Fans voted tirelessly in the hopes of seeing their favorite country music stars honored during the 2020 CMT Music Awards on Wednesday evening.
And the biggest names in the industry, such as country cutie Kelsea Ballerini, showcased their individual styles as they graced the socially-distanced red carpet in Nashville, Tennessee.
Ballerini, 27, showcased her enviably tanned and toned legs in a striking sequin mini dress, while posing for shutterbugs.
Strike a pose: The biggest names in the industry, such as country cutie Kelsea Ballerini, showcased their individual styles as they graced the socially-distanced red carpet at the 2020 CMT Awards in Nashville, Tennessee on Wednesday evening
Striking: Ballerini, 27, showcased her enviably tanned and toned legs in a striking sequin mini dress, while posing for shutterbugs
The Miss Me More singer’s disco-ball inspired get-up included a sexy mock neck and bat sleeves that tapered at the wrists.
She slipped her feet into a pair of strappy heels that were doused in glitter and winded around her ankles in a perfect spiral.
Kelsea’ lengthy blonde hair was meticulously straightened, parted neatly to one side, and placed behind her ears in order to show off her various earrings.
Noah Cyrus got back to her country roots for the annual award ceremony by rocking a denim cowboy hat and a pair of matching riding boots.
Discoball: The Miss Me More singer’s disco-ball inspired get-up included a sexy mock neck and bat sleeves that tapered at the wrists
Spiral fantasy: She slipped her feet into a pair of strappy heels that were doused in glitter and winded around her ankles in a perfect spiral
The 20-year-old sister of Miley Cyrus kept the denim going as she layered an oversized jacket doused in yellow embroidery over a bright orange crop top.
She then slipped on a pair of unique, patchwork jeans that featured various denim washes and mixed up the construction of the classic closet staple.
Sarah Hyland, who is hosting the 2020 CMT Music Awards with Kane Brown and Ashley McBryde, left little to the imagination in a lavender maxi skirt that was riddled in circular cut-outs.
The eye-catching skirt was also covered in light reflecting rhinestones that perfectly tied into her bejeweled fuchsia crop top.
Howdy: Noah Cyrus got back to her country roots for the annual award ceremony by rocking a denim cowboy hat and a pair of matching riding boots
Denim-on-denim: The 20-year-old sister of Miley Cyrus kept the denim going as she layered an oversized jacket doused in yellow embroidery over a bright orange crop top
Collaborators: Noah Cyrus posed for a socially-distanced photo with country crooner and collaborator Jimmie Allen, 34
The 29-year-old Modern Family star had her brunette hair styled into a sleek, low ponytail and she rocked a K-Beauty inspired pout that softly faded out at the edges.
To bring attention to the coronavirus pandemic and the upcoming election in the United States, Hyland briefly donned a hot pink face mask that had the word ‘Vote’ written on it in white lettering.
Grammy Award-winning country music group Little Big Town oozed star power as they posed for photos together during Wednesday evening’s step-and-repeat.
Kimberly Schlapman looked runway-ready in a black mesh mini dress that featured intricate multi-colored floral embroidery down the sleeves, up towards her neck, and all around the hem.
Peek-a-boo: Sarah Hyland, who is hosting the 2020 CMT Music Awards with Kane Brown and Ashley McBryde, left little to the imagination in a lavender maxi skirt that was riddled in circular cut-outs
Bejeweled: The eye-catching skirt was also covered in light reflecting rhinestones that perfectly tied into her bejeweled fuchsia crop top
Using her platform: To bring attention to the current coronavirus pandemic and the upcoming election in the United States, Hyland briefly donned a hot pink face mask that had the word ‘Vote’ written on it in white lettering
The 51-year-old vocalist rocked her famous curly blonde hair in its natural form and fastened a pair of orange beaded drop earrings to her ears for an added pop of color.
Little Big Town’s second matriarch Karen Fairchild donned a glittery blue figure hugging dress that ruched across the midsection and neatly gathered at one side.
The 51-year-old singer wore her brunette hair in a variety of loose waves and she slipped her feet into some holographic stiletto heels.
Little Big Town guitarist Philip Sweet looked every bit the rockstar in an off white moto jacket that he layered over a plain black tee and paired with some black trousers.
Star power: Grammy Award-winning country music group Little Big Town oozed star power as they posed for photos together during Wednesday evening’s step-and-repeat
Runway-ready: Kimberly Schlapman looked runway-ready in a black mesh mini dress that featured intricate multi-colored floral embroidery down the sleeves, up towards her neck, and all around the hem
Natural: The 51-year-old vocalist rocked her famous curly blonde hair in its natural form and fastened a pair of orange beaded drop earrings to her ears for an added pop of color
Glitz: Little Big Town’s second matriarch Karen Fairchild donned a glittery blue figure hugging dress that ruched across the midsection and neatly gathered at one side
Simple, but stylish: Little Big Town’s Philip Sweet and Jimi Westbrook perfectly presented their personal styles on the red carpet
And last, but not least, Jimi Westbrook looked ultra stylish in a gorgeous silk, floral print button down and a pair of black velvet trousers that coordinated with his dress shoes.
