Blake Shelton may have been a surprise winner at the Country Music Association Awards, but Taylor Swift stole the spotlight on the red carpet. The chart-topping songstress, whose new album Red is number one in the UK, took a leaf out of the Duchess of Cambridge's book with a red floral embroidered lace gown by Jenny Packham. Fans will know that Jenny Packham is a big favourite of Kate's, and now that influence is spreading to the celebrity world. New fan Taylor completed her inspired look with matching red lipstick, side-swept fringe and towering Jimmy Choo heels. During the star-studded ceremony she received an ovation for the performance of her new single, Begin Again.
The 22-year-old performed the song after learning she had sold 1.2 million records in its first week. She tweeted: ''They just told me Red sold 1.2 million albums first week. How is this real life?! You are UNREAL. I love you so much. Thanks a million ;)'' The star had sartorial competition from Carrie Underwood and Hayden Panettiere, who both wowed in their choices. Carrie looked gorgeous in a Reem Acra Spring 2013 gown accessorised with a Swarovski gold leather 'Bel Air' clutch whilst Hayden opted for a Georges Chakra Spring 2012 Couture mini dress that featured lines of fringed pearls draped on her back and her skirt.
Musical awards were plentiful on the night. The Voice judge Blake took home a hat-trick of trophies, including his third straight male vocalist victory and the top honour of entertainer of the year, but he revealed that winning song of the year for Over You with wife Miranda Lambert, about the death of his brother Richie in a car wreck 15 years ago, was extra special. "For me as a songwriter that is as personal as I can get. So that songwriter award, song of the year award, it will have its own shelf," he said. "It will have spotlights on it and an alarm and everything. Trip wires and there will be a land mine if you walk towards it. It is a real big deal to Miranda and I."
Blake admitted he was shocked to win best entertainer, following Taylor's previous domination of the category: "I didn't think about that tonight. I was thinking there's Taylor Swift right there." Blake, and other stars including Keith Urban, joined together to salute lifetime achievement winner Willie Nelson, ending with a group sing-along of his iconic On The Road Again. Other winners included quartet Little Big Town, Hunter Hayes, and Kenny Chesney and Tim McGraw won musical event of the year for Party Like A Rock Star.
