Dolly Parton leads red carpet arrivals at the 2023 ACM Awards

Nicole Kidman and Dolly Parton bring the glitz and glamour in bejeweled looks while Miranda Lambert is a beauty in royal blue at the 2023 ACM Awards in Texas

  • The 2023 ACM Awards were held at the Ford Center in Frisco, Texas on Thursday night
  • The ceremony was hosted by country music icons Dolly Parton and Garth Brooks
  • Parton led the red carpet arrivals with Nicole Kidman and Miranda Lambert 
  • READ MORE: Miranda Lambert breaks record with 17th nomination, while HARDY, Lainey Wilson and Kane Brown lead the pack

Nicole Kidman, Dolly Parton and Miranda Lambert led the glitz and glamour as they hit the red carpet at the 58th Academy of Country Music Awards in Texas on Thursday night.

The Moulin Rouge actress, 55, looked sensational while going topless under a red, fitted Chanel jacket covered in sparkly rhinestones and intricate beading.

She styled her jacket with matching flared pants and open-toed heels that showed off her ox blood pedicure.

Kidman put on loved-up display with her country superstar husband Keith Urban during their time in front of photographers.

The Eyes Wide Shut star’s strawberry blonde hair was worn sleek and straight.



Yeehaw! Dolly Parton and Miranda Lambert led the glitz and glamour as she hit the red carpet ahead the 58th Academy of Country Music Awards in Texas on Thursday night 

Her porcelain complexion was given a warm glow thanks to a generous application of luminous peach blush atop her cheeks and across the bridge of her nose.

Urban reaffirmed his heartthrob status as he teased his chiseled chest by wearing a an unbuttoned black shirt under an impeccably tailored jacket.

The You’ll Think Of Me singer kept an am wrapped around his longtime loves as they mingled with country’s latest and greatest ahead of the ceremony. 

The lovebirds have been happily married since 2006 and share two daughters: Faith, 12, and Sunday, 14. 

The multi-Grammy Award-winner, 77 – who recently revealed that she NEVER hits the gym – flaunted her hourglass curves in a skintight bedazzled jumpsuit.

It had sparkly fringe running down the legs and a plunging neckline that highlighted her famous bust.

The country music icon’s bleach blonde hair and glossy pink lips were on full display as she beamed for the cameras beside co-host Garth Brooks.

Parton was later seen posing with singer-songwriter Priscilla Block, 27.

Lambert – who is the most-awarded person ever at the ACM Awards – put on a busty display in a low-cut royal blue dress with a daring thigh-high slit. 

The dress had nude cups that were decked out with sparkly blue rhinestones in a geometric pattern.

She stood on tall stiletto heels and let her sandy blonde hair cascaded down her chest in curls.

The Little Red Wagon singer, 39, had the support of her hunky husband Brendan McLoughlin, who is a former NYPD officer.

The couple had a whirlwind romance and tied the knot just months after meeting in 2019.

Garth Brooks, 61, looked handsome in a pitch black cowboy hat styled with a a sharp black suit and button-up shirt.

He was joined by his wife and fellow hitmaker Trisha Yearwood, 58, for the annual soiree.

The She’s in Love with the Boy singer stunned in a red leopard print dress with tall black heels.

Yearwood held hands with her husband of nearly 20 years during their loved-up red carpet stint. 

Gymnastics superstar Olivia Dunne dazzled in a silver sequin halter dress with a low black.

The athlete – who boasts over 4million Instagram followers – styled her sparkly gown with sky-high chrome heels.

Dunne’s flowing blonde hair fell down her back in loose waves and she opted for a soft glam makeup look.

The Band Perry’s very own Kimberly Perry showed off her growing baby bump in a short black cut-out dress with sparkly silver chainlink embroidery.

It came with a matching cape that flowed behind the singer as she cradled her tummy for shutterbugs.

Perry oozed Y2K glam by wearing her hair in a spiky updo and popping on a bold lip with a shimmery eye.

She was joined by her husband Johnny Costello, who towered over the petite songstress in a stylish white suit jacket styled with skinny trousers and a button-up shirt.

The couple – who married in 2021 – are currently expecting their first child, a baby boy. 