Mickey Guyton took pregnancy glow to the next level by draping a glittering mesh gown over her burgeoning baby bump.
The 37-year-old Black Like Me singer, who tenderly cradled her bump, kept her dress the focus by wearing a pair of transparent heels.
Ashley McBryde, Ingrid Andress, and American Idol alum Gabby Barrett proved that glamour can be achieved without a glitzy ball gown.
Glowing: Mickey Guyton took pregnancy glow to the next level by draping a glittering mesh gown over her burgeoning baby bump
Pants for the win: Ashley McBryde, Ingrid Andress, and American Idol alum Gabby Barrett proved that glamour can be achieved without a glitzy ball gown
Switch up: McBryde, Ingrid, and Barrett were just some of the many ladies that chose to pose for photos on the red carpet in a pair of stylish trousers
McBryde, Ingrid, and Barrett were just some of the many ladies that chose to pose for photos on the red carpet in a pair of stylish trousers.
Country heartthrob Morgan Wallen kept it uber casual in a solid brown tee and a pair of faded denim jeans.
The 27-year-old Whiskey Glasses singer, who was recently the booted as a Saturday Night Live musical guest due to potential COVID-19 exposure, made sure to comb out his mullet for the annual event.
Dan Smyers and Shay Mooney of Dan + Shay took home Best Group at the ACM Awards in September and the duo looked more than confident in their CMT Music Awards fate as they beamed on Wednesday.
Casual: Country heartthrob Morgan Wallen kept it uber casual in a solid brown tee and a pair of faded denim jeans
Hats off: HARDY and Luke Combs kept the country spirit alive by rocking trucker hats with their CMT Music Awards ensembles, which also happened to include a staple pair of cowboy boots
Confident: Dan Smyers and Shay Mooney of Dan + Shay took home Best Group at the ACM Awards in September and the duo looked more than confident in their CMT Music Awards fate as they beamed on Wednesday
HARDY and Luke Combs kept the country spirit alive by rocking trucker hats with their CMT Music Awards ensembles, which also happened to include a staple pair of cowboy boots.
Jimmie Allen showed off his affinity for streetwear by rocking a slew of well known brands as he flashed a ‘hang loose’ hand sign on the carpet.
The 34-year-old country singer layered a bright Bel Air 34 jersey over a black Champion long sleeve thermal that coordinated with his Nike Air Jordan sweat pants.
Allen, who is set to perform with Noah Cyrus, tucked his sweats into a pair of brand new Timberland boots
Hang loose: Jimmie Allen showed off his affinity for streetwear by rocking a slew of well known brands as he flashed a ‘hang loose’ hand sign on the carpet
Classic silhouette: Riley Green and Sam Hunt, like many male country artists that were in attendance, leaned on a classic Southern aesthetic, which often includes a pair of snazzy riding boots, tapered jeans, and a tee shirt of choice
Riley Green and Sam Hunt, like many male country artists that were in attendance, leaned on a classic Southern aesthetic, which often includes a pair of snazzy riding boots, tapered jeans, and a tee shirt of choice.
The CMT Music Awards are set to reveal country fans’ favorites during the 2020 ceremony on Wednesday, October 21st.
Hosts Ashley McBryde, Kane Brown and actress Sarah Hyland will be taking the reins during the virtual show, where the winners are determined entirely by fan votes.
In light of COVID, the awards will feature pre-taped performances at Bicentennial Park in downtown Nashville, Sycamore Farms in Arrington, Tennessee, Ruskin Cave in Dickson County, Tennessee and the Estate at Cherokee Dock, also in Tennessee.
Taking the outdoor stage will be beloved country artists Maren Morris, Luke Bryan and icon Shania Twain.
Pop star Halsey is teaming up with Kelsea Ballerini to perform, likely set to sing their collaboration The Other Girl.
Also representing the pop world will be Noah Cyrus, who will duet with Jimmie Allen on their track This Is Us.
Hosts Ashley McBryde – who was last year’s artist of the year winner – and Kane Brown will also be performing, along with Dan + Shay, Gabby Barrett, Little Big Town, Luke Combs with Brooks & Dunn, Morgan Wallen and Sam Hunt.
And the list of presenters is equally as star-studded. Taylor Swift, Katy Perry, and Kelly Clarkson will grace the show as will Brandi Carlile, Demi Lovato, Diplo, Idina Menzel, Jessica Chastain, Rob Thomas, and Tanya Tucker.
With just eight awards categories, the competition will be tight at Wednesday’s CMT Music Awards.
2020 CMT Music Award Nominations
VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Best video of the year; awarded to the artist (male, female, group/duo or collaboration) and the video director.
