The Worst-Dressed Stars At The 2024 CMT Awards

Cowboy boots across the country tapped in excitement tonight as the 23rd CMT Music Awards took place at the Moody Center in Austin, Texas. Returning to host the evening's events for the fourth year was Kelsea Ballerini, the singer-songwriter behind hits such as "Heartfirst and "Peter Pan." Plus, the night's performers included several superstars, from Brittney Spencer to Keith Urban, who took to the CMT Music Awards main stage with flair and passion.

We couldn't wait to hear our favorite hits at this evening's CMT Music Awards, but there was another reason we were glued to our screens. Like any awards ceremony, celebrity fashions are one of the biggest draws for millions of viewers, and the looks on tonight's red carpet certainly didn't disappoint. Anne Wilson slayed in an Easter prom dress-esque lace dress, while Lainey Wilson appeared in mirrored glam-rock flares. Naturally, some guests' styling choices left us feeling twangs of disappointment. But hey, what would country be without a little heartache? 

So, without further ado, tip back your hat and kick off your Tony Llamas — it's time to dig into the worst-dressed celebs at the 2024 CMT Music Awards.

First on our list is Kylie Frey, the rodeo girl and rising country star from Opelousas, Louisiana. The "America's Got Talent" semifinalist arrived at the 23rd CMT Music Awards in a rather dashing green gown, but we couldn't get past her subpar styling choices. Even though a cowboy hat is a go-to accessory in this genre, it didn't do Frey any favors on tonight's red carpet. Furthermore, her long, straight locks dragged her down alongside her floor-sweeping dress. A sleek updo, emerald statement jewelry, or chandelier earrings would have made all the difference in Frey's 'fit this evening.

Abbey Cone may have earned a place as one of CMT's Next Women of Country, but the Nashville-based singer-songwriter didn't score high marks on the red carpet tonight. We know dark tights and stilettos are trendy right now — just look at Ariana Grande's recent Old Hollywood-inspired looks. However, Cone missed the mark with this color combo. Her faded denim separates would have looked far more streamlined with a pair of gray or taupe tights instead of all-black everything. But even though we didn't love her finishing touches, we still have to admit we dig the bedazzled trim along her top and shorts.

The Cyrus family is known for its trendsetting fashion choices, from Miley's Cyrus' Barbarella-inspired Grammys hair to little sister Noah Cyrus' daring stage outfits. Because of this, it pains us to report that Brandi Cyrus broke tradition at tonight's CMT Music Awards, delivering a rather lackluster serve on its plush red carpet. She donned a figure-hugging denim minidress with black trim, complemented by strappy black heels. Now, we're sure we'd be blown away if we saw Brandi wear this to, say, a high school house party in 2006, but for the CMT Music Awards, the pared-down denim 'fit felt like a massive letdown.

It may not seem like it, but wearing black can be risky on a red carpet. After all, the only thing worse than offending fashion critics is boring them. Campbell Puckett wasn't the only celeb to wear a little black dress to the 2024 CMT Music Awards, but hers was among our least favorites. She certainly looks gorgeous, from her glowing visage to her big, bouncy blowout. Still, the TikTok star's simple mesh bodice and safe styling choices left us yearning for far more than we received. Something as simple as a bold red lip or a chic vintage scarf could have elevated this yawn-worthy 'fit instantly.

Another beauty who wore an LBD at tonight's event was Amber Riley, the gorgeous star who rose to fame on "Glee." Though we couldn't get enough of Riley's accessories — from her sparkling, strappy shoes to her flawless hair and makeup — we didn't feel the same about her dress. Whereas Puckett's black minidress didn't stand out enough, Riley's felt a little too theatrical for the occasion. Full-length fringe was already bold, but the addition of all-over sequins shifted things into competitive figure skating territory. That said, Riley's outfit may have been the most redeemable of all our worst-dressed picks this evening.

Dasha has accomplished quite a bit throughout her career, including a now-viral TikTok dance to her hit song "Austin." We wish her 2024 CMT Music Awards ensemble was another smash success, but we were put off by its major Carole Baskin vibes. Now, there's nothing wrong with a polished animal-print dress when worn correctly. In this case, however, Dasha's garment looked more like an upcycled sheet set than a high-end print. 

We love "The Little Mermaid," and we're guessing Ashley Cooke does, too. The singer-songwriter walked the CMT Music Awards red carpet in an aquatic two-piece seemingly straight from Ariel's closet, complete with beachy, trailing blond waves. As much as we enjoyed a reprieve from the countless neutral designs at tonight's event, this pale blue garment failed to make a positive impression on us. To add insult to injury, Cooke wore hardly any accessories — and what kind of mermaid doesn't want to sport a treasure chest's worth of shimmering trinkets?

Perhaps Madeline Merlo didn't know the backdrop would match the carpet. If she did, we're betting she wouldn't have gone with her first choice at tonight's CMT Music Awards, which blended into the background in an impressive display of crimson camouflage. That said, the main reason Merlo landed on tonight's worst-dressed list has more to do with her garment's design. Between Merlo's rosette-topped shoes and her kimono-sleeved satin minidress, we can't help but think of a Victoria's Secret advertisement. The comfy, color-coordinated look might be great for relaxing in one's bedroom — but not so much at a major awards show.

We're big fans of Kendra Slaubaugh, half of the country duo Tigirlily Gold alongside sister Krista, but we weren't smitten with Slaubaugh's floral 'fit at tonight's show. Her bouncy, platinum-blond bob and metallic platforms were a sight to behold, so the rather drab design of her dress was extra disappointing for us. If it were up to us, we'd have gone with a different silhouette entirely for this dress, like a plunging neckline or bell-sleeved '60s design to bring out more of the colorful print in its sparkling fabric.

If every prom has one duct-taped dress, every awards ceremony has one star who serves up Vegas showgirl vibes. Tonight, that star was Kimberly Schlapman, who donned a glittering lavender gown decked out with feather trim. On one hand, we loved the mirror-like shine of this colorful affair, and Schlapman's bouncy curls provided even more visual interest. On the other, we felt something missing from the overall design — perhaps a matching feather hem would have tied it all together. While the beauty may have landed on our list of worst-dressed celebs at this year's CMT Music Awards, we certainly won't forget her outfit anytime soon.