Power couple: Kidman put on loved-up display with her country superstar husband Keith Urban during their time in front of photographers

Chanel darling: The Moulin Rouge actress, 55, looked sensational while going topless under a red, fitted Chanel jacket covered in sparkly rhinestones and intricate beading

She styled her jacket with matching flared pants and open-toed heels that showed off her ox blood pedicure

Sleek: The Eyes Wide Shut star’s strawberry blonde hair was worn sleek and straight

Smitten: Urban was caught admiring his wife as she posed for some solo shots

Going strong: The lovebirds have been happily married since 2006 and share two daughters: Faith, 12, and Sunday, 14

 Dazzling: The multi-Grammy Award-winner, 77 – who recently revealed that she NEVER hits the gym – flaunted her hourglass curves in a skintight bedazzled jumpsuit

She and her co-host Garth Brooks were dressed to the nines while being among the first to arrive to the star-studded ceremony


Details: It had sparkly fringe running down the legs and a plunging neckline that highlighted her famous bust

Iconic: The country music icon’s bleach blonde hair and glossy pink lips were on full display

 For an added pop of color, Parton dusted vibrant purple eyeshadow across her lids

She stood on a sky-high silver heels and rocked a bold hot pink manicure for the night 

Pose up: She was later seen posing with singer-songwriter Priscilla Block, 27

Beauty in blue: Lambert – who is the most-awarded person ever at the ACM Awards – put on a busty display in a low-cut royal blue dress with a daring thigh-high slit

Rhinestones: The dress had nude cups that were decked out with sparkly blue rhinestones in a geometric pattern

The Little Red Wagon singer, 39, had the support of her hunky husband Brendan McLoughlin, who is a former NYPD officer

Lovebirds: The couple had a whirlwind romance and tied the knot just months after meeting in 2019

Country crooner: Brooks, 61, looked handsome while posing beside wife Trisha Yearwood 


Wild side! Yearwood, 58, stunned in a red leopard print dress with tall black heels

The couple made sure to pose for a photo with Parton

The trio put on an animated display


Wow! Gymnastics superstar Olivia Dunne dazzled in a silver sequin halter dress with a low black. The athlete – who boasts over 4million Instagram followers – styled her sparkly gown with sky-high chrome heels

Dunne’s flowing blonde hair fell down her back in loose waves and she opted for a soft glam makeup look

The Band Perry’s very own Kimberly Perry showed off her growing baby bump in a short black cut-out dress with sparkly silver chainlink embroidery


Drama: It came with a matching cape that flowed behind the singer as she cradled her tummy for shutterbugs

Parents-to-be: She was joined by her husband Johnny Costello, who towered over the petite songstress in a stylish white suit jacket styled with skinny trousers and a button-up shirt

Lean in green: Lainey Wilson, 30, looked sensational in a skintight green satin jumpsuit that teased her enviably toned midriff

The Yellowstone actress’s retro-inspired jumpsuit had caped, bejeweled sleeves and flared legs


Accessorize: Her wavy tresses flowed out from under a forrest green cowboy hat and she paraded around the venue in brown platform shoes

New beau: Lainey Wilson used the night to debut her relationship with hunky football player Devlin Hodges, 27

Lainey Wilson, 30, looked sensational in a skintight green satin jumpsuit that teased her enviably toned midriff.

The Yellowstone actress’s retro-inspired jumpsuit had caped, bejeweled sleeves and flared legs.

Her wavy tresses flowed out from under a forrest green cowboy hat and she paraded around the venue in brown platform shoes.

Lainey Wilson used the night to debut her relationship with hunky football player Devlin Hodges, 27. 

Kane Brown kept an arm wrapped around his gorgeous wife Katelyn Jae Brown as they posed for shutterbugs at country music’s biggest night.

The Thank God singer, 29, looked sharp in a powder blue suit jacket and matching tapered trousers.

He showed off his elaborate chest tattoo by leaving his light gray dress shirt slightly unbuttoned.

Brown’s better half Katelyn made jaws drop while modeling a skimpy crystal bra top and a silky black maxi skirt.

The musician’s golden hair was softly curled and swept up in a voluminous half up, half down style.

The couple – who wed in 2018 – welcomed their second child together in December 2021.

Multi-Grammy Award-nominee Jason Aldean smoldered while cozying up to his much younger wife Brittany Aldean.

Brittany – who found herself in the center of controversy last year after she was accused of ‘transphobia’ – sizzled in a skintight red dress.

It had a low-cut neckline and feather-lined hem that crept up her tanned and toned legs.

She kept a hand pressed up against the My Kinda Party hitmaker as they kissed for the cameras.

Tenille Townes and Mickey Guyton both showcased their chiseled abs in tiny barrettes worn with stylish suits.

