By Megan Riedlinger
2:02pm PDT, Apr 2, 2023
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In honor of the 2023 CMT Music Awards on April 2, we're revisiting the fashion of past ceremonies that we just can't forget, starting with this look…
Dierks Bentley dressed up like a pilot for the 2014 CMT Music Awards, riding the success of his hit "Drunk on a Plane." We love a good costume!
Keep reading to see more memorable CMT Music Awards style over the years…
MORE: All the times Carrie Underwood's legs wowed us
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Taylor Swift's style has since drastically evolved, but do you remember when she gravitated toward fairy tale-inspired looks? The country-turned-pop artist is seen here at the 2007 CMT Music Awards in a strapless sequin-embellished gown. Sporting her then-signature ringlets, this was Taylor before her fashion evolution!
MORE: Country music stars when they were young
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Memorable doesn't always mean good, does it? Billy Ray Cyrus shocked us all when he stepped out in head-to-toe black with this horrible hairstyle at the 2016 CMT Music Awards.
MORE: Country music's biggest scandals
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At the 2014 CMT Music Awards, LeAnn Rimes arrived in a showstopping frock by Rani Zakhem. The white silk gown featuring delicate Grecian-inspired draping was both simple and sexy.
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At the 2020 CMT Music Awards, Noah Cyrus went full-on cowgirl in her denim getup. Noah's blue jean separates and sparkly orange halter crop top definitely garnered a ton of attention.
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Come on Barbie, let's go party! At the 2021 CMT Music Awards, Kelsea Ballerini looked fantastic in a matching hot pink corset and high-waisted pants set paired with heels by Giuseppe Zanotti.
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When you live to GTL, there's no need for a shirt on the red carpet! While it's questionable why he was there, "Jersey Shore" star Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino attended the 2010 CMT Music Awards sporting his own unique style.
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We could not get enough of this semi-sheer glistening gown that expectant singer Mickey Guyton wore on the red carpet at the 2020 CMT Music Awards. She welcomed her first child, son Grayson Savoy, a few months later in February 2021.
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Carrie Underwood looked picture-perfect in this multicolored frock that showed off her toned legs at the 2016 CMT Music Awards.
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We love a good baby bump moment, like this one at 2017 CMT Music Awards! Pregnant Brittany Kerr accentuated her growing curves in a fringed black gown with studs while hubby Jason Aldean kept things casual in jeans, a T-shirt and a button-down shirt.
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There's no denying it… Hayden Panettiere's 2010 CMT Music Awards gown was one of the show's most peculiar! That year, she went with an asymmetrical frock by Emilio Pucci. From the bold turquoise hue to the black lace, the lingerie-inspired gown sure was busy.
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"Modern Family" star Sarah Hyland attended the 2020 CMT Music Awards — which she co-hosted! — in bold and adorable coordinates by Georges Hobeika. From the bedazzled baby pink short-sleeved crop top to the cut-out covered lilac skirt and outrageous black bow, this is one look we couldn't forget.
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That shirt though! Jake Owen rocked this floral button-up at the 2010 CMT Music Awards.
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Could she be any more chic? At the 2015 CMT Music Awards, Nicole Kidman opted for this head-to-toe look by Balenciaga. We're not sure what we love more — the embellishments on her peplum top or the flawless fit of her cigarette pants. This one was a winner in our book!
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Taylor Swift performed "Red" at the 2013 CMT Music Awards. The then-country star belted out her song equipped with a red guitar while wearing a flowing frock over tiny black shorts custom designed by Joseph Cassell. She also added heeled black LaDuca boots for a pretty major onstage moment.
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Talk about a cute couple! Maren Morris and her husband, singer-songwriter Ryan Hurd, hit the red carpet at the 2019 CMT Music Awards in coordinating looks. Maren wore an edgy cream minidress by Fausto Puglisi that featured cut-outs around the midriff and gold embellishments, and Ryan opted for a cream suit with a burnt orange button-up.
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Pretty in pink! In 2006, the late Kelly Preston attended the CMT Music Awards wearing a pretty pink floral-print dress.
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Baby bumps and Thomas Rhett? What more could you want! The country crooner cuddled wife Lauren Akins' growing belly at the 2017 CMT Music Awards, which took place one month after they brought home their adopted daughter and a mere two months before Lauren gave birth.
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Talk about a throwback! Blake Shelton donned a gray shirt under his vest to complement Miranda Lambert's silver-sequined dress at the 2010 CMT Music Awards.
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Who wore it better? Reba McEntire and Kenan Thompson matched in green frocks at the 2010 CMT Music Awards!
