The 2023 CMT Music Awards took place on April 2 at the Moody Center in Austin, Texas. The event was a night to remember for country music fans around the world, with some of the biggest stars in attendance. Carrie Underwood, who is the most awarded artist in CMT history with 25 wins, set foot on the red carpet in an all-silver ensemble covered in glittering rhinestones. Underwood was excited to celebrate her fans during the ceremony, and wore sparkly costumes during her Las Vegas residency show, REFLECTION.
Carrie Underwood’s Participation in the 2023 CMT Awards
Underwood was nominated for two awards this year for “Hate My Heart” and “Ghost Story.” She was set to perform at the ceremony along with other artists such as Blake Shelton and Keith Urban. Her husband, Mike Fisher, was at home with their two children while she attended the show. Underwood was also one of the top three finalists battling for the fan-voted category “Video of the Year” with Kane Brown and Katelyn Brown, and HARDY featuring Lainey Wilson.
Country Music Stars and Their Fashion Statements at the CMT Music Awards
The fashion statements made by country music stars were another highlight of the night. Kelsea Ballerini made her red carpet debut with boyfriend Chase Stokes before hosting the show. On the other hand, Shania Twain wore a sexy cutout gown with a ravishing red wig and bared her abs. Lainey Wilson rocked a colorful jumpsuit with a plunging neckline and metallic studded belt, and was nominated for four awards. Meanwhile, Megan Thee Stallion wore a navy blue custom Defaïence gown with cutouts along her hips, representing her home state of Texas.
Highlights of the 2023 CMT Music Awards
Apart from the fashion statements, the night was filled with remarkable performances and celebrity appearances. Kane Brown and his wife Katelyn performed their record-breaking duet “Thank God” on television for the first time. Darius Rucker performed with The Black Crowes to sing one of the band’s hit songs “She Talks to Angels.” Several celebrities presented awards at the show, including Megan Thee Stallion, Noah Schnapp, and Travis Kelce.
Alanis Morissette, Lainey Wilson, Ingrid Andress, Madeline Edwards, and Morgan Wade celebrated the 10th anniversary of CMT “Next Women of Country” by performing during the ceremony. The Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute honoring Gary Rossington, who passed away in March, was highly anticipated, with performances by Billy Gibbons, Chuck Leavell, Cody Johnson, Paul Rodgers, Slash, and Warren Haynes.
The 2023 CMT Music Awards: A Fan-Voted Country Music Awards Show
The 2023 CMT Music Awards was a fan-voted country music awards show that was aired live on CBS and Paramount+ at 8 pm ET. Kelsea Ballerini and Kane Brown co-hosted the show for the third and fourth time, respectively. Lainey Wilson had the most nominations with four, followed by Kane Brown, Cody Johnson, Jelly Roll with three each, and Kelsea Ballerini with two. The breakthrough video of the year award was separated into male and female categories for the first time.
Several musicians performed during the awards show, including Alanis Morissette, Gwen Stefani, and Shania Twain. Gary Clark Jr. started the performance lineup with a Stevie Ray Vaughan tribute. Ballerini and Brown also performed during the show. Several other musicians such as Blake Shelton, Cody Johnson, Keith Urban, and rising country stars performed on the Ram Trucks Side Stage.
The show was available to watch live on CBS and Paramount+, as well as on-demand. The Equal Play Award was presented at the ceremony, honoring artists who use their platform to advocate for change in the industry and elevate the voices of those who are underrepresented in country music.
In conclusion, the 2023 CMT Music Awards was a night filled with remarkable performances, stunning fashion statements, and celebrity appearances. This fan-voted country music awards show was a reminder of the many talented musicians who grace the stage year after year.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
