Hello, Nashville! The 25 Best Looks to Ever Grace the CMT Awards Red Carpet

Leg-baring minidresses; dramatic floor-length gowns; and a healthy dose of sparkle, shine, and colorful prints — welcome to the CMT Awards red carpet. And this? This is your comprehensive look back on country music's brightest stars in their awards-show best over the course of the last decade. While Carrie Underwood, Nicole Kidman, and Taylor Swift lead the charge with multiple noteworthy looks, trust that there are still a few surprise appearances in the mix. Maybe not as surprising as the Backstreet Boys performing "Don't Go Breaking My Heart" at the 2018 CMT Awards or Hoda Kotb and Kathie Lee Gifford drinking wine on stage in 2017, but it's a close call. To see every look from the CMT Awards' fashionable past, keep clicking.

Jewel at the 2006 CMT Awards
Getty | Paul Hawthorne

Jewel at the 2006 CMT Awards

Jewel channeled her inner mermaid in this lacy fishtail-gown silhouette.

Taylor Swift at the 2007 CMT Awards
Film Magic | Michael Loccisano

Taylor Swift at the 2007 CMT Awards

Early in her career, Taylor Swift was no stranger to all that glitters. This strapless metallic number — matching sandals and hoop earrings included — is proof of that.

Miley Cyrus at the 2008 CMT Awards
WireImage | Rick Diamond

Miley Cyrus at the 2008 CMT Awards

As both a cohost and a performer at the 2008 CMT Awards, Miley Cyrus opted for something easy and elegant in this red-and-white printed Robert Cavalli maxi dress.

Taylor Swift at the 2009 CMT Awards
Getty | Jason Merritt 

Taylor Swift at the 2009 CMT Awards

Taylor Swift's sparkly Collette Dinnigan minidress and romantic side-swept bun captured the spirit of the 1920s.

Karolina Kurkova at the 2009 CMT Awards
Getty | Jason Merritt 

Karolina Kurkova at the 2009 CMT Awards

Model Karolina Kurkova showed off her long legs in a structured oversized blazer dress. She accented her menswear-inspired look with black ankle boots and silver drop earrings.

Faith Hill at the 2010 CMT Awards
Film Magic | Jon Kopaloff

Faith Hill at the 2010 CMT Awards

If Carrie Underwood nailed the hot-pink look, then Faith Hill was the queen of romantic pink in this watercolor-printed gown by J. Mendel.

Carrie Underwood at the 2010 CMT Awards
Film Magic | Jon Kopaloff

Carrie Underwood at the 2010 CMT Awards

Carrie Underwood's electric-pink Jenny Packham dress was punched up with two belted straps of black gemstones at the neck and waist — a cool mix of edgy and sweet. Lest her dress get all the attention, her black Stuart Weitzman shoes featured oversize bows, and her clutch was covered in colorful gemstones.

Taylor Swift at the 2010 CMT Awards
Film Magic | Jon Kopaloff

Taylor Swift at the 2010 CMT Awards

Even "vintage" Taylor Swift knew how to surprise on the red carpet. This decidedly darker look from the singer was a departure from her usual glitter and sparkle, and we loved that she fully embraced the burgundy hue — matching her John Galliano dress to her strappy Christian Louboutin heels.

Kristen Bell at the 2012 CMT Awards
Film Magic | Taylor Hill 

Kristen Bell at the 2012 CMT Awards

Kristen Bell wore a gilded cap-sleeve Reem Acra gown to the 2012 CMT Awards, and it hit all the right notes.

Carrie Underwood at the 2012 CMT Awards
Getty | Jason Merritt

Carrie Underwood at the 2012 CMT Awards

Carrie Underwood is a repeat best-dressed contender on this list because she never fails to deliver. In 2012, she earned her spot with this sparkly gunmetal Randi Rahm minidress, thick ankle-strap heels, and a black Swarovski clutch.

Jordin Sparks at the 2012 CMT Awards
Getty | Jason Merritt

Jordin Sparks at the 2012 CMT Awards

Jordin Sparks is peachy perfection in this romantic floor-length Kevan Hall number.

Kacey Musgraves at the 2013 CMT Awards
Film Magic | Taylor Hill 

Kacey Musgraves at the 2013 CMT Awards

This is a very different Kacey Musgraves than the one we saw at the 2019 Met Gala! And we love her chameleon ways. For the 2013 CMT Awards, she rocked a confetti sequin-covered Gomez-Gracia dress with nude-toned accessories.