Carly Pearce put on a leggy display in an orange satin dress with a sexy thigh-high slit and black heels.

Luke Combs placed a hand on his wife Nicole’s growing baby bump less than two months after announcing they are expecting their second child.

The singer rocked a dark blue plaid suit with a white pocket square a black button-down shirt.

Nicole – who wed the Beautiful Crazy hitmaker in 2020 – sparkled in a fringed rhinestone dress with matching sky-high heels.

The duo’s newest addition – which will be their second son – is due this September.

Sweet: Kane Brown kept an arm wrapped around his gorgeous wife Katelyn Jae Brown as they posed for shutterbugs at country music’s biggest night

The duo shared a kiss


Stylish duo: The Thank God singer, 29, looked sharp in a powder blue suit jacket and matching tapered trousers. Brown’s better half Katelyn made jaws drop while modeling a skimpy crystal bra top and a silky black maxi skirt

Multi-Grammy Award-nominee Jason Aldean smoldered while cozying up to his much younger wife Brittany Aldean


Red hot: Brittany – who found herself in the center of controversy last year after she was accused of ‘transphobia’ – sizzled in a skintight red dress

She kept a hand pressed up against the My Kinda Party hitmaker as they kissed for the cameras



Fashionistas: Tenille Townes and Mickey Guyton both showcased their chiseled abs in tiny barrettes worn with stylish suits. Meanwhile, Carly Pearce put on a leggy display in an orange satin dress with a sexy thigh-high slit and black heels

Carly Peace looked stunning in her eye-catching ensemble

Bombshell: Mickey Guyton looked ultra sexy in her sparkly getup

Expecting: Luke Combs placed a hand on his wife Nicole’s growing baby bump less than two months after announcing they are expecting their second child

Dad in plaid: The singer rocked a dark blue plaid suit with a white pocket square a black button-down shirt


Hot mama: Nicole – who wed the Beautiful Crazy hitmaker in 2020 – sparkled in a fringed rhinestone dress with matching sky-high heels. The duo’s newest addition – which will be their second son – is due this September

Top dog: HARDY – who is among the night’s top nominees – looked effortlessly cool while layering a studded black suede jacket over a shirt and silver chain necklaces

Married life: HARDY – whose real name is Michael Wilson Hardy -packed on the PDA with his stunning wife Caleigh Ryan


Pop goes country! Ed Sheeran kept it casual for the event in a green suede jacket styled with a plain white tee and black skinny jeans. The UK singer is set to take the stage this evening

He looked calm and collected while posing for photos ahead of the ceremony

HARDY – who is among the night’s top nominees – looked effortlessly cool while layering a studded black suede jacket over a shirt and silver chain necklaces.

The hitmaker – whose real name is Michael Wilson Hardy -packed on the PDA with his stunning wife Caleigh Ryan. 

Ed Sheeran kept it casual for the event in a green suede jacket styled with a plain white tee and black skinny jeans.

The UK singer is set to take the stage this evening.

Cole Swindell and his new fiancee Courtney Little looked very much in love as they made their first red carpet appearance since announcing their engagement.

Little – who has dated the ACM nominated singer since 2021 – eagerly showed off the massive diamond ring Cole gave her.

He told PEOPLE this week that he designed the ring with Simon Tekin at Ballantyne Jewelers.

Cole Swindell and his new fiancee Courtney Little looked very much in love as they made their first red carpet appearance since announcing their engagement.

Davis – who has dated the ACM nominated singer since 2021 – eagerly showed off the massive diamond ring Cole gave her.

He told PEOPLE this week that he designed the ring with Simon Tekin at Ballantyne Jewelers.

Jordan Davis posed proudly beside his very pregnant wife Kristen on the red carpet.

The expectant mother – who already shared two children with the singer – highlighted her growing tummy in a sequin halter dress.

Pillbox Patti stole the show as she arrived in a sparkling hot pink gown with a hilarious detail.

In the sleeve of her dress, the singer had several shot bottles of Tito’s vodka tucked away.

Caitlyn Smith announced that she’s expecting her third child with Rollie Gaalswyk by debuting her bump on the red carpet.

She cradled her tummy while wearing a flirty patterned minidress with sequin details.

