The Most Daring Dresses Worn At The ACM Awards Throughout The Years

Published on August 20, 2023
The Academy of Country Music Awards is an evening dedicated to honoring the legends of country music, and it also offers a glimpse into some of the most exquisite gowns ever designed. Amid the timeless choices, numerous celebrities seize the chance to don dresses that are bold and captivating. Over the years, the ACM Awards have showcased a myriad of enchanting styles that continue to inspire and captivate.

Carrie Underwood

Country sensation and champion of American Idol, Carrie Underwood, proudly exhibits her remarkable legs in a mesmerizing sequined gown from her 2020 ensemble. The dress boasts a bold buckle motif and an audacious hip-high slit, creating an unforgettable look.

Carrie Underwood

Carrie Underwood

Kelsea Ballerini

Country pop singer Kelsea Ballerini challenges the red carpet itself with a sweeping long-sleeved asymmetrical red dress that plays with different textures and shades of crimson. She wears matching cowboy boots in a nod to classic country fashion.

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Kelsea Ballerini

Kelsea Ballerini

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Maren Morris

Maren Morris stuns in this gorgeous deep navy blue dress with plunging neckline and contrasting lime green embroidery details. The dress is accentuated with a thin gold dangling belt and she rounded out the look with bold hoop earrings, matching satin lime green shoes, and lots of gorgeous bangles.

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Maren Morris

Maren Morris

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Miranda Lambert

Miranda Lambert, a steadfast figure in country music, exudes an enchanting blend of witchy and glamorous allure in this distinctive attire. Bedecked in a neon green Alex Perry dress, her ensemble features a delicate neckline that accentuates her strong shoulders and clavicles. Adding to the mystique, her purse conjures images of chic potion bottles, enhancing her captivating charm.

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Miranda Lambert

Miranda Lambert

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Nicole Kidman

Accompanying her country crooner partner Keith Urban, Nicole Kidman radiates elegance in a romantic Christopher Kane dress. The gown beautifully juxtaposes delicate lace with an almost chain mail design, creating a harmonious duality of softness and strength. The plunging neckline is thoughtfully balanced by the statement sleeves, showcasing a harmonious interplay of elements.

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Nicole Kidman

Nicole Kidman

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Kacey Musgraves

Kacey Musgraves, with her youthful spirit and daring fashion sense, opts for a boldly audacious pastel power suit by Christian Cowen. Her sartorial choice eschews convention as she foregoes both shirt and bra, confidently wearing the jacket as a striking top. The jacket’s gracefully fanned sleeves elegantly counterbalance the sweeping flare of the pants, resulting in a dynamic and vibrant look.

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Kacey Musgraves

Kacey Musgraves

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Carrie Underwood, 2019

Ever the embodiment of grace and strength, Carrie Underwood once again commands attention with her iconic legs adorned in a Nicolas Jebran dress at the 2019 ACM Awards. The dress, featuring an arresting double thigh-high slit, skillfully highlights Carrie’s most striking features, radiating confidence and poise.

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Carrie Underwood 2019

Carrie Underwood 2019

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Maren Morris, 2019

Maren Morris graces the 2019 ACM Awards stage in a resplendent Christian Siriano creation. The silky mini dress, adorned with a graceful train and captivating ruffles reminiscent of seashells and waves, is a celebration of artistry and elegance. The ensemble is elegantly completed with silver heeled sandals, adding a touch of glamour to the overall mesmerizing appearance.

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Maren Morris, 2019

Maren Morris, 2019

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Rebecca Romijn

Actress Rebecca Romijn graced the 2018 ACM Awards in a captivating Uel Camilo creation that resembled the splendid hues of a peacock. Camilo’s design was undoubtedly inspired by the flamboyant bird, evident in the dress’s vibrant palette. The addition of sheer panels on the sides elevated the intrigue of the already visually captivating ensemble.

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Rebecca Romijn

Rebecca Romijn

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Kelsea Ballerini, 2018

Kelsea Ballerini chose a soft and feminine ensemble for the 2018 ACM Awards. Draped in an Aadnevik dress, she showcased a corset-style top complemented by a billowy skirt adorned with enchanting wavy edges. The look was elegantly rounded off with strappy sandals in an identical shade of white.

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Kelsea Ballerini, 2018

Kelsea Ballerini, 2018

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Nicole Kidman, 2018

Nicole Kidman exuded grace and allure at the 2018 ACM Awards in a form-fitting Michael Kors gown. The gold sequined attire featured an alluring open back, harmoniously mirroring the shade of Kidman’s blonde locks.

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Nicole Kidman, 2018

Nicole Kidman, 2018

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Miranda Lambert, 2018

Miranda Lambert’s 2018 ACM Awards appearance featured a striking Georges Chakra dress with a captivating geometric panel design at the top, effortlessly capturing attention. The sleekness of the plain skirt provided the perfect canvas for the dress’s exquisite top to shine. Her ensemble was complemented by a magenta clutch that added a vibrant touch.

