Nashville Glitters for the 59th Country Music Awards
The Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee, was the epicentre of the country music world as it hosted the 59th annual Country Music Awards. The 2025 ceremony, a landmark event for the genre, saw a parade of A-list celebrities arriving on the red carpet, each showcasing their unique and often extravagant style for the prestigious evening.
A Night of Prestigious Nominations and Host Duties
Guiding the proceedings for the night was acclaimed singer Lainey Wilson, who took on the coveted role of host. The awards themselves were hotly contested, with major stars vying for top honours. Luke Combs found himself in the running for the highly-coveted Entertainer of the Year award, while Kelsea Ballerini was nominated for Female Vocalist of the Year.
The competition for Album of the Year was particularly fierce, with a shortlist including Post Malone, Megan Moroney, Zach Top, Morgan Wallen, and the host herself, Lainey Wilson. Meanwhile, the race for New Artist of the Year featured promising talents such as Shaboozey, Ella Langley, Zach Top, Tucker Wetmore, and Stephen Wilson Jr.
Stellar Performances and Fashion Faux Pas
The musical entertainment for the evening was a veritable who's who of country music, with scheduled performances from legends and modern stars alike. The audience was treated to sets from Patty Loveless, Keith Urban, Chris Stapleton, Old Dominion, and Brandi Carlile.
However, amidst the celebration of music, all eyes were also on the fashion. The lifestyle team at the Daily Mail provided a rundown of the most notable sartorial missteps from the red carpet. Television host Carissa Culiner opted for a black, one-shoulder mini dress with dramatic white draping, drawing comparisons to a school homecoming dance. Singer Karley Scott Collins turned heads in a black leather, corset-style mini dress with a ruffled train, an outfit some felt was more suited to an after-party.
Alexandra Kay chose a strapless gown covered in 3D floral appliques, a spring-like look that seemed out of season for the event. In contrast, singer Jeremy Parsons kept it simple in a maroon-coloured suit with a black top and tie, a look some commentators described as a little too safe for the glamorous occasion.