Engaged! Cole Swindell and his new fiancee Courtney Little looked very much in love as they made their first red carpet appearance since announcing their engagement

Check it out! Little – who has dated the ACM nominated singer since 2021 – eagerly showed off the massive diamond ring Cole gave her


Little one on the way! Jordan Davis posed proudly beside his very pregnant wife Kristen on the red carpet. The expectant mother – who already shared two children with the singer – highlighted her growing tummy in a sequin halter dress

Hilarious: Pillbox Patti stole the show as she arrived in a sparkling hot pink gown with a hilarious detail

In the sleeve of her dress, the singer had several shot bottles of Tito’s vodka tucked away


Surprise! Caitlyn Smith announced that she’s expecting her third child with Rollie Gaalswyk by debuting her bump on the red carpet. She cradled her tummy while wearing a flirty patterned minidress with sequin details

Bobby Bones looked stylish in a chic pale gray suit while smiling beside his gorgeous wife Caitlin Estell.


Denim: Cody Johnson and Brandi Johnson coordinated in denim for the occasion

Back in black: American Idol alums Gabby Barrett and Cade Foehner looked regal in all-black for the star-studded night


Not your average maternity wear! Country singer Renee Blair showed off her baby bump in a skintight black faux leather dress

Spiffy: Brad Tursi, Matthew Ramsey, Geoff Sprung and Trevor Rosen of Old Dominion looked spiffy in fitted suits and matching aviator shades


Jaw-dropping: Mackenzie Holton made jaws drop while showing off her fit figure in a bold blue one-shoulder jumpsuit

Country superstar Randy Travis cut a stylish figure in designer sneakers and a blue jacquard jacket while posing with wife Mary Davis

Country divas: Trea Swindle, Danica Hart and Devynn Hart of Chapel Hart beamed in their stunning ensembles

Singer-songwriter Jelly Roll oozed swagger in blingy chain necklaces and a cool patchwork leather jacket as he hit the red carpet with glamorous girlfriend and fellow singer Bunnie Xo

Smitten: The duo looked very much in love as they shared a kiss

Color coordinated: Tyler Hubbard and Hayley Hubbard both rocked blush pink looks for the annual event



Legs for days: Ashley McBryde, Meghan Patrick and Nastia Liukin showed off their killer legs on the red carpet

Curves: Meghan Linsey flaunted her curves in a see-through dress beside Tyler Cain

Jon Pardi’s girlfriend Summer Duncan oozed Old Hollywood glamour while supporting her man


Fan of Pam? Ernest’s blonde bombshell girlfriend Delaney Royer drew inspiration from Pamela Anderson’s iconic Baywatch look for the night

Date night: Ryan Gore brought along his beautiful spouse Kristin Gore for the star-studded night in Texas


Flares: Brandy Clark and Jo Dee Messina both looked stylish in flared pants and cropped jackets

Showgirl: Nicolle Galyon delivered Vegas showgirl glamour in a white feather-trim gown with one batwing sleeve

John Osborne and T.J. Osborne of Brothers Osborne were among the chart-topping duos to attend

Before hitting the stage, Bailey Zimmerman spent time in front of the cameras

Hot couple: Throwin’s Parties hitmaker Hunter Phelps smiled beside his ultra fit wife Kelli

Country music fans can rejoice as the 58th Academy of Country Music Awards will be airing tonight at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

The ACMs will be broadcast from the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas, and viewers at home will be able to catch it on Amazon Prime Video — even without a subscription — as well as on Twitch’s Amazon Music Channel.

Two country superstars whose appeal expands well beyond the limits of the genre — Dolly Parton and Garth Brooks — are hosting the ceremony.

‘While I’ve had the pleasure of spending time with him throughout the years, I can’t believe we’ve never had the chance to work together,’ Parton gushed about Brooks in a statement shared after she was announced as host.

Unfortunately, fans likely won’t get to see the legendary entertainers duetting, though Parton will still perform.

‘I think [Brooks’ wife] Trisha [Yearwood] is going to be on, too, on the show, so I figured that I’m not going to mess with that,’ Parton joked to reporters at a press event. ‘I don’t want her kicking my little short butt!’

HARDY leads the nominations this year with seven, while Lainey Wilson is close behind with six nods.

Country stars Kane Brown, Luke Combs, Miranda Lambert and Cole Swindell also scored an impressive five nominations each.

The top prize for Entertainer of the Year will go to either Jason Aldean, Kane Brown, Luke Combs, Miranda Lambert, Chris Stapleton, Carrie Underwood or Morgan Wallen.

Wallen was engulfed in controversy in 2021 after he was caught on video drunkenly shouting the N-word. In response, his recording contract was suspended and some radio stations stopped playing his music, while streaming services removed his songs from playlists. 

