Grit met glam on the red carpet of the CMT Music Awards on April 7, and C&I was there.
Cowboys & Indians made its debut on the red carpet at the CMT Music Awards in Austin, Texas, on April 7. Our reporters were on the red carpet positioned between Yellowstone and People magazine, immersed in the heart of the excitement and energy.
As guests arrived and were dropped off on the red carpet, they were greeted by the University of Texas marching band, sporting their sharp burnt orange band jackets with fantastic Longhorn emblem and fringe.
The fan-voted awards night was filled with cowboys, celebration, fashion, and the soul-stirring essence of country music.
Among the stars and emerging talents were The Castellows, a sister act on the cusp of stardom who commanded attention with their blend of youthful charm and cowgirl chic. Styled by C&I Lifestyle & Fashion Director Lili Sutton, their look featured feminine spring florals from LoveShackFancy and Ralph Lauren (by way of Rent-the-Runway) mixed with cowgirl grit: cowboy boots from City Boots and hats from Kemo Sabe. Each look was chosen to highlight their individuality while exuding a sense of sisterhood. Their cowboy hats had personalized touches as well: Hallett Peak designed Phoenix Feathers crafted with Blue Moon turquoise and a Welo opal, all cut from the same sister stone, symbolic of the sister trio.
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Jelly Roll gave C&I his final red carpet preshow interview of the night as he rushed to his seat. His magnetic presence and rise to prominence has won legions of county fans since his 2023 “Need a Favor” CMT debut showcased his raw emotion and rugged authenticity.
Parker McCollum sported a cream tailored jacket, “church shirt,” and boots—all part of his collaboration with Lucchese. Parker epitomized cowboy elegance, while Cody Johnson embodied classic cowboy style, sporting Cody Johnson Collection x Wrangler jeans and a Cody Johnson cowboy hat by Resistol, complete with his team-roping buckle earned at the Brazos Valley Classic.
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John Carter Cash, son of Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash, stood out with his unique sense of style, which included a Stetson cowboy hat and classic black Lucchese cowboy boots. Wearing a tailored suit with a hint of Western flair, Cash exuded understated elegance and timeless sophistication, a nod to his iconic stylish parents and their enduring legacy. “My dad always wore Lucchese,” Cash said. Adding that he and his wife were there to honor and support Trisha Yearwood, who was receiving the June Carter Cash Humanitarian Award, Cash also teased a new Johnny Cash album that will be coming out in the near future.
As the night progressed, the red carpet transformed into a runway of style and expression, with artists like Lainey Wilson stealing the spotlight with her captivating ensemble that gave a Cher-in-the-’80s vibe. Her leather fringe Norma Kamali pants, matching vest, and Charlie 1 Horse cowboy hat with feathers reflected her dynamic personality and a fearless approach to cowgirl fashion that’s blazing a trail in the music and fashion scenes. Lainey performed during the Toby Keith tribute and ignited the star-studded crowd at the Moody Center with her “Country Is Cool Again” hit song.
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From the timeless elegance of John Carter Cash to the avant-garde flair of emerging talents like The Castellows, the CMT Music Awards red carpet celebrated the rich heritage and vibrant future of country music. The fashion brands featured on the red carpet — including LoveShackFancy, Ralph Lauren, Wrangler, Lucchese, and Charlie 1 Horse — showcased the seamless integration of cowboy charm and contemporary style. A fusion of grit and glamour defined the evening, with outfits ranging from T-shirts and jeans to sequined gowns.
The performances were magnetic, with Lainey Wilson’s fiery presence and heartfelt tribute leaving a lasting impression. The Toby Keith tribute was another moving highlight. Keith, who died on February 5 following a battle with stomach cancer, was honored with musical performances by rocker Sammy Hagar, who performed Keith’s “I Love This Bar,” Brooks & Dunn, who belted out his trademark “Shoulda Been a Cowboy,” and Lainey, who sang “How Do You Like Me Now?”
Artists like Cody Johnson, Jane Seymour, Jelly Roll, Lukas Nelson, Parker McCollum, and Brandi Cyrus (in a two-tone Mugler denim bustier minidress) added depth and resonance to the evening’s festivities.
Jelly Roll’s powerful message resonated deeply with the audience, as he emphasized the importance of second chances and the transformative power of music. “It’s important that I stand up here tonight and represent those looking for second chances,” he declared. “The kids back in the Metro-Davidson Detention Facility and the kids down here in the Austin Juvenile Detention Facility watching this tonight, I’m cheering y’all boys on. You can be this guy. You can change.”
As the night concluded, it was evident that the spirit of country music would continue to inspire and captivate audiences for generations to come. Fueled by the timeless elegance, rugged authenticity, and boundless creativity of country music stars and the music itself, C&I marked a milestone reporting from the red carpet and will plan to be there for all the grit and glamour in the future.
