The 2021 ACM Awards aired on Sunday, April 18 on CBS and nominees flocked to Nashville to hit the red carpet. Since the awards show aired during the current pandemic, performances were spread out at various locations around music city. Some of the biggest names in country music were there — some dressed like they were at the Oscars, and others dressed in jeans looking like they were ready to play a low-key set at the Bluebird Cafe. Would you have it any other way?
In honor of one of the biggest nights in country music, we've rounded up some of the best-dressed performers of the night from red carpet looks to memorable performances.
1. Maren Morris and Ryan Hurd
Female artist of the year winner Maren Morris looked incredible performing with her husband Ryan Hurd. The couple performed their first duet together, "Chasing After You" and to put things mildly...it was pretty darn sexy. Not to mention Morris's sparkly gold outfit was perfectly complimented by Hurd's simple white shirt and black pants.
2. Miranda Lambert and Elle King
Name a more iconic duo that showed up at the 2021 ACM Awards. Lambert and King showed up dressed to kill in these amazing jumpsuits, paired with matching leather jackets with crazy long fringe. The two ladies kicked off the evening with a memorable performance of their duet "Drunk (And I Don't Wanna Go Home)."
3. Carrie Underwood and Cece Winans
The gospel medley performed by Carrie Underwood and Cece Winans at the Grand Ole Opry was easily one of the most memorable moments of the evening. Underwood looked amazing (as usual) in her sparkling gown and Winans' black floral dress looked lovely on stage.
4. Jimmie Allen
Jimmie Allen is always quite the fashion icon. He sported a few memorable looks from this purple suit on the red carpet to his performance with Brad Paisley at the Bluebird Cafe. This year he won New Male Artist of the Year, an honor that was well deserved.
5. Kelsea Ballerini
This emerald green Dolce & Gabbana ball gown worn by Kelsea Ballerini was the perfect amount of glam for the red carpet. Not to mention that high slit in the front...swoon.
6. Mickey Guyton
Mickey Guyton co-hosted the awards show with Keith Urban and did an amazing job. While she rocked many looks throughout the evening, we're partial to this blue dress she wore during her performance of "Hold On."
Read More: 2021 ACM Award Winners: See the Complete List
7. Thomas Rhett
Male Artist of the Year winner Thomas Rhett gave an amazing performance of his song "What's Your Country Song" on the Grand Ole Opry stage and gave a sweet speech when he accepted his ACM trophy, calling out his wife and daughters at home.
8. Carly Pearce
Carly Pearce was a shining star on the red carpet in this pink Monique Lhuillier gown. Pearce won Single of the Year and Music Event of the Year for her duet with Lee Brice, "I Hope You're Happy Now."
9. Luke Combs
While we love Luke Combs' usual look of a ball cap and jeans, we were impressed that he showed up in a nice suit to perform his hit song "Forever After All," written for his wife Nicole Hocking. It was a nice change of pace for the country star and a perfect compliment to his heartfelt performance.
10. Leslie Jordan
How do you not call out Leslie Jordan's head-to-toe look? Especially after he coined himself "Portable Wagoner" following his introduction from the iconic Dolly Parton.
Jordan released his gospel album Company's Comin', featuring Brandi Carlile, Chris Stapleton, Parton and more, on April 2.
11. Eric Church
Entertainer of the Year nominee Eric Church always oozes cool. From the leather jacket to the constant shades, he's hard to beat.
12. Karen Fairchild
Group of the Year nominee's Little Big Town showed up in style...particularly Karen Fairchild who was dressed to impress in this Stella McCartney mini dress.
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