Ashley McBryde – One Night Standards
Blanco Brown – The Git Up
Carrie Underwood – Drinking Alone
Dan + Shay – I Should Probably Go To Bed
Keith Urban – Polaroid
Kelsea Ballerini – homecoming queen?
Ashley McBryde, above October 16 at the Billboard Music Awards, is nominated in three categories and will be hosting the awards
Luke Combs, above at the Billboard Music Awards last week, is up for three honors
Little Big Town – Sugar Coat
Luke Combs – Beer Never Broke My Heart
Miranda Lambert – Bluebird
Old Dominion – Some People Do
Sam Hunt – Hard To Forget
Tanya Tucker – Bring My Flowers Now
The Chicks – Gaslighter
Thomas Rhett – Remember You Young
The Chicks (formerly the Dixie Chicks) have been nominated twice this year, seen above in their video for Gaslighter
Tanya Tucker has one nomination and will also be performing. She’s seen during the 2019 CMA Awards above
FEMALE VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Best video by a female artist; awarded to the artist
Ashley McBryde – One Night Standards
Carrie Underwood – Drinking Alone
Gabby Barrett – I Hope
Kelsea Ballerini – homecoming queen?
Maren Morris – The Bones
Miranda Lambert – Bluebird
Carrie Underwood is up for two trophies at this year’s ceremony. She’s seen at the 2018 CMT Music Awards above
Maren Morris is nominated for Female Video Of The Year and will also perform. She’s seen during September Academy of Country Music Awards above
MALE VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Best video by a male artist; awarded to the artist
Jason Aldean – Got What I Got
Luke Bryan – One Margarita
Luke Combs – Even Though I’m Leaving
Morgan Wallen – Chasin’ You (Dream Video)
Sam Hunt – Hard To Forget
Thomas Rhett – Remember You Young
Thomas Rhett is one of the several people leading the list with three nominations. He’s seen during the 2020 Academy of Country Music Awards above
Morgan Wallen has one nomination. He’s seen during the 55th Academy of Country Music Awards at the Grand Ole Opry on September 13 above
GROUP VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Best video by a group; awarded to the artists
Lady A – Champagne Night
Little Big Town – Wine, Beer, Whiskey (Live Cut)
Midland – Cheatin’ Songs (Live From the Palomino)
Old Dominion – One Man Band
The Chicks – Gaslighter
The Highwomen – Crowded Table
Little Big Town has nominations in two categories. They’re pictured performing at Carnegie Hall in January 2020 above
Old Dominion, above at the 2019 CMA Awards, will be competing in two categories
DUO VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Best video by a duo; awarded to the artists
Brothers Osborne – All Night (Studio Performance)
Dan + Shay – I Should Probably Go To Bed
Florida Georgia Line – Blessings
LOCASH – One Big Country Song
Maddie & Tae – Die From A Broken Heart
Duo Dan + Shay, seen above at the 2019 CMA Awards, have three nominations
Florida Georgia Line has one nomination for their song Blessings. They’re seen performing in 2019 above
BREAKTHROUGH VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Best video from an artist’s major breakthrough album; awarded to the artist (male, female or group/duo)
Blanco Brown – The Git Up
Caylee Hammack – Family Tree
Gabby Barrett – I Hope
Ingrid Andress – More Hearts Than Mine
Riley Green – I Wish Grandpas Never Died
Travis Denning – After a Few
Blanco Brown has two nominations for The Git Up, marking his first CMT nods. A still from his much-watched video is seen above
Gabby Barrett is up for a Breakthrough Video award for her track I Hope. She’s seen at the August 25th CMA Awards above
COLLABORATIVE VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Best video from a collaboration; awarded to the artists
Blake Shelton with Gwen Stefani – Nobody But You
Carly Pearce and Lee Brice – I Hope You’re Happy Now
Dan + Shay and Justin Bieber – 10,000 Hours
Kane Brown featuring Nelly – Cool Again
Marshmello and Kane Brown – One Thing Right
Thomas Rhett featuring Jon Pardi – Beer Can’t Fix
Blake Shelton and girlfriend Gwen Stefani earned a Collaborative Video Of The Year nod for their song Nobody But You, seen performing at the Grammy’s in January
The Dan + Shay and Justin Bieber collaboration 10,000 Hours is in contention. A still from the music video is seen above
CMT PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR
Musical performance on a television show, series or variety special on CMT; awarded to the artist (individual, group or duo)
From CMT Artists of the Year: Ashley McBryde – One Night Standards
From CMT Crossroads: Brooks & Dunn and Luke Combs – Brand New Man
From CMT Artists of the Year: Chris Young – Drowning
From CMT Crossroads: Halsey and Kelsea Ballerini – Graveyard
From CMT Artists of the Year: Sam Hunt – Fancy
From CMT Crossroads: Sheryl Crow and Chris Stapleton – Tell Me When It’s Over
Halsey and Kelsea Ballerini performance of Graveyard from an episode of CMT Crossroads (above) is up for CMT Performance Of The Year