On Wednesday, Katy Perry tried something different by performing at the 56th Annual Country Music Association Awards. Despite being known for her pop music, the 38-year-old singer brought a modern twist to the traditional country ceremony as she sang a duet with Thomas Rhett for their single Where We Started. The CMAs featured other notable performances, including a tribute to the late Loretta Lynn and appearances by popular country artists like Carrie Underwood, Miranda Lambert, and Chris Stapleton. It was truly a night to remember with an array of talented musicians showcasing their skills.
Katy Perry ventured into new territory on Wednesday as she made her first appearance at the 56th Annual Country Music Association Awards. The 38-year-old singer added her own unique style to the ceremony when she performed a duet with Thomas Rhett, 32, singing their single Where We Started. To fit in with the country music vibe, Katy wore a striking denim off-the-shoulder dress which appeared to be made from an upcycled jacket. The dress featured a collar that cut out awkwardly over her midriff, revealing her high-waisted fishnet stockings beneath. The outfit also included a high slit which cleverly arranged the shredded denim fabric into decorative fringe. Katy completed her country look with knee-high black boots and a black leather cowboy hat that matched her straight raven hair.
Katy made a bold fashion statement at the country music award show with her denim off-the-shoulder dress, proving she was up for the occasion.
Rewritten: It seemed like the outfit was upcycled from an old denim jacket, with the collar still intact, resulting in a peculiar gap over her stomach that exposed her stylish fishnet stockings beneath.
Thomas looked relaxed and laid back, donning a black leather jacket that he paired with a simple T-shirt and jeans. He had also grown out a thick beard to complete his casual look. During the performance, Rhett took to the stage alone, accompanied by pop-inspired rhythm tracks and a hidden string section behind long streamers. The crowd went wild when Katy finally emerged from the streamers and joined him on stage. Their performance of “Where We Started” was the perfect ending to Rhett’s successful album of the same name, which was released earlier this year in April.
Beginning with a heartfelt opening, the program brought together three of country music’s biggest names, including Miranda Lambert, Carrie Underwood, and Reba McEntire, to pay homage to the iconic Loretta Lynn, who passed away on October 4th at the age of 90.
Carrie wore a dazzling pink and green outfit while performing You Ain’t Woman Enough. Miranda, on the other hand, looked lively in a short black dress with fringed detailing and vibrant embroidery while singing the popular tune Don’t Come Home a-Drinkin’ (With Lovin’ on Your Mind).
Reba chose to don a classic Western outfit in black, complete with shimmering green fringe and highlights on the sleeves and pants, as she belted out her rendition of the iconic 1971 tune, “You’re Lookin’ at Country.”
The concert began with a tribute to the late Loretta Lynn, who passed away on October 4 at the age of 90. Country music divas Carrie Underwood, Miranda Lambert, and Reba McEntire honored the legendary singer by performing her classic song “You Ain’t Woman Enough.” The opening featured a flashback clip of Lynn accepting a CMA award in the past, emphasizing how grateful she was for the recognition. Carrie wore a stunning dress that blended muted red carpet colors with a lime green top and a bubblegum pink skirt. The dazzling sequins covering the dress made it shine under the stage lights. The performance highlighted Lynn’s significance in the country music industry, as she deserved to be celebrated by multiple artists. Therefore, Miranda Lambert and Reba McEntire also performed their solo renditions of Lynn’s songs during the show.
Impressionable: The trio of stars collaborated for an ultimate rendition of Coal Miner’s Daughter towards the end.
The much-loved song served as the inspiration for the popular biographical film from 1980, which chronicled the life of Lynn and featured the talented Sissy Spacek in the lead role.
As she belted out the lyrics to the popular song “Don’t Come Home a-Drinkin’ (With Lovin’ on Your Mind),” Miranda looked lighthearted and carefree in a fringed top, colorful embroidery, and a black Snake Farm Creative minidress. Reba, on the other hand, chose to wear a black Western suit with striking green fringe and accents on her sleeves and pant legs while singing the 1971 hit “You’re Lookin’ at Country.” Finally, all three stars came together for a rousing rendition of “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” the title track of Lynn’s 1980 biopic that starred Sissy Spacek as the renowned singer.
After a short while, Carrie made a reappearance in a charming checker-patterned dress in white, as she gave tribute to Alan Jackson by singing his song “Remember When.” Jackson was receiving the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award.
Miranda Lambert rocked the stage with a thrilling performance of Geraldene, while donning a custom-made Cat O’ Nine Clothing top and colorful studded bellbottoms paired with Daniel x Diamond boots. Carrie Underwood also returned to pay tribute to Alan Jackson’s Remember When, while he was being honored with the prestigious Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement award. Her sparkling white checker-print dress added to her magnificent performance on stage. People reported on Miranda Lambert’s stunning outfit that perfectly matched her electrifying performance.
Collaboration is key, as demonstrated during Ashley McBryde’s performance at the event. Introduced by Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning, McBryde assembled a group including Brandy Clark, Pillbox Patti, and Caylee Hammack to deliver her song “When Will I Be Loved.” Truly showcasing the idea that “it takes a village.”
Dapper: The following act was none other than Cody Johnson, who graced the stage in a stylish gray blazer paired with denim jeans. He belted out his hit song “Til You Can’t” with sheer brilliance.
