The Most Head-Turning Looks From The 2022 CMT Music Awards

The biggest stars in country music were out in Nashville Monday night as the 2022 CMT Music Awards got underway. According to Wonderwall, the pink carpet had to be evacuated as a lightning storm descended on the likes of Carrie Underwood and Miranda Lambert. But before the show was kicked off by Keith Urban, fans got a chance to see the artists they admire show off their ensembles — although a few had to pose for photos indoors at the Municipal Auditorium.

Some trends we saw sashaying down the carpet included separates, some that sparkled — hello Maren Morris, Kelsea Ballerini and Danielle Bradbery — and bridal white. Ahem, LeAnn Rimes. But a few country stars went their own way and had us doing a double take at their fashion choices. We're talking about you, Carrie!

Here are the CMT Music Awards looks that really turned heads. Although, could anything top The Judds making an appearance?

Carly Pearce's gown seemed to pay homage to the country stars of yore, like Dolly Parton, who knew a thing or two about the magic of a glittery dress with a thigh-high slit and matching shoes. We were simply mesmerized by the deep green hue of her gown and that shade of red lipstick. Again, Dolly? 

On Twitter, one fan had already decided that Pearce's look won the night, tweeting, "I'm gonna say that Carly Pearce is the best dressed on the CMT red carpet right now."

Maybe Maren Morris and Kelsea Ballerini shopped for their glittery, midriff-baring tops at the same shop. Either way, we were getting some major mermaid vibes off of the "My Church" singer, whose long, beachy hair (expertly styled by Marwa Bashir for OGX) and dramatically-draped skirt seemed to have been inspired by Ariel.

Well, fins down, Morris more than made her fans freak out, even the famous ones. "OMGGGGG my fave!!!!" gushed Kristin Cavallari on the artist's Instagram.

Liquid leather leggings, black heels and a structured white top with a wide black belt? Sign us up Gabby Barrett! The singer's 1980s vibes were strong with her CMT Music Awards red carpet entrance and we couldn't be bigger fans. But wait — are those oversized hoop earrings we see? Debbie Gibson would be proud. 

Meanwhile, the star, who has been known to rock an '80s shoulder pad before, told Entertainment Tonight this week, "The CMT Music Awards are just such a fun show to be a part of, and I'm so honored to be performing!" 

Like LeAnn Rimes, Mickey Guyton chose white for her CMT Music Awards look. We're loving the jeweled detailing at the waistline, which looked elegant and flattering. Consider that Guyton welcomed her first child a little over a year ago (via People). 

Fans will recall her powerful performance at the 2020 ACM Awards while pregnant and interestingly, the star chose a gorgeous white gown for that occasion as well (via ET Online). This year's look is equally on point. Our favorite part? Her matching hair clip, which lent the ensemble an Old Hollywood feel. The look was created by celebrity hairstylist Hachoo using TRESemmé.

LeAnn Rimes looked positively ethereal in a white, flowing gown featuring sparkly detailing and a flowing train. Under the sheer dress, the singer sported a bodysuit that showed some major leg. 

Of course as Hello! points out, the longtime country music scene staple often opts to wear dresses that bare her bottom assets. And why not? After all, this is one star who's devoted to eating healthy foods and working out regularly so why not shake what her mama gave her (via Women's Health)?

Carrie Underwood definitely threw us a curveball with her animal print, purple mini-dress, but we are here for it. The mega-star paired her short skirt with drool-worthy black pumps and a mane of flowing, wavy hair that complemented the sexy style. 

Of course, you can't please everyone, with a viewer on Twitter sniping upon seeing Underwood's look for the evening, "Is that Stormy Daniels?" Oh well. We love the risk you took tonight, Carrie! If nothing else, it certainly shows a different side of the star versus her Dolce & Gabbana ball gown at the Grammys just a few weeks ago.

Given her COVID-19 diagnosis, Kelsea Ballerini had to step away from her hosting duties at the last minute, but she made the best of it, taking on her role from home (via Fox News). 

Meanwhile, the country star's ensemble did not hint at her feeling off at all. Ballerini capitalized on two big trends of the evening: separates and the color white. Her pants suit looks perfectly tailored and featured a fun, sparkly bandeau top. 

Feel better, Kelsea! But also, you made fans proud tonight!

Perhaps Miranda Lambert and Carrie Underwood chatted before the show because they both chose sexy mini-dresses for the country music affair. Their long blonde hair was also similarly styled. 

Meanwhile, we couldn't help but wonder if the blue hue of the country legend's dress could have been a nod to her wildly popular song "Bluebird?" Either way, we say Lambert is already a winner tonight!