Miranda Lambert Shines: Unforgettable Fashion, Dynamic Performances at the ACM Awards 2021
The Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards consistently deliver nights filled with spectacular performances, emotional tributes, and unforgettable fashion moments. The 2021 ceremony was no exception, with country music superstar Miranda Lambert taking center stage not just once, but multiple times, leaving an indelible mark on an evening celebrating the best of country music. Ahead of her highly anticipated show-opening performance, Lambert graced the red carpet in a look that immediately commanded attention, setting the tone for a night of dazzling entertainment and heartfelt collaborations.
Miranda Lambert, a perennial favorite at the ACM Awards, arrived in Nashville, TN, ready to captivate audiences. Her initial red carpet appearance was a bold statement, perfectly aligning with the high-energy atmosphere of the night. Opting for a striking all-leather ensemble, Lambert made a dramatic entrance that resonated with her recent musical ventures. This choice was particularly notable as she mirrored the aesthetic of her collaborator for the evening, Elle King, underscoring their unified stage presence even before the show began. Miranda’s outfit featured a meticulously glammed-out leather jacket, distinguished by an eye-catching, long hot pink fringe adorning the sleeves. This vibrant detail added a playful yet edgy flair to her sophisticated look, creating a dynamic silhouette as she moved. Beneath the jacket, she wore a sleek black, rhinestoned bodysuit, providing a touch of classic country sparkle that perfectly complemented the modern leather. This harmonious blend of edgy and glamorous elements showcased Lambert’s versatile style and her confidence in pushing fashion boundaries on country music’s biggest stages.
Her hair, expertly styled by renowned artist Johnny Lavoy, offered a beautiful contrast to her powerful attire. Lavoy explained that the inspiration for her wavy locks stemmed directly from her new acoustic album. “The music is really raw and stripped down; and over the top glam didn’t seem appropriate, however we still wanted her to look naturally beautiful,” he shared. The resulting look was a masterclass in understated elegance—a relaxed yet polished style that allowed her natural beauty to shine through, perfectly embodying the authentic spirit of her latest musical endeavor. This thoughtful attention to detail, from her bold fashion to her effortlessly chic hairstyle, solidified Miranda Lambert’s status as a true style icon in country music.
Kicking Off the Night: A High-Octane Collaboration
The excitement reached a fever pitch as Miranda Lambert, alongside the equally dynamic Elle King, was slated to open the 56th ACM Awards. Their highly anticipated live debut of the upbeat party anthem “Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home)” was one of the night’s most talked-about moments. This infectious track had been dominating airwaves for weeks, and its live rendition did not disappoint, igniting the stage with an electrifying energy that immediately engaged viewers. The performance underscored the evening’s pervasive theme of “all-star collaborations,” a recurring motif that saw numerous performers teaming up for unique musical presentations across various iconic Nashville landmarks. The synergy between Lambert and King was palpable, a testament to their genuine chemistry and shared passion for delivering engaging, high-energy entertainment. Their performance wasn’t just a song; it was a celebration of friendship, fun, and the enduring power of country music to bring people together, making it an unforgettable start to the awards show.
An Intimate Acoustic Moment at the Bluebird Cafe
Later in the evening, Miranda Lambert showcased her versatility by transitioning from a high-energy opener to a deeply moving acoustic performance. She joined forces with country music stalwart Chris Stapleton for his poignant ballad “Maggie’s Song,” a performance that took place at the legendary Bluebird Cafe. This iconic Nashville venue, known for its intimate setting and being a launching pad for countless songwriting legends, provided the perfect backdrop for such an emotionally resonant piece. Lambert stepped in gracefully after Stapleton’s wife and background vocalist, Morgane, had a “prior doula commitment” and was unable to participate. Miranda’s presence added a beautiful layer of vocal harmony and emotional depth to the song, which explores themes of love and loss through the lens of a beloved pet. Her ability to seamlessly blend her voice with Stapleton’s powerful vocals demonstrated her immense talent and collaborative spirit.
For this stripped-down acoustic set, Miranda embraced a more relaxed yet still incredibly chic aesthetic. She wore a stunning fringe jacket composed of intricate strips of black, white, and brown leather, which perfectly complemented the earthy, authentic vibe of the Bluebird Cafe. The jacket’s movement added a subtle visual rhythm to her performance, enhancing the raw emotion of the music. She paired this standout piece with a comfortable, loose-fitting pair of jeans, featuring a stylish hole in the knee, and a classic white button-up shirt. This ensemble spoke volumes about her ability to adapt her style to the mood and setting of her performance, always remaining true to her artistic identity. Johnny Lavoy once again styled her hair, opting for a soft, textured ponytail enhanced with Hidden Crown Hair extensions, providing a look that was both effortlessly elegant and perfectly suited for the intimate, authentic atmosphere of the Bluebird Cafe. This performance was a true highlight, showcasing Lambert’s range and her deep respect for the craft of songwriting and storytelling.
