Most Stunning Female Country Stars Dazzle at 2026 ACM Awards — Photos

Country music's biggest stars turned the 2026 ACM Awards red carpet into a major fashion showcase in Las Vegas. From elegant gowns to social media-fueled style debates, the night delivered plenty of memorable moments before the awards even began.

The 61st Academy of Country Music Awards brought major star power to Las Vegas on May 17, 2026, but the red carpet nearly stole the spotlight. From sleek gowns to bold styling choices, the night's fashion quickly became a major talking point online.

Several of country music's biggest female stars arrived in standout looks that drew both praise and debate across social media.

Ella Langley

Ella Langley embraced classic Hollywood glamour in a structured white gown with a corset-style bodice and flowing train. Her layered dark hair and statement necklace completed the polished look.

The singer posed for photographers at MGM Grand Garden Arena, with her dramatic silhouette quickly becoming one of the standout arrivals of the night. A second angle revealed the gown's long train and soft fabric details.

Kacey Musgraves

Kacey Musgraves opted for vintage-inspired glamour in a fitted black gown trimmed with white detailing. She paired the look with bold red lipstick and softly styled dark waves.

The understated but striking ensemble reflected the fashion-forward style fans have come to expect from the singer.

Kelsea Ballerini

Kelsea Ballerini arrived in a shimmering gold-and-cream gown featuring metallic leaf-like embellishments. Minimal accessories and loose waves kept the focus on the dress.

The look blended elegance with simplicity, helping Ballerini stand out among the night's more dramatic styles.

Shania Twain

Shania Twain drew attention in a silver metallic strapless gown paired with long black gloves and flowing dark fabric accents. The music icon confidently posed for photographers while greeting fans on the carpet.

Another arrivals photo highlighted the gown's shimmering texture and layered detailing. Twain's look quickly became one of the night's biggest conversation starters online.

Social media reactions to Twain's appearance were mixed. Under a Facebook reel from the event, one netizen wrote, "Why does she have fake hair?" while another commented, "Shania looks incredible !! What a lady 🥰."

Responses on Instagram were similarly divided. One user wrote, "Yikes 😬 didn't even recognize her. She looks extremely different," while another praised the outfit, commenting, "Finally, an outfit that's very classy and still shows off her curves."

Additional commenters focused on Twain's styling and appearance. One person wrote, "She looks incredibly different but Still the One ❤️🔥🔥🔥🔥," while another added, "What did she do to herself. She was beautiful." A separate user commented, "This wig is not it, queen."

While Twain's appearance sparked strong reactions online, she was not the only country music star whose fashion choices fueled conversation around the ACM Awards.

At the 2025 Academy of Country Music Awards on May 8, Megan Moroney made a striking entrance in a floor-length canary yellow slip dress that quickly sparked buzz online.

The one-shoulder gown featured long fringe tassels cascading down the right side, creating a daring cutout effect that revealed a glimpse of skin. Moroney completed the look with a teardrop-shaped yellow gemstone necklace that complemented the bold ensemble.

Fans were quick to point out the resemblance to a famous film moment. Many believed the outfit paid tribute to the iconic yellow dress worn by Kate Hudson in "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days."

"Her look was totally inspired by 'How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days!'" one fan wrote. Another echoed, "How to lose a guy in 10 days vibes 💛."

Social media lit up with both admiration and critique. Supporters praised the intricate design and daring elements of the gown. "The detail on the side 👏👏👏," one fan commented. Another added, "So feminine!!!! 😍"

Yet not all responses were glowing. "She decided to put clothes on," wrote one person. Some criticized the dress as too revealing. "Was a pretty dress until she turned sideways," a comment read. Another user remarked, "She looked beautiful until she showed her side. She went classy to trashy."

Someone else wrote, "She is a pretty girl, but girls need to have some modesty." Another added, "The slit is very uncalled for since she doesn’t wear anything under it. Ridiculous."

The mixed reactions reflected the fashion risks often taken on major red carpets. One user summed up the split opinions with, "She looks so sweet and innocent, but we know she’s got sass, and we are here for it!"

Moroney's bold appearance continues to solidify her status as a rising style icon in the country music scene — unafraid to stir conversation, whether by song or by style.

While Megan Moroney was certainly a topic of wide-scale discussion online, she was not the only country music star who shone brightly in the outfit she wore. Check out a few other looks worn by fellow A-listers at the ACM Awards below: