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“This is unreal!” Taylor Swift said when she accepted her Favorite Female Country Star award at tonight’s 40th Annual American Music Awards, a show that featured 17 performances, broadcasted in 198 countries, with one mega-tribute to the legendary Dick Clark. “I’m really, really happy right now.” And that was just one of the happy moments of the evening, which kicked off with a red carpet that would make any fashion-lover smile with its mix of intricate embroidery and high-shine sparkles. Taylor Swift ditched her Red theme in favor of golden Zuhair Murad, Heidi Klum showed off her supermodel legs in a gilded Alexandre Vauthier mini, Carrie Underwood rocked her country charm in an electric purple Abed Mahfouz gown, and breakout star Carly Rae Jepsen played to her girl next door appeal in a sequin Gomez-Gracia halter. Click through to see what everyone wore to the AMAs!

— Sharon Clott, with reporting by Lindzi Scharf

The day before the 46th Annual Country Music Awards, host Carrie Underwood let her fans know that she would wear 12 dresses throughout the big night, and like a true Southern belle, the crooner kept her word. From the gorgeous white Reem Acra gown she donned on the red carpet to the sparkling gold-and-white Alice + Olivia cocktail dress she dazzled in during her hosting duties, Carrie’s choices—all paired with very high heels to boot!—spanned the style spectrum. Click through the gallery below to see all 12 of Carrie Underwood’s 2012 CMA Awards dresses!

There’s no better place for big, blonde hairstyle inspiration than the CMA Awards! We loved Faith Hill‘s side-swept waves, Miranda Lambert‘s bumped-up updo, and Carrie Underwood‘s pinned-to-the-side curly ponytail. Tell us: Which style did you like best? Let us know by voting in the poll below! 

Plus, see what everyone wore to the CMA Awards!

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“Look at this crowd!” Carrie Underwood remarked as she opened the 46th Annual Country Music Awards, which she co-hosted for the fifth time with Brad Paisley. She was right: Country’s biggest stars packed the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville for Country’s Biggest Night, and like many things southern, the theme on the carpet was “The Bigger the Better.” Big gowns made big statements, including Taylor Swift in a Jenny Packham look embroidered with her favorite color red, Miranda Lambert in champagne Maria Lucia Hohan, Kellie Pickler in beaded ice blue Pamella Roland with an extra-long train, and the host of the evening Carrie Underwood in ivory chiffon Reem Acra. Click through the gallery to see what everyone wore, and let us know your favorites in the comments. 

— Meghan Blalock and Sharon Clott