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Miranda Lambert, 2018

Miranda Lambert, 2018

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Lindsey Vonn

Olympic skiing sensation Lindsey Vonn illuminated the 2018 ACM Awards with a radiant Christian Siriano dress. The sun-kissed ensemble featured a turtleneck, form-fitting, long-sleeved top, perfectly balanced by a voluminous, flouncy tulle skirt that demanded attention. A sophisticated top knot hairstyle further enhanced her elegance.

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Lindsey Vonn

Lindsey Vonn

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Jennifer Nettles

Singer Jennifer Nettles, one-half of the Sugarland duo, embraced a tropical vibe at the 2018 ACM Awards with her J. Mendel dress. The velveteen form-fitting dress showcased an intricate leaf design resembling delicate feathers.

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Jennifer Nettles

Jennifer Nettles

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Jana Kramer

Country artist Jana Kramer, renowned for her role on TV’s One Tree Hill, opted for a daring plunging neckline at the 2015 ACM Awards. The dress’s chevron pattern introduced a geometric dimension to her striking ensemble.

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Jana Kramer

Jana Kramer

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Savannah Chrisley

Reality TV personality Savannah Chrisley made a bold statement at the 2017 ACM Awards with her dramatic dress. The dress featured sheer paneling that provided an audacious glimpse of skin, while the form-fitting silhouette exuded sophistication. The dramatic black velvet evoked memories of Morticia Addams’ iconic gown, infusing the look with timeless allure.

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Savannah Chrisley

Savannah Chrisley

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Julianne Hough

Julianne Hough, the multi-talented country singer, actress, and professional dancer, graces the 2011 ACM Awards in a captivating halter neckline dress by Randi Rahm. The rich dark peach hue harmonizes flawlessly with her skin tone, accentuated by a jade and gold cuff that serves as the perfect complementary accessory.

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Julianne Hough

Julianne Hough

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Carrie Underwood, 2016

At the 2016 ACM Awards, Carrie Underwood channels the flapper era with a Davidson Zanine dress. The intricately designed scallop beading leaves a lasting impression, enhanced by the sheer top that imparts an elegant draping quality to the dress.

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Carrie Underwood, 2016

Carrie Underwood, 2016

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Taylor Swift

Country and pop icon Taylor Swift captivates at the 2014 ACM Awards in an enchanting J. Mendel top and skirt ensemble. The long skirt exhibits a daring thigh-high slit that offers a subtle glimpse of leg, while the top’s tasteful cutouts bestow a halter-like appearance with delicate sleeves.

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Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift

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Shania Twain

Original country pop princess Shania Twain makes a striking entrance at the 2013 ACM Awards in thigh-high boots. Her ensemble features a loose-fitting strapless dress with billowing layers cascading behind. Loose waves adorn her hair, and she completes the look with a gold cuff and elegant drop earrings.

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Shania Twain

Shania Twain

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Nicole Kidman, 2016

For the 2016 ACM Awards, Nicole Kidman radiates an irresistible allure. Adorned in an Alexander McQueen creation, her ensemble comprises a sleek little black dress accentuated by a long-sleeved sheer overlay adorned with intricate designs. This dress commands attention and admiration without reservation.

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Nicole Kidman, 2016

Nicole Kidman, 2016

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Miranda Lambert, 2014

Miranda Lambert’s choice for the 2014 ACM Awards is a timeless masterpiece by Randi Rahm. The classic mermaid silhouette in a neutral tone captures elegance with just the right hint of form-fitting allure. The daring highlight of the dress is the deep plunge up top, adding a touch of fearless charm.

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Miranda Lambert, 2014

Miranda Lambert, 2014

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Sheryl Crow

Sheryl Crow astounds in a Christian Siriano dress at the 2014 ACM Awards. The dress’s geometric design gracefully accentuates her figure, while her accessories—a pair of geometric gold earrings and a matching black clutch—perfectly complement the ensemble.

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Sheryl Crow

Sheryl Crow

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Kimberly Schlapman

Little Big Town’s Kimberly Schlapman makes a bold statement at the 2015 ACM Awards in a vibrant hot pink dress. The dress’s simple design lets the color speak for itself, and she elevates the look with a black and silver clutch.

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Kimberly Schlapman

Kimberly Schlapman

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Cassadee Pope

Cassadee Pope steals the show at the 2017 ACM Awards in a stunning ensemble. The sheer black overlay drapes over an ensemble reminiscent of a bikini set, adorned with captivating cherry blossom motifs that add a touch of artistry and charm throughout.

