Dolly Parton attends the 2016 ACM Awards. C Flanigan/Getty Images
- The 2023 Academy of Country Music Awards will be held in Frisco, Texas on Thursday.
- Over the years, top country musicians, models and more have taken part in the event in daring ways.
- Pamela Anderson once wore a plunging blue dress and Dolly Parton wore a dazzling suit.
John Denver accepted the 1975 Album of the Year award while wearing a sparkling denim tuxedo.
John Denver attends the 1975 ACM Awards. Walt Disney Television Photo Archives/Getty Images
His denim jacket had long tails, while the waistcoat underneath was adorned with ruffles.
The musician also wore a glitter-covered bow tie and his signature wire-rimmed glasses.
Barbi Benton’s 1981 dress had three daring details.
Barbi Benton attends the 1981 ACM Awards. Ron Galella/Getty Images
The model’s revealing dress featured a plunging neckline, a laced corset bodice and a thigh-high slit in the ruffled chiffon skirt.
Barbara Mandrell chose a copper-colored catsuit with cutouts for the 1995 event.
Barbara Mandrell attends the 1995 ACM Awards. Ron Galella/Getty Images
The bodice of the garment was designed like a halter top, with a deep V-neckline and thin straps that wrapped around her back.
But it didn’t stop there. Underneath the shiny material was a sheer piece covered in sequins, adding long sleeves and more sparkle to the look.
Shania Twain took home two awards in 1996 while wearing a sparkling keyhole dress.
Shania Twain attends the 1996 ACM Awards. Barry King/Getty Images
The halter neckline of her black dress was encrusted with diamonds, as was the mesh-covered neckline.
Neal McCoy made a bold decision when he wore a Mickey Mouse vest in 1997
Neal McCoy attends the 1997 ACM Awards. Ron Galella/Getty Images
At the time, the ACM Awards were hosted by Universal and sponsored by Universal Studios Hollywood – a theme park competing with Disney World.
Still, McCoy kept the rest of his outfit simple. He was wearing blue jeans, a black blazer, a white button down shirt and a black cowboy hat.
Each member of The Chicks wore a different light shade in 1999.
The Chicks attend the 1999 ACM Awards. Ron Galella/Getty Images
Emily Robison’s orange outfit included a mesh bralette and mid-rise tie-dye skirt, while Martie Maguire wore a similar outfit in pink.
However, Natalie Maines stood out from the group by wearing a baby blue mini dress with a floor-length feather duster over it.
Faith Hill walked the red carpet at the 2000 ACM Awards in a daring wrap dress.
Faith Hill attends the 2000 ACM Awards. J.Vespa/Getty Images
Her white, sleeveless dress had a thick array of ruffled fabric that draped around her back, and a similar effect was created by the floor-length skirt and thigh-high slit.
Pamela Anderson attended the event in 2002 wearing a water-colored halterneck dress with a plunging neckline.
Pamela Anderson attends the 2002 ACM Awards. Ron Galella/Getty Images
A thin cord held the two straps of the dress together and fabric butterflies lined the bodice.
To complete the look, Anderson added blue eyeshadow and a crystal-encrusted handbag.
LeAnn Rimes also wore a daring dress this year.
LeAnn Rimes attends the 2002 ACM Awards. Steve Granitz/Getty Images
From the front, her peachy dress looked simple. But when the singer turned around, you could see that the backless design reached down to her bottom.
The back of the skirt was also split down the middle, revealing her gold strappy heels.
Martina McBride wore a mini mini dress on the 2003 red carpet.
Martina McBride attends the 2003 ACM Awards. Gregg DeGuire/Getty Images
Not only did the embroidered look feature a daring, short skirt, but it was also backless and held up by thin, gray straps.
McBride paired the dress with a gold beaded handbag, matching sandals and a choppy bob hairstyle.
Nicole Kidman kept the backless trend going as she walked the orange carpet in 2009.
Nicole Kidman attends the 2009 ACM Awards. Jason Merritt/Getty Images
Her black sparkly dress was classic in the front and striking in the back.
It had a high neckline, long sleeves, and a floor-length skirt—but almost no fabric at the back. Its open design showed off her spine and reached down to her buttocks.
In 2011, Reese Witherspoon showed the offbeat side of her style with a lace mini dress.
Reese Witherspoon attends the 2011 ACM Awards. Christopher Polk/Getty Images
The tan dress was covered in black lace and tulle trims, giving the impression that Witherspoon was nude beneath the sheer fabric.
Shakira wore the most daring dress of the night at the 2014 ACM Awards.
Shakira attends the 2014 ACM Awards. Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/Getty Images
Zuhair Murad designed the singer’s deep blue dress, which featured long sleeves, a mermaid-style skirt and cut-outs that extended down Shakira’s shoulders, chest, hips and thighs.
Miranda Lambert wore a flowy gown worthy of a goddess in 2015.
Miranda Lambert attends the 2015 ACM Awards. Rick Diamond/Getty Images
The elegant look was bold too, with mesh straps, a plunging square neckline and a thigh-high slit down one side of the flowing skirt.
It was designed by Bibhu Mohapatra.
Dolly Parton’s iridescent rainbow suit really stood out in 2016.
Dolly Parton attends the 2016 ACM Awards. C Flanigan/Getty Images
Parton made a few outfit changes throughout the night, but her multicolored look was the boldest.
She wore her crystal-encrusted jacket over a burgundy corset and yellow tie, and cinched her waist with a glittering, beaded belt.
Carrie Underwood put a glamorous twist on bold fashion in 2017.
Carrie Underwood attends the 2017 ACM Awards. John Shearer/Getty Images
Her nude-style gown, designed by LaBourjoisie, was crafted from tan mesh and encrusted with leaf-style crystals.
And because the high-necked dress had a column shape, fluffy tulle was attached to the hips to add volume.
Last year Mickey Guyton made a bold, radiant appearance backstage.
Mickey Guyton attends the 2021 ACM Awards. John Shearer/Getty Images
She originally walked the red carpet in a Naeem Khan dress, but later switched to this metallic dress with long sleeves and a plunging neckline.
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