You know that feeling when the lights go down at the Bridgestone Arena and the air just gets... heavy? It's that Nashville magic. Every time Carrie Underwood at the country music awards takes the stage, the vibe changes. It's not just about the big notes anymore. It's about a legacy that started with a shy girl from Checotah and turned into a literal titan of the industry. Honestly, it’s wild to think we’ve been watching her dominate these shows for two decades now.
Most people tune in for the high-octane vocals, but if you're actually paying attention to the history, Carrie has basically rewritten the rulebook for what a female artist can achieve at these ceremonies.
The Surprise That Stole the 2024 CMAs
Just when everyone thought they had the 58th Annual CMA Awards figured out, Carrie decided to remind us why she’s the queen of the surprise entry. She wasn't even originally on the main bill for a solo set. Then, out of nowhere, she joins Cody Johnson for "I’m Gonna Love You." The chemistry? Incredible. Cody actually had to pause mid-song just to tell the crowd, "Yeah, that's Carrie Underwood," because the roar was so loud you could barely hear the guitars.
It wasn't just a "nice" moment. It was a statement.
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That performance helped propel Cody's Leather to win Album of the Year later that night. It reminds you that when Carrie shows up, the stakes just get higher. She has this way of elevating everyone around her, whether she's singing a heartbreaking ballad or a swampy rock-country anthem. People often forget she’s the highest RIAA certified female country artist of all time—we’re talking 95 million units. That kind of power doesn't just happen. It's earned through every single one of those live TV moments where she refuses to use a backing track for the hard parts.
Why the Entertainer of the Year Snubs Still Sting
We have to talk about the elephant in the room. The CMA Entertainer of the Year award. It's the one that keeps fans up at night arguing on Twitter. Despite her massive tours—like the Cry Pretty 360 tour that basically looked like a Cirque du Soleil show with more glitter—the CMAs have been notoriously stingy with that top prize for her.
Contrast that with the ACMs (Academy of Country Music Awards).
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At the ACMs, Carrie is a legend. She’s the only woman to ever win Entertainer of the Year three times. She broke a literal decade-long drought for women in that category. It’s kinda strange, right? How one voting body sees her as the undisputed pinnacle of the genre while the other seems to hesitate. Some critics argue the CMAs lean more toward "traditional" industry favorites, while the ACMs reward the massive commercial spectacle she brings to the table.
Whatever your take, you can't deny the "Carrie Underwood at the country music awards" effect. Even when she doesn't take home the glass trophy, she’s usually the one everyone is talking about the next morning at the office.
The Fashion Marathon: More Than Just Dresses
If you’ve ever watched her host—which she did for twelve straight years—you know the outfit changes are a sport in themselves.
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- The 2016 "Decades" Run: She did 11 different looks in one night. Each one was a nod to a different era of country music fashion. The Shania-inspired leopard print? Iconic. The Reba red dress? A total moment.
- The Blue Mermaid Gown (2017): This wasn't just a dress; it was a structural marvel. It’s often cited by stylists as one of the best red carpet looks in the history of the show.
- The 2019 Milestone: Her 12th year hosting was dedicated to the women of country music. She wore 12 different outfits that night. Her stylists, Marina Toybina and Courtney Webster, have said the quickest change took about two minutes. That includes unzipping, stepping into a new gown, adjusting the jewelry, and fixing the hair.
Basically, she’s a professional athlete who happens to sing like an angel.
What's Next for Carrie in 2026?
As we move through 2026, Carrie is shifting gears again. She’s back on the American Idol judging panel for her second season, which feels like a full-circle moment. But don't think she's done with the awards circuit. She's already booked to headline the Wildlands festival this August and will be making her debut at the Tanglewood Music Festival.
When the next round of country music awards rolls around, the conversation will inevitably turn back to her. Is this the year she finally gets that CMA Entertainer of the Year trophy? Maybe. But even if she doesn't, her 25 CMT Music Awards—the most in history—prove that the fans already know where she stands.
Next Steps for Fans and Collectors:
If you want to experience the "Carrie Effect" live this year, tickets for her Tanglewood appearance go on sale in early March. For those looking to dive deeper into her awards history, the 58th CMA Awards (including that Cody Johnson duet) are currently streaming on Hulu. Keep an eye on the 2026 ACM nominations coming this spring; with her new residency and festival dates, she’s almost guaranteed to be in the mix for the top honors again.