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For hosting duties at the 2012 CMT Music Awards, Kristen Bell dazzled in this gold sequin-embellished Reem Acra Fall '12 gown.
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You might not recognize her, but yes, this really is vintage Miley Cyrus! The then-15-year-old star attended the 2008 CMT Music Awards looking quite covered up in a floral frock that she would likely never pick today.
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Covered in crystals? A plunging neckline? A low back? Yes to all! "American Idol" alum Kellie Pickler was an absolute showstopper when she attended the 2013 CMT Music Awards in this glitzy, glittery pink sequined gown.
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Kacey Musgraves went casual at the 2013 CMT Music Awards. The singer-songwriter rocked a pair of Daisy Dukes, an American flag tank, a denim jacket and some unique blue cowboy boots.
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Kid Rock showed up at the 2011 CMT Music Awards in his requisite trucker hat, jeans and T-shirt. His red, white and blue button-down (snap-down?) was also on hand for even more patriotism at the country music shindig.
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Michelle Monaghan brought the heat to the 2019 CMT Music Awards in a statement black leather and red suede look from the fall 2019 collection by Dundas. To complete her fiery look, the actress accessorized with a red clutch by Edie Parker and black heeled sandals by Giuseppe Zanotti
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In 2010, country darling Faith Hill attended the CMT Music Awards in a watercolor-print gown by J. Mendel.
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Gina Gershon went full denim at the 2005 CMT Music Awards in a zippered jumpsuit accessorized with a metallic concho belt and a leather and feather bag.
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Snoop goes country! Snoop Dogg did his best cowboy impression at the 2008 CMT Music Awards in a 10-gallon hat, button-up shirt and dark duster coat.
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One of our all-time favorite CMT Music Awards looks happened back in 2017 when Carrie Underwood shimmered in this sparkly, sweet minidress by Elie Madi. We loved the iridescence of the frilly skirt and the glimmering detail on the long-sleeved top half of the frock. She completed her look with strappy heels and a cool messy ponytail.
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Taylor Swift makes our list yet again… and rightfully so! Before she transitioned into pop music, the country darling showed up at the 2007 CMT Music Awards in an iridescent gown with a dramatic train. Of course she finished the look with her then-signature ringlets!
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Hillary Scott showed off her curves in this cute black-and-white striped dress with red flowers at the 2014 CMT Music Awards. That skinny black belt was a nice touch!
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Because she typically dresses so well, this ensemble that Nicole Kidman donned at the 2011 CMT Music Awards left us scratching our heads. From the flesh-colored slip under the sheer black sheath to the ill-fitting green bodice to those clashing periwinkle sandals, it was all unfortunate. Meanwhile, Keith Urban looked like his typically great self in a suit with a casually unbuttoned shirt.
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Broadway queen Kristin Chenoweth dazzled in a floor-length lace dress by Miguelina accented with a black ribbon belt when she attended the 2011 CMT Music Awards.
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A vision! At the 2012 CMT Music Awards, Jordin Sparks stunned in this peachy chiffon frock by Kevan Hall. From the cinched waist to the delicate off-the-shoulder sleeves, Jordin looked incredibly romantic.
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At the 2015 CMT Music Awards, Danielle Bradbery made quite the statement in a bold, beaded metallic minidress. She completed the intricate gold look with a pulled-back ponytail, a smoky eye and neutral sandals.
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Kristen Bell hosted the 2014 CMT Music Awards, and while the actress wore a few different outfits that night, this one — a gorgeous strapless black gown with delicate silver detailing by Monique Lhuillier — was a definite standout.
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Nico Tortorella took bad fashion to the next level at the 2018 CMT Music Awards. The "Younger" star showed up in this tan velvet suit — sans shirt, plus a cowboy hat. He also added what looks to be a puka shell necklace layered with other necklaces as well as a pair of shiny black boots.
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Shania Twain looked amazing in a black form-fitting dress at the 2011 CMT Music Awards.
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At the 2020 CMT Music Awards, Kelsea Ballerini — who was up for three awards that night including video of the year — turned heads in this shimmery silver minidress. While the massive sleeves seemed a bit overwhelming, she definitely made a statement!
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"Pitch Perfect" actress Brittany Snow, who co-hosted the 2015 CMT Music Awards alongside Erin Andrews, stunned on the red carpet in this structured black-and-white gown by Monique Lhuillier. Combined with her side-swept hair, pink lip and black strappy sandals, Brittany looked chic.
