Country's biggest stars came out to shine at the 2023 CMT Awards, but a few of the fashion
choices didn't quite hit the right note.
These outfits were better left waiting in the truck.
We adored seeing Alanis Morrisette at the CMTs, where she joined Ingrid Andress, Lainey
Wilson, Madeline Edwards, and Morgan Wade to perform her song "You Oughta Know" as part
of the 10th anniversary of CMT's Next Women of Country.
"We're all gonna be channelin' that inner little girl that we all were when we heard
that song for the very first time."
However, her shapeless black velvet suit didn't dazzle, nor did it fit the country-glam theme.
You could say she oughta have known better.
Well – you live, you learn.
As co-host of the CMT Music Awards, Kelsea Ballerini should have outshone most of the honorees.
Instead, she underwhelmed on the red carpet in a gray number with corset top and sloppy
handkerchief hem.
Unfortunately, the white bra top also looks less like high fashion and more like Kelsea
was feeling a little insecure about the possibility of a wardrobe malfunction in the middle of
the broadcast.
Even her hair and jewelry are a little understated for a flashy country event like this.
Pillbox Patti — the stage name of Nicolette Hayward — is a skyrocketing singer-songwriter
who's made her name with hits like "Suwannee" and "Young and Stupid."
She tried to make a statement at the CMT Music Awards and almost succeeded.
Her over-the-knee floral stiletto boots are absolutely to die for.
Her dress, not so much.
Echoing the 2023 Oscars dominating trend of puffy sleeves, Patti donned a black dress
with super-exaggerated shoulders, resulting in a costume-like effect.
Marley Sherwood, host of CMT's "Hot 20 Countdown," helped greet the stars, and fans, on the pre-show
red carpet.
"These are the real VIPs of the CMT Music Awards!
The fans!"
She came to the party to shine — though in her case, she shone just a little too much.
The iridescent pink material of her dress was more appropriate for a Barbiecore event
than for a down-home country awards show.
The unflattering dolman sleeves and loose cut didn't help matters, either; some sheer
or lace accents and a more form-fitting style would have been an improvement.
"It's Been a Year" nicely sums up the whirlwind career climb Ashley Cooke has had.
The rising young star was named among the 16 Next Women of Country by CMT in 2023.
She's sure to have many more red-carpet opportunities in the months and years to come, so she can
be forgiven this debut fashion misstep.
Ashley's two-piece ensemble proved an awkward fit, and the glowing green shade was blinding.
Shania Twain still feels like a woman, and she's still a country music legend.
"These are the kind of moments where I really feel empowered to raise others up."
Appearing as both a presenter and a recipient of the CMT Equal Play Award, she was stunning
in her red and black sheer cutout dress.
If only the train weren't such a long and flowy walking hazard.
That sound you heard before the ceremony was the audience holding its collective breath
and hoping that she wouldn't trip over her dress in her chunky six-inch heels.
Let's face it: When Gwen Stefani makes an appearance anywhere, no one expects her to
look boring.
The 2023 CMT Music Awards were certainly no exception, and she dazzled from head to toe…almost.
She paired gold sequined shorts with a white button-down shirt, black tie and blazer, and
fishnet stockings.
Her makeup and pulled-back hair twist were spot-on.
But the big furry boots?
We're not fans.
A pair of spangled gold or black cowboy boots would have been a better choice.
Reyna Roberts, a 2021 member of the CMT Next Women of Country, has "a little hell yeah
in [her] hallelujah," as she put it in her hit "Raised Right."
Though she wasn't a nominee this year, she still walked the red carpet as an honored guest.
No one can deny her look was country-appropriate, but her long denim dress felt too casual for
a night featuring rhinestones and sweeping gowns.
Not even her black satin gloves could make this outfit look right for the occasion.
Priscilla Block is another young country star making her mark, and in a very 21st-century
way, first gaining public attention by posting her performances on TikTok.
Her message of self-acceptance has also made her popular among her fans.
But her smile was more sparkling than her style at the CMT Awards.
Priscilla's blue gown was too matronly for a young artist, even with the thigh-high slit.
Plus, the top wasn't a good fit; at one inopportune moment, it slipped and showed a bit of her bra.
We loved Jenna Paulette's bronze jumpsuit, turquoise jewelry, understated sparkly heels,
and soft, flowy waves.
But the "You Ain't No Cowboy" singer may have gone too far in proving her own status as
a cowboy, because the accessory she chose to top off her look is just far too big for
her head.
While the 10-gallon hat is certifiably country, it also distracts from the star's otherwise
flattering outfit.