they can feel as though they are part of the experience.

Country stars’ fashion highlights on the red carpet

Country music stars took advantage of their moment in the spotlight and showed off their fashion best. Kelsea Ballerini stunned in a Dolce & Gabbana pink tulle gown with white floral embroidery. The host was joined by her boyfriend, Morgan Evans, on the red carpet.

Shania Twain was a fashion icon in a sexy cutout gown that flaunted her abs. The singer wore a ravishing red wig that added to her already glamorous look.

Carrie Underwood also wore Dolce & Gabbana and showed off her toned legs in a sparkling shorts and glittering coat ensemble. Lainey Wilson rocked a colorful jumpsuit with a plunging neckline and metallic studded belt.

Megan Thee Stallion, who is from Texas, wore a custom Defaïence navy blue gown with cutouts along her hips. Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani walked the red carpet together, with Stefani wearing glittering gold Valentino Couture hot pants and Shelton in jeans and a sports jacket.

Awards, performances, and tributes

The ceremony featured performances by Gwen Stefani, LeAnn Rimes, Keith Urban, Alanis Morissette, and Underwood herself. The Video of the Year finalists included Underwood, Kane Brown and Katelyn Brown, and HARDY featuring Lainey Wilson. Shania Twain, Stefani, and Carly Pearce also performed at the ceremony.

The CMT Equal Play Award went to Megan Thee Stallion for her efforts in promoting gender equality in the music industry. Shania Twain also received an award as she was honored with the “CMT Equal Play Award” which celebrates artists who have demonstrated exceptional leadership over the past year in fighting for parity among women in country music.

Lynyrd Skynyrd was also honored with tribute performances that saw Slash, Billy Gibbons, Chuck Leavell, Cody Johnson, Paul Rodgers, and Warren Haynes perform. LeAnn Rimes and Wynonna Judd served as honorary “Honkettes.” Darius Rucker also performed with The Black Crowes.

The full list of nominees and winners for different categories can be accessed on the official CMT website.

In conclusion, the 2023 CMT Music Awards was yet another celebration of the best in country music. The ceremony featured stunning performances, exciting awards, and musicians showcasing their unique fashion sense on the red carpet. With so much talent on display, it’s no wonder that country music continues to shine brighter than ever before.

Image Source: Wikimedia Commons