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We adore Kane Brown, but his look at the 2018 CMT Music Awards seriously underwhelmed. He showed up in a Canadian tuxedo — a denim jacket paired with ripped jeans. He then added a black T-shirt and gray sneakers that made things just a little too casual for an award show setting.
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When Gretchen Wilson showed up at the 2006 CMT Music Awards, she didn't just make an appearance — she ARRIVED. The country star rocked the red carpet in this teeny, sparkly crop top, which she paired with ripped jeans and a studded belt.
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At the 2019 CMT Music Awards, Sheryl Crow sported a super-bohemian coordinated look we loved. From the subtle embellishments on her floor-length skirt to the overall color palette of the ensemble, Sheryl looked like a beach goddess at the award show.
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Jana Kramer flooded the red carpet in a sea of pink in this Michael Costello gown at the 2014 CMT Music Awards.
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We still remember Taylor Swift's maroon minidress at the 2010 CMT Music Awards. The then-up-and-coming country star donned this stylish John Galliano frock for the big show, pairing it with matching strappy heels and a slick, straight hairstyle.
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Major color pop! Cassadee Pope wore this Theia combo — a full, bright pink skirt paired with an equally loud patterned crop top — to the 2014 CMT Music Awards.
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Remember when a graphic print was considered mega on-trend? LeAnn Rimes does! At the 2010 CMT Music Awards, LeAnn opted for this geometric-patterned strapless blue gown with a sweetheart neckline. She completed the look with a chunky gold cuff and matching statement earrings.
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A camo-print tank top? Well, there certainly aren't many red carpet events where this is within the realm of possibility! Brantley Gilbert wore his with jeans and boots at the 2014 CMT Music Awards.
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RaeLynn always serves up whimsical, fun fashion, and her 2014 CMT Music Awards dress was no exception. The country singer rocked a pale mint tutu dress and bright yellow shoes to the big event.
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This style of lingerie-like minidress was popular in the late '00s, and Sara Evans departed from her usual style to rock this slinky purple number at the 2008 CMT Music Awards.
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Remember when Carrie Underwood showed up to the 2010 CMT Music Awards in this… rather peculiar-looking frock? We were definitely put off by the hot pink hue and black connective embellishments.
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Faith Hill went for gothic glam at the 2008 CMT Music Awards. The country queen rocked an all-black, shiny-all-over look at that year's festivities.
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Hillary Scott had us seeing stars on the gray carpet at the 2017 CMT Music Awards. We loved the Lady Antebellum singer's black gown dotted with multicolored stars and moons, which also featured long sleeves and a thigh-high slit. She accessorized with drop earrings by Swarovski for one of the coolest looks of the night that year.
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As confused as we were about Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino showing up to the 2010 CMT Music Awards, we were just as puzzled to see Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi on the red carpet the same year. The "Jersey Shore" star rocked a glittery minidress and her trademark poof to the country event. We had no idea these "Shore" kids were into country music!
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Karen Fairchild of Little Big Town looked like an absolute vision at the 2020 CMT Music Awards in this pale blue minidress. What we particularly loved? The gorgeous draping detail!
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Kelsea Ballerini put a new twist on the crop-top look at the 2018 CMT Music Awards, opting to rock her sparkly spaghetti-strap top with a pair of matching wide-legged trousers by Brandon Maxwell. We loved the unique take on the two piece trend but could have lived without the odd train addition.
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Lauren Alaina wowed at the 2017 CMT Music Awards in this magenta Theia design. We loved the sleek off-the-shoulder cut and that stand-out color that matched the carpet!
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At the 2006 CMT Music Awards, Lisa Rinna hit the red carpet in this sultry turquoise number. From the satin to the plunging halter neckline, this gown was a definite showstopper.
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Singer-songwriter Jenny Tolman hit the red carpet at the 2019 CMT Music Awards looking like an ethereal princess in this stunning floor-length, one-shouldered dress. From its voluminous layers to its cream and light pink color palette, Jenny looked dreamy.
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Andie MacDowell went for a more casual look when she attended the 2005 CMT Music Awards — a pale blue halter top, black trousers and strappy sandals.
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We don't really know what Elizabeth Cook was going for at the 2010 CMT Music Awards. The singer wore jeans and a tank top on the red carpet but covered up with a massive coat and made sure to show off the printed lining inside.
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Actress Kate Bosworth attended the 2019 CMT Music Awards in this very mermaid-inspired teal sequined gown. That same year, she starred as an unhappy housewife in the "Sugar Coat" video from Little Big Town, who hosted that year's show.