A Kaleidoscope of Country Collaborations
The 2021 ACM Awards truly emphasized the power of collaboration, with numerous artists coming together to create unforgettable musical moments. The night promised a diverse array of duets and unique pairings that captivated audiences. Viewers were treated to a powerful performance by Dierks Bentley and The War and Treaty, who delivered a soulful rendition of U2’s iconic anthem “Pride (In the Name of Love).” Their voices blended beautifully, infusing the rock classic with a rich country-gospel sensibility that resonated deeply.
Miranda Lambert herself made another return to the stage later in the evening, this time alongside her collaborators Jack Ingram and Jon Randall. Together, they performed “In His Arms” from their critically acclaimed Marfa Tapes album. This project, celebrated for its raw, unfiltered acoustic recordings, was brought to life with an authentic performance that transported listeners to the desolate yet inspiring landscapes of Marfa, Texas, where the album was conceived. The trio’s harmonies and stripped-down arrangement created an intimate experience, highlighting the pure artistry of their songwriting.
Adding a touch of romance to the night, real-life husband and wife duo Maren Morris and Ryan Hurd delivered a heartfelt live production of their new duet, “Chasing After You.” Their undeniable chemistry shone through, making the performance a tender and relatable moment that celebrated enduring love. Meanwhile, country music darlings Kelsea Ballerini and Kenny Chesney united for a poignant rendition of “Half of My Hometown.” This song, a heartfelt ode to their shared Tennessee roots and the bittersweet experience of growing up and moving on, struck a chord with many, beautifully capturing themes of nostalgia and gratitude.
More Star-Studded Duets and Resilient Performances
The cascade of collaborative performances continued to unfold, adding more layers of talent and memorable moments to the ACM Awards. Country hitmakers Chris Young and Kane Brown brought their chart-topping, upbeat jam “Famous Friends” to life, delivering a high-energy performance that celebrated camaraderie and shared success. The song, a fan favorite, was a perfect example of how collaborations can amplify an artist’s reach and resonate with a broader audience.
A particularly anticipated moment involved Carly PearceandLee Brice, who reprised their incredibly popular duet “I Hope You’re Happy Now.” This performance held special significance as the duo had been unable to perform it together at the previous fall’s awards show due to Lee Brice testing positive for COVID-19. Their powerful and emotionally charged rendition was a triumphant moment, not just for the artists but for fans who had long awaited this live collaboration. It served as a reminder of the challenges faced by the industry but also of the resilience and determination of artists to share their music. The raw emotion and vocal prowess displayed by Pearce and Brice made it one of the most impactful performances of the night, highlighting the song’s enduring message of moving on with grace.
Concluding the evening’s array of musical diversity, the legendary Carrie Underwood, accompanied by the esteemed gospel singer Cece Winans, delivered a breathtaking gospel medley from Underwood’s critically acclaimed My Savior album. This powerful and spiritually uplifting performance was a beautiful change of pace, showcasing Underwood’s incredible vocal range and her deep faith. The collaboration with Winans, a celebrated figure in gospel music, added an unparalleled richness and authenticity to the medley, creating a truly moving and inspiring experience for all viewers. It was a fitting end to a night that celebrated not just the hits, but also the heart and soul of country music in all its forms.
Celebrating Country Music’s Resilience and Collaborative Spirit
Despite the unprecedented challenges presented by the global pandemic, the year leading up to the 2021 ACM Awards proved to be an incredibly vibrant and productive period for country music, particularly characterized by an inspiring surge in collaborations. This spirit of unity and shared creativity was vividly celebrated throughout the awards ceremony, showcasing how artists adapted, innovated, and continued to connect with their audiences through powerful musical partnerships. The evening served as a poignant reminder of country music’s enduring strength, its ability to foster community, and its unwavering commitment to storytelling, even in the face of adversity. The 56th ACM Awards aired with great anticipation, bringing together fans and artists for a memorable night of recognition and performances. Fans across the nation tuned in to witness these incredible moments, as the show was broadcast live on Sunday, April 18th, at 8 p.m. ET on CBS. It was a night that not only honored the year’s achievements but also reaffirmed the unbreakable bond within the country music family, promising many more years of spectacular music and heartfelt connections.