Cole Swindell donned a relaxed look, sporting a gray suede fringed jacket during his performance of his hit song, She Had Me At Heads Carolina. Joining him on stage was Jo Dee Messina, who rocked a brown leather jacket and leopard-print top. Ashley McBryde brought out an ensemble consisting of Brandy Clark, Pillbox Patti, and Caylee Hammack to perform her son When Will I Be Loved, after being introduced by Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning. Cody Johnson took the stage next, dressed in a gray blazer and jeans as he performed ‘Til You Can’t.
Enthusiastic: Luke Combs opted for a laid-back attire, sporting a black button-up shirt with short sleeves while delivering a heartfelt rendition of his hit track, The Kind Of Love We Make.
Luke Bryan was quite occupied at the CMAs, as he not only hosted the event with Manning but also performed his own song. During his performance, the American Idol judge sported a relaxed look with a gray leather shirt and dark jeans that had a blown-out style.
Carly Pearce paid homage to Loretta Young by performing Dear Miss Loretta. Her outfit comprised a beautiful green tulle dress adorned with glittery sequins. Meanwhile, Luke Combs kept it simple yet stylish with a black short-sleeve button-up shirt as he sang The Kind Of Love We Make with passion. Luke Bryan, who was hosting the CMAs, also performed one of his own songs in a gray leather shirt with rolled-up sleeves and dark jeans. Pearce’s tribute performance to Loretta Young included a stunning green tulle dress that shone with sparkling sequins.
The concert took a thrilling turn when the Zac Brown Band displayed their rock side through their performance of “Out In The Middle”. Brown sported an all-black outfit and a hat while playing his acoustic guitar with passion. The electric guitar was skillfully played by Marcus King, who added a heavier touch to the song with his shredding skills. It was truly an electrifying moment.
In a hauntingly captivating performance, Hardy and Lainey Wilson joined forces to deliver a duet rendition of “Wait in The Truck”. The stage was set with a pickup truck surrounded by a cinematic fog, adding to the eerie ambiance of the performance. Shifting gears to a more rock-oriented performance, The Zac Brown Band played “Out In The Middle,” with Brown dressed entirely in black and accompanied by Marcus King on the electric guitar, bringing a heavier sound to the song. Each artist brought their unique touch to the stage, showcasing their musical prowess and keeping the audience thoroughly entertained.
Enjoying to the fullest: Kelsea Ballerini arrived in style wearing a denim off-the-shoulder mini dress and thigh-high boots with a floral print. She gave a fantastic performance of the song “You’re Drunk, Go Home” with enthusiasm and energy.
During a recent musical event, some of the industry’s leading ladies wowed the crowd with their stunning performances and stylish outfits. Kelsea Ballerini made a bold statement in a denim off-the-shoulder mini dress paired with thigh-high floral print boots as she performed her hit song “You’re Drunk, Go Home.” Later on, Carly Pearce and Kelly Clarkson joined her on stage, turning her solo performance into a trio. Carly looked radiant and playful in a striking blue romper adorned with a massive bow over her chest, while Kelly chose a more casual look in a button-up black dress. The ladies definitely showed that they are leading the way not only in music but also in fashion.
Morgan Wallen made a comeback at the CMA awards, a year after he was banned due to a video that captured him using a racial slur while intoxicated. Surprisingly, there was no sign of the scandal during his performance.
In a laid-back fashion, the popular country artist donned a black denim jacket paired with a comfortable white t-shirt and coordinating black jeans whilst performing his hit tune, “You Proof.”
Patty Loveless and Chris Stapleton, along with his spouse Morgan, delivered a powerful and heart-wrenching rendition of You’ll Never Leave Harlem Alive. The trio donned matching black outfits for the performance.
The band Brothers Osborne recently teamed up with Michael and Tanya Trotter for a special performance of the iconic Rolling Stones tune “It’s Only Rock ‘n’ Roll (But I Like It)” in the classic rock genre.
Elle King received support from The Black Keys while performing a rendition of Great Balls Of Fire to pay homage to Jerry Lee Lewis. Her performance was full of high energy.
In an electrifying performance, Elle King paid homage to Jerry Lee Lewis with backing from The Black Keys. As Dan Auerbach tore it up on guitar, King pounded away at the piano, even using her foot like Lewis did, before the instrument burst into flames. Morgan Wallen made a comeback to the CMA stage a year after his controversial appearance, dressed in a black denim jacket, white T-shirt, and matching black jeans as he sang his hit “You Proof.” Patty Loveless and Chris Stapleton, both clad in black, were joined by Morgan for an emotional rendition of “You’ll Never Leave Harlan Alive.” Brothers Osborne teamed up with Michael and Tanya Trotter to perform the Rolling Stones classic “It’s Only Rock ‘n’ Roll (But I Like It).”
Celebrating an icon: The event’s standout moment was a special recognition of the country music legend, Alan Jackson. The tribute showcased a range of his greatest hits performed by talented artists including Jon Pardi, Dierks Bentley, and Lainey Wilson.
The night wouldn’t have been perfect without the big man’s performance. Dressed in a black shirt with musical notes and bright blue jeans, he took the stage and sang Don’t Rock The Juke Box. The tribute to Alan Jackson featuring Jon Pardi, Dierks Bentley, and Lainey Wilson was also a highlight of the night. They performed a medley of his most popular songs, which the audience enjoyed. To finish the award show, Jackson came back on stage to perform and was joined by the group who honored him, resulting in a moving finale.
The award show came to an exciting conclusion as Jackson was accompanied by the entire group for a remarkable finale, ultimately paying tribute to him.