TAYLOR SWIFT

It's not champagne-colored, sparkly or strapless. Are we sure this is Taylor Swift? The country cutie looks all grown up in a showstopping scarlet Elie Saab gown with delicate embroidery, plus a refined updo and her signature red lip.

CARRIE UNDERWOOD

Oooh, barracuda! Forgive us – we were hearing Heart after seeing the night's host in her super-teased bangs and brushed-out curls. That sparkly nude Ralph amp Russo Couture gown with its sheer skirt is totally 2013, though.

MIRANDA LAMBERT

Looking svelte and sassy (just check out that plunging neckline), the Female Vocalist of the Year nominee (and Mrs. Blake Shelton) goes for all-out glam in a beaded blue gown, matching drop earrings and some major hair.

KELLIE PICKLER

Wait, is this Nashville or Old Hollywood? The star pulls out all the stops in a va-va-voom black Georges Chakra Couture bustier gown with shimmering details, plus some sophisticated jewels and Veronica Lake waves (if Veronica Lake were growing out her shaved head, that is).

KIMBERLY PERRY

The blonde member of The Band Perry selects an ivory cap-sleeve Johanna Johnson column with (what else?) sparkling floral embellishments and a big pompadour to match. No word on whether she's got cowboy boots underneath.

KACEY MUSGRAVES

One of the stars we were most psyched to see on the red carpet (as well as a PEOPLE One to Watch and a six-time nominee tonight) ditches the fringe, instead wearing a super-girlie nude tulle Blumarine gown covered in white roses and adding a Swarovski clutch.

CONNIE BRITTON

Rayna James – oops, we mean her real-life alter ego, Connie Britton – shows those country starlets how it's done in a formfitting, sequin black Georges Hobeika gown with a sweetheart neckline, sheer yoke and pilgrim collar. Oh, and that hair. Can't forget about the hair.

JENNIFER NETTLES

New mom's night out? With son Magnus nearly a year old, the Sugarland singer gets all glammed up and hits the town in a plunging eggshell drop-waist Naeem Khan gown with a jewel-encrusted bodice, plus a wavy chignon and sparkly studs.

FAITH HILL

Faith is one two-step away from a wardrobe malfunction in this daringly slashed ivory Lanvin gown, which comes with a metallic belt, built-in jeweled neckline and a mini-cape draped around the back.

LUCY HALE

She's gone country! The Pretty Little Liars star leaves behind Rosewood, Penn., for Nashville, performing earlier this week and hitting the CMA red carpet in a flowy shell-pink halter with an embellished yoke, plus matching shoes and long glossy waves.

SHERYL CROW

Looks like someone borrowed an industrial-strength tub of hair gel from Carrie Underwood. The singer proves her commitment to the maxim, "The higher the hair, the closer to God" – not to mention "Go big or go home," as evidenced by her blinged-out Ralph Lauren Collection halter, glam drop earrings and fancy cuff.

JANA KRAMER

Why is the "Whiskey" singer so happy? Is it because her Theia watercolor-print skirt is so pretty, her red lipstick is so on-point or because she's dating mega-hottie Scott Eastwood? We're going to guess it's all of the above.

KIMBERLY WILLIAMS-PAISLEY

Most days, she plays scheming Peggy Kenter on Nashville, but tonight she's in her other role as wife to host Brad – though she may steal some of his spotlight in this killer strapless ML Monique Lhuillier gown, covered in bronze sequins and designed to highlight every curve.

LAUREN ALAINA

The American Idol alum may not be nominated tonight, but she's still going for the gold – at least, according to the embellished bodice of her navy Virgos Lounge gown and that super, super blonde hair she's sporting.

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