Gabby Barrett, 22, took a daring approach to fashion while arriving for the 57th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards in Las Vegas on Monday, Mar. 7. The songstress was dressed to impress in a dramatic black and red ensemble at the affair, which she was hosting with the one-and-only Dolly Parton, and fellow country favorite Jimmie Allen.
Gabby, who was also up for Female Artist of the Year at the event, swept onto the scene in a red maxi dress with wild, angular shoulder pads and a high black, patent leather collar that crossed her shoulder. The American Idol alum’s look continued with a leggy slit that revealed black, patent leather leggings underneath. Keeping things slick, she swept her hair back and out of her face while framing her eyes with dark, smoky eyeshadow.
The “I Hope” singer came with moral support for the awards show, bringing along husband of three years Cade Foehner, who was handsome in an all-black suit look. He stood behind his love and smiled as they posed on the red carpet together.
Inside, the star got the party going with some Vegas-inspired tunes with co-host Jimmie. He got things rolling with “Viva Las Vegas”, before Gabby sailed into a rendition of Faith Hill’s 1995 hit “Let’s Go To Vegas”. For the set, she went rocker chic in a glittering black tunic with sexy pleather leggings.
Later in the show, the beauty made an elegant transformation into a white gown to sing a truly inspiring version of Lee Ann Womack’s “I Hope You Dance”. She glitzed up the look with a diamond choker and a twisted her hair up.
Gabby glowed about her gig ahead of Monday’s event. The “The Good Ones” musician told audio platform Audacy about her turn to hosting, “It’s honestly hard to believe everything that’s gone on the past couple of years. It’s crazy to believe about hosting because I never thought I’d get into hosting,” she went on.
“I thought I’d stay in my lane with, you know, I know I’m good in the singing areas so stay there. But I tried out the hosting thing and it’s pretty cool.” When offered the chance to host the ACMs along with Dolly, she simply couldn’t say no. You cannot pass up something like this. Who am I to pass that up? I can’t!” she laughed.
The talent-packed event will also feature performances from Kelly Clarkson, Kelsea Ballerini, Jason Aldean, Maren Morris, Carrie Underwood, and many more.