LeAnn Rimes at the 2014 CMT Awards
Film Magic | Jeff Kravitz

LeAnn Rimes at the 2014 CMT Awards

LeAnn Rimes wasn't afraid to reveal a little (OK, a lot!) of leg in this floor-skimming gown by Rani Zakhem.

Miranda Lambert at the 2014 CMT Awards
Film Magic | Jeff Kravitz

Miranda Lambert at the 2014 CMT Awards

Miranda Lambert chose a fun metallic-accented Celia Kritharioti minidress for the evening.

Jenna Dewan at the 2015 CMT Awards
WireImage | C Flanigan

Jenna Dewan at the 2015 CMT Awards

Jenna Dewan flashed some serious skin in this fuchsia-colored Zuhair Murad dress, which featured lace-inset panels throughout the silhouette.

Nikki Reed at the 2015 CMT Awards
WireImage | C Flanigan

Nikki Reed at the 2015 CMT Awards

Nikki Reed mastered the LWD with this sleek, structured halter version from Kaufman Franco. She completed the crisp look with metallic Brian Atwood pumps.

Nicole Kidman at the 2016 CMT Awards
Film Magic | Taylor Hill 

Nicole Kidman at the 2016 CMT Awards

Nicole Kidman played up the rocker-chic vibe with this black sequin Michael Kors Collection dress — complete with a deep-V front, thigh slit, and matching skinny scarf. To finish, she wore Fred Leighton earrings and sleek Giuseppe Zanotti Design heels.

Lauren Alaina at the 2016 CMT Awards
Film Magic | Taylor Hill 

Lauren Alaina at the 2016 CMT Awards

Singer Lauren Alaina wowed in this pretty magenta off-the-shoulder gown by THEIA. We loved the shoulder detail paired with the form-fitting column shape.

Leona Lewis at the 2016 CMT Awards
Getty | Rick Diamond

Leona Lewis at the 2016 CMT Awards

Leona Lewis looked red-hot in a ruffled, off-the-shoulder number and black ankle-strap heels. The bright red hue and form-skimming silhouette certainly made her a standout look of the night.

Carrie Underwood at the 2016 CMT Awards
Film Magic | Taylor Hill 

Carrie Underwood at the 2016 CMT Awards

Carrie Underwood always has fun on red carpet, and this time was no different. Her floral-printed one-shouldered gown by Mikael D. provided a jolt of color and had just the right amount of intrigue, thanks to its dramatic thigh-high slit and subtle bodice cutout. The singer accessorized with Maxior earrings, a Noudar ring, and Jimmy Choo heels.

Jada Pinkett Smith at the 2017 CMT Awards
Film Magic | Jeff Kravitz

Jada Pinkett Smith at the 2017 CMT Awards

Jada Pinkett Smith was nothing short of floral-tinged perfection in this lilac Carolina Herrera strapless gown.

Nicole Kidman at the 2017 CMT Awards
Film Magic | Jeff Kravitz

Nicole Kidman at the 2017 CMT Awards

Nicole Kidman chose a semi-sheer black lace dress from Virgil Abloh's Off-White Fall 2017 collection for her red-carpet appearance. She paired the look with strappy black heels and Fred Leighton jewelry.

Lindsey Vonn at the 2018 CMT Awards
Getty | Mike Coppola

Lindsey Vonn at the 2018 CMT Awards

It's official — red is definitely Lindsey Vonn's color. The Olympic skier chose a formfitting one-strapped Hamel gown that was equal parts sultry and glamorous.

Kelly Clarkson at the 2018 CMT Awards
WireImage | Michael Loccisano

Kelly Clarkson at the 2018 CMT Awards

Kelly Clarkson stunned in a dramatic black gown that was tinged with interesting details — a shimmering appliqué at the waist, a sexy leg slit, and structured shoulders. The singer didn't skimp on the accessories front, either. Those oversize drop oval earrings are scene-stealers!

Kelsea Ballerini at the 2018 CMT Awards
Getty | Mike Coppola

Kelsea Ballerini at the 2018 CMT Awards

We love that Kelsea Ballerini opted for something a little less traditional with this black sequin crop top and matching pants (and train!) set by Brandon Maxwell.

Carrie Underwood at the 2018 CMT Awards
Getty | Mike Coppola

Carrie Underwood at the 2018 CMT Awards

Carrie Underwood took the deep-V plunge in a pastel yellow and white Nicolas Jebran long-sleeved minidress. She paired the skin-baring look with metallic Jimmy Choo shoes and MARLI diamond earrings and rings.