However, country fans responded to his use of a racial slur by buying his 2021 album Dangerous: The Double Album in even greater numbers.

Lambert is the most-awarded person ever at the ACM Awards, and she broke the record for most Female Artist of the Year nominations with her 17th this year, surpassing Reba McEntire’s 16.

Performers at Thursday’s ceremony include Jason Aldean, Kane Brown, Luke Combs, Cody Johnson, Miranda Lambert, Ashley McBryde, Jo Dee Messina, Jelly Roll, Cole Swindell, Keith Urban, Morgan Wallen, The War And Treaty, Lainey Wilson and Bailey Zimmerman.

He’s best known for his hit pop songs, but Ed Sheeran will also bring his smooth sound to the raucous show. 

For her performance, Parton will be debuting World On Fire, the first song on her upcoming album Rockstar.

The covers LP is a departure for her, marking her first rock album, and it was inspired after she was nominated — and subsequently inducted — into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2022.

2023 Academy of Country Music Awards Nominations

ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR

Jason Aldean

Kane Brown

Luke Combs

Miranda Lambert

Chris Stapleton – WINNER

Carrie Underwood

Morgan Wallen

FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Kelsea Ballerini

Miranda Lambert

Ashley McBryde

Carly Pearce

Lainey Wilson – WINNER

MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Kane Brown

Luke Combs

Jordan Davis

Chris Stapleton

Morgan Wallen – WINNER

DUO OF THE YEAR

Brooks & Dunn

Brothers Osborne – WINNER

Dan + Shay

Maddie & Tae

The War and Treaty

GROUP OF THE YEAR

Lady A

Little Big Town

Midland

Old Dominion – WINNER

Zac Brown Band

NEW FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Priscilla Block

Megan Moroney

Caitlyn Smith

Morgan Wade

Hailey Whitters – WINNER

NEW MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Zach Bryan – WINNER

Jackson Dean

Ernest

Dylan Scott

Nate Smith

Bailey Zimmerman

ALBUM OF THE YEAR

Ashley McBryde Presents: Lindeville, Ashley McBryde

Bell Bottom Country, Lainey Wilson – WINNER

Growin’ Up, Luke Combs

Mr. Saturday Night, Jon Pardi

Palomino, Miranda Lambert

SINGLE OF THE YEAR

“Heart Like a Truck,” Lainey Wilson

“Never Wanted to Be That Girl,” Carly Pearce and Ashley McBryde

“She Had Me at Heads Carolina,” Cole Swindell – WINNER

“Thank God,” Kane Brown with Katelyn Brown

“‘Til You Can’t,” Cody Johnson

SONG OF THE YEAR

“Sand In My Boots,” writers: Ashley Gorley, Josh Osborne and Michael Hardy; artist: Morgan Wallen

“She Had Me at Heads Carolina,” writers: Ashley Gorley, Cole Swindell, Jesse Frasure, Mark D. Sanders, Thomas Rhett and Tim Nichols; artist: Swindell) – WINNER

“‘Til You Can’t,” writers: Ben Stennis, Matt Rogers; artist: Cody Johnson

“Wait in the Truck,” writers: Hunter Phelps, Jordan Schmidt, Michael Hardy, Renee Blair; artist: Hardy featuring Lainey Wilson

“You Should Probably Leave,” writers: Ashley Gorley, Chris DuBois, Chris Stapleton (artist: Stapleton)

VISUAL MEDIA OF THE YEAR

“Heartfirst,” Kelsea Ballerini

“She Had Me at Heads Carolina,” Cole Swindell

“Thank God,” Kane Brown with Katelyn Brown

“‘Til You Can’t,” Cody Johnson

“Wait in the Truck,” Hardy featuring Lainey Wilson – WINNER

“What He Didn’t Do,” Carly Pearce

MUSIC EVENT OF THE YEAR

“At The End of a Bar,” Chris Young with Mitchell Tenpenny

“She Had Me at Heads Carolina [Remix],” Cole Swindell and Jo Dee Messina

“Thank God,” Kane Brown with Katelyn Brown

“Thinking ‘Bout You,” Dustin Lynch featuring MacKenzie Porter

“Wait in the Truck,” Hardy featuring Lainey Wilson – WINNER

SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR

Nicolle Galyon

Ashley Gorley – WINNER

Chase McGill

Josh Osborne

Hunter Phelps

ARTIST-SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR

Luke Combs

Ernest

Hardy – WINNER

Miranda Lambert

Morgan Wallen

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