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Cassadee Pope

Cassadee Pope

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LeAnn Rimes

LeAnn Rimes exudes a captivating blend of 60s and 70s vibes in her Stella McCartney dress at the 2012 ACM Awards. The dress’s geometric circle pattern takes center stage, further enhanced by a white mesh panel. Tan platforms and an equally geometric clutch serve as the perfect accessories to complement the ensemble.

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LeAnn Rimes

LeAnn Rimes

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Bebe Rexha

Bebe Rexha brings an air of elegance and drama to the 2018 ACM Awards with her Yanina Couture dress. The form-fitting black attire’s focal point is a sheer, ruffled top that gracefully extends down to Bebe’s arms, leading into sleeves adorned with intricate branch motifs.

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Bebe Rexha

Bebe Rexha

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Shakira

Pop sensation Shakira achieves perfection in her Zuhair Murad dress at the 2013 ACM Awards. The form-fitting teal gown boasts bold cutouts along the hip-line and shoulders, evoking imagery reminiscent of delicate butterfly wings.

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Shakira

Shakira

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Danielle Peck

Country artist Danielle Peck turns heads in a vibrant yellow dress at the 2013 ACM Awards. The form-fitting mermaid silhouette is accentuated by a tulle mermaid tail. A layered diamond necklace and matching cuff provide the finishing touches.

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Danielle Peck

Danielle Peck

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Julianne Hough, 2010

Julianne Hough embodies 2010 trends in her ACM Awards look. Her hairstyle features the iconic “bumpit” bump that was popular at the time. Her elegant white Basil Soda Couture dress is adorned with an intriguing metallic corset-like overlay.

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Julianne Hough, 2010

Julianne Hough, 2010

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Carrie Underwood, 2018

Carrie Underwood captivates with her timeless beauty in her 2018 ACM Awards dress. The metallic minidress boasts a flapper-style bottom, surely inviting twirls of joy.

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Carrie Underwood, 2018

Carrie Underwood, 2018

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Eve

Multitalented artist Eve graces the 2018 ACM Awards in a baby pink Parabal Gurung dress, radiating sheer elegance. The simple yet chic dress showcases a thigh-high slit and a delicately ruffled collar, accompanied by matching silky-soft ruffled sleeves.

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Eve

Eve

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Kaley Cuoco

Kaley Cuoco, renowned for her role in the Big Bang Theory, dazzles at the 2013 ACM Awards in a striking BCBG Max Azria dress. The black geometric attire features a halter neckline and designs that accentuate her curves. Complementing her look are geometric triangular earrings and a black clutch.

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Kaley Cuoco

Kaley Cuoco

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Carrie Underwood, 2017

Carrie Underwood’s affinity for metallic dresses shines once more at the 2017 ACM Awards. Her LaBourjoisie creation weaves a stunning blend of sheer light peach tulle with bedazzled feather-shaped designs, crowned by a breathtaking dramatic neckline.

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Carrie Underwood, 2017

Carrie Underwood, 2017

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Jennifer Nettles, 2012

Jennifer Nettles, lead singer of Soul Miner’s Daughter and the Jennifer Nettles Band, radiates in a Max Azria Atelier dress at the 2012 ACM Awards. The delicate pink attire showcases geometric paneling, emphasized by a bright yellow belt cinching at the waistline.

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Jennifer Nettles, 2012

Jennifer Nettles, 2012

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Katy Perry

Pop sensation Katy Perry pays homage to Dolly Parton at the 2016 ACM Awards in a Jeremy Scott Couture ensemble that offers a modern twist on classic country aesthetics. A metallic blue fringed skirt and leather jacket harmonize with pink cowboy boots and a cow-hide patterned belt buckle.

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Katy Perry

Katy Perry

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Taylor Swift, 2012

Taylor Swift captivates in a simple yet refined J. Mendel dress at the 2012 ACM Awards. The delicate gown boasts a Sabrina neckline and understated gold detailing, elegantly highlighted by a matching bracelet.

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Taylor Swift, 2012

Taylor Swift, 2012

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Nicole Kidman, 2011

Actress Nicole Kidman makes a bold choice in a form-fitting snakeskin L’Wren Scott dress with furry sleeve straps at the 2011 ACM Awards. The dress’s small slit on the side offers a teasing glimpse of skin.

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Nicole Kidman, 2011

Nicole Kidman, 2011

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Carrie Underwood, 2011

For the 2011 ACM Awards, Carrie Underwood opts for a jewel-toned floor-length gown that exudes timeless elegance. Sequined flowers and gems accentuate the waistline of the classic dress, with a few matching rings completing the simple yet refined look.

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Carrie Underwood, 2011

Carrie Underwood, 2011

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Taylor Swift, 2013

Taylor Swift embraces an updated flapper style with her Dolce & Gabbana dress at the 2013 ACM Awards, featuring intricate beading and a captivating shine. The dress makes a statement on its own, requiring no additional accessories to enhance its allure.

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Taylor Swift, 2013

Taylor Swift, 2013

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