The annual CMA Awards got rowdy last night! For cohosts Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood, the fifth time was certainly a charm. The veteran MCs were on point during their opening monologue, although Carrie did have to break some tough news to Brad about Taylor Swift's latest ex-boyfriend, Conor Kennedy. Check out that and other highlights in today's PopSugar Rush!
The pretty young blondes reigned supreme on the CMA Awards red carpet in Nashville, TN, on Thursday night. Taylor Swift was stunning in her Jenny Packham gown, which featured highlights of red — perhaps an homage to her new album, Red, which is demolishing records on the charts. Carrie Underwood, who hosted the show alongside Brad Paisley, brought her husband, Mike Fisher, as her date for the evening. Hayden Panettiere, who is part of the country music scene now thanks to her show, Nashville, opted for a sexy Georges Chakra Couture number that showed off some of her ink. Other arrivals highlights included Faith Hill and Tim McGraw, Kellie Pickler's supershort hairdo, and Jennifer Nettles showing off her baby bump — check those all out in the gallery. We'll have more from inside the CMA Awards, including Carrie Underwood's jab at Taylor Swift's breakup with Conor Kennedy, so check back for all the action!
Las Vegas went country last night for the 2011 American Country Awards. The event was hosted by Trace Adkins, for the second year in a row, and this time around he was joined by pint-sized companion Kristin Chenoweth. The night was a celebration of the genre's finest musicians with Jason Aldean taking home six Fender guitar statues, including artist of the year. Carrie added three awards to her growing collection including female artist of the year, music video of the year, and female artist single of the year. Taylor Swift missed out on the Sin City fun, and even though she was nominated in six categories her winning streak came to an end.
Blake Shelton took a break from filming The Voice to join his lovely wife Miranda Lambert in the front row of the audience. The superstar pair raised their plastic glasses during Toby Keith's performance of his hit "Red Solo Cup," and Keith later went on to accept the honor of artist of the decade. The evening was a mini American Idol reunion of sorts for former contestants Carrie, Jordin Sparks, Lauren Alaina, and Scotty McCreery. Scotty, last year's AI champion, earned his first ever award and took home the title of new artist of the year.
Country singers Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert tied the knot last weekend, and Miranda chose to wear her mother's wedding gown over a new designer frock. She told Us Weekly, "My parents have been married for 33 years, so this dress is already a good-luck charm." I think it's really sweet that Miranda honored her mom by wearing her gown, and she was able to get the best of both worlds by changing into a short dress for the reception.
Since my mom (in the photo on the left) borrowed her dress, I couldn't have worn hers, but I had considered wearing my grandmother's sweet tea-length number that she still owns (and fits into!). I liked the idea in theory, but when it came down to it I ultimately decided to buy a new dress for my upcoming big day. Annie also says she loves her grandmother's dress (in the photo on the right) and would definitely consider walking the aisle in it. For me, the decision to wear a family heirloom comes down to this: are you willing to respect the history of the dress by only making slight alterations, or do you need to completely alter its design (à la Tess's dress butchery in 27 Dresses) to feel comfortable? If the answer is the latter, leave the antique frock alone.
Would you wear a wedding gown your mother or grandmother wore? If you wore an heirloom dress, share a photo in the comments!
Country music's biggest stars hit the red carpet in Las Vegas last night for the 2011 Academy of Country Music Awards. Taylor Swift was one of the night's performers and winners, taking home the Entertainer of the Year award to close out the evening — see who took home all the top honors. Rihanna transformed her "California King Bed" into a duet with the help of Sugarland's Jennifer Nettles, and Ryan Seacrest cozied up with girlfriend Julianne Hough backstage. Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban were seated next to Carrie Underwood to watch the entertaining show, which had everyone from Steven Tyler to Celine Dion wow the crowd. Robert Pattinson and Reese Witherspoon came straight from their Water For Elephants press junket in LA and shared their sweet chemistry as they presented Miranda Lambert with one of her many statues. Reese's smile is also front and center in her wedding picture on the cover of this week's People magazine! Check out tons more photos from last night's rollicking good time!
The Las Vegas lights got a little brighter tonight with the stars of country music shining on the red carpet at the 46th annual Academy of Country Music Awards. Nominee and performer Carrie Underwood arrived in a floor length purple gown while Nicole Kidman chose a sexy black dress to escort Keith Urban. Taylor Swift took a break from touring to get in on the action and Julianne Hough made the trip to Sin City with her boyfriend Ryan Seacrest. Click through to see all the beautiful photos of the red carpet arrivals!
