Carrie Underwood’s Dazzling 2019 CMAs Wardrobe: A Fashion Extravaganza of Epic Proportions
For over a decade, the Country Music Association Awards (CMAs) red carpet and stage have been graced by the undeniable talent and captivating style of Carrie Underwood. The 2019 ceremony marked her 12th consecutive year as host, a remarkable achievement that only solidified her status as a true queen of country music. Far from resting on her laurels, Underwood approached this landmark occasion with an unparalleled dedication to fashion, delivering a parade of breathtaking outfits that left an indelible mark on the night. From shimmering gowns that commanded attention on the red carpet to bold, reinvented menswear for electrifying performances, her wardrobe choices were a masterclass in dynamic style, perfectly complementing the evening’s significant focus on women and their profound legacy in music.
Despite her extensive experience, Carrie Underwood consistently brings a fresh and invigorating energy to her hosting duties, treating each appearance as an opportunity to impress. The 2019 CMAs were no exception. The 36-year-old American Idol winner ensured all eyes were on her as she seamlessly transitioned through multiple ensembles, each one meticulously chosen to celebrate “girl power” and showcase her diverse fashion sensibilities. This particular year held added significance, as Underwood shared the esteemed hosting role with two other legendary women in country music: the iconic Dolly Parton and the incomparable Reba McEntire, in a historic departure from her long-standing co-hosting partnership with Brad Paisley. This collective celebration of female strength and talent provided the perfect backdrop for Carrie’s meticulously curated fashion journey throughout the evening.
The fashion spectacle began the moment Carrie Underwood stepped onto the red carpet, instantly setting the tone for a night of glamour and extravagance. Her arrival was marked by a truly dazzling gown, an exquisite creation by the renowned designer Elie Madi. This masterpiece was a vision of sheer elegance, intricately embellished with a jacquard print crafted from lustrous gold sequins that shimmered with every movement. The gown’s striking design featured a delicate sheer overlay, artfully layered over a discreet nude mini dress, striking a perfect balance between sophisticated allure and contemporary chic. Adding an extra layer of grandeur, a dramatic train of delicate grey tulle trailed behind her, imparting an air of regal majesty. To complete this show-stopping look, Carrie opted for luxurious accessories, including elegant Jimmy Choo heels that elongated her silhouette and an array of exquisite jewelry: stunning Jared Lehr earrings, complemented by statement rings from Loree Rodkin and Maxior. This initial ensemble wasn’t just a dress; it was a powerful statement, announcing her presence as both a host and a fashion icon ready to lead the night’s festivities.

Following her magnificent red carpet entrance, Carrie underwent her first transformation for the highly anticipated show’s opening performance. She reappeared in an equally radiant fringed gold dress, an ensemble perfectly suited for the dynamic stage. This “tinsel-like” gown was designed to catch the spotlight, its shimmering fringes creating a mesmerizing effect with every gesture and movement, enhancing the energy of the grand opening act. She remained in this sparkling dress as she joined the formidable “army of country music queens” on stage – Dolly Parton and Reba McEntire – to croon a soulful rendition of “Those Memories of You.” This performance was particularly poignant, paying homage to country music history as Dolly originally released the song in 1987 with Emmylou Harris and Linda Ronstadt. Carrie’s choice of a vibrant, movement-filled dress not only aligned with the celebratory mood but also seamlessly blended with the collective star power of the opening, establishing a vibrant and festive atmosphere for the night ahead.
The evening was a marathon of style for Carrie Underwood, with each segment demanding a fresh and impactful look. After navigating the initial excitement of the red carpet, delivering an unforgettable opening performance, and engaging the audience with an engaging monologue, her time on stage was far from over. Demonstrating her impressive versatility, the country darling switched gears entirely for her fourth outfit change, opting for a dramatically reinvented take on menswear. This bold ensemble was specifically chosen to introduce Reba McEntire’s performance and later, for her own captivating return to the stage to perform her jazzy new song, “Drinking Alone.” This look was a defiant statement against traditional feminine gowns, showcasing Carrie’s willingness to push fashion boundaries.
For this memorable segment, Carrie redefined the tuxedo with a glittery halter neck top that exuded modern sophistication and confidence. This was daringly paired with sheer floral pants, adding an unexpected touch of delicate femininity and edge to the menswear-inspired silhouette. To complete this innovative outfit, she topped it off with a flared, impeccably tailored, and equally sparkly blazer that added structure and polish, alongside a chic fedora, which lent an air of mysterious allure. This ensemble was a masterful blend of seductive elegance and enigmatic charm, perfectly embodying the mood and narrative of her jazzy performance of “Drinking Alone.” It was a powerful demonstration of her ability to command the stage not just with her voice, but with a daring and unforgettable fashion choice that highlighted her artistic range. Viewers were captivated by her dramatic fashion evolution throughout the night, with each outfit telling a part of the CMAs story. All of Carrie’s stunning outfits from the 2019 CMAs are meticulously captured in HollywoodLife’s comprehensive gallery, allowing fans to relive every glamorous moment of her stylistic journey.

As another star-studded CMA Awards ceremony concluded, Carrie Underwood’s remarkable fashion choices from the 2019 show immediately became legendary additions to her extensive archive of iconic award show dresses. Her consistent ability to deliver show-stopping looks year after year is a testament to her enduring status as a style icon in country music. Beyond the 2019 event, fans fondly recall numerous other instances where she captivated audiences with her impeccable taste. One cannot forget her breathtaking appearance at the 2017 CMAs, where she cut an exceptionally elegant figure in a regal royal blue mermaid gown. This exquisite piece, designed by the masterful Fouad Sarkis Couture, featured delicate ruffles gracefully dancing across her bustline, enhancing its sophisticated silhouette and making her look truly majestic. The vibrant hue of the gown perfectly complemented her radiant presence, solidifying its place as one of her most memorable looks.
Rewinding even further into her illustrious fashion history at the CMAs, Carrie demonstrated her innate sense of class and style in a bright orange Gauri & Nainika gown. This bold and vibrant choice was distinguished by its unique peplum bodice, a design element that added a touch of architectural elegance and contemporary flair. The gown’s striking color ensured she stood out, while its refined cut underscored her sophisticated fashion sensibilities. These past examples merely scratch the surface of her incredible wardrobe legacy at the Country Music Association Awards. It’s clear why Carrie Underwood consistently commands the spotlight and continues to be a central figure at the CMAs, not just for her incredible talent but also for her unwavering commitment to delivering unforgettable fashion moments. Her ability to evolve her style while maintaining a signature blend of glamour and country charm ensures that her presence, both on and off the stage, remains eagerly anticipated each year. For a deeper dive into her most iconic fashion statements, fans can explore HollywoodLife’s comprehensive roundup of the CMAs’ sexiest dresses of all time, where Carrie Underwood’s sartorial genius is celebrated in all its glory.