All Hotly Discussed Male Country Stars at 2026 ACM Awards, Igniting Buzz over Their Red Carpet Looks — Photos

Before the Academy of Country Music Awards ceremony began, red carpet photos were already spreading across social media. Keith Urban’s relaxed blazer-and-sneakers outfit quickly divided commenters, while Riley Green’s cowboy hat and hairstyle became a major topic in online reactions.

As more stars arrived, the carpet turned into a mix of sharp tailoring, oversized Western looks, and unexpected fashion risks — with several appearances drawing just as much attention as the awards themselves.

Chris Stapleton

On May 17, 2026, Chris Stapleton arrived at the ACM Awards with his wife, Morgane Stapleton, wearing a look that stayed true to his signature country style. The singer paired a dark blazer and black shirt with jeans, boots, and his trademark cowboy hat.

Morgane complemented the understated look in a fitted black gown, giving the couple a coordinated red carpet moment without leaning into flashy fashion trends.

Michael Bublé

Michael Bublé stood out in a bright electric-blue suit paired with a dark shirt and glossy dress shoes. The bold color contrasted sharply with the darker looks seen across much of the carpet, making his outfit one of the evening’s more eye-catching style choices.

Shaboozey

Shaboozey arrived in a black leather coat with matching pants, layered jewelry, and a black cowboy hat. The look combined Western-inspired fashion with modern styling details.

His outfit stood out on the red carpet for its monochromatic palette and bold silhouette, adding a more fashion-forward element to the night’s arrivals.

Blake Shelton

Blake Shelton brought a more classic performance look to the ACM Awards stage, appearing in a dark vest layered over a light button-down shirt with a tie and matching trousers. Holding an acoustic guitar during his performance, the country star kept the focus on his music with a clean and polished style.

Riley Green

Riley Green leaned heavily into traditional Western fashion for the ACM Awards arrivals. The singer wore a textured brown three-piece suit paired with a white shirt, tie, cowboy hat, and brown boots.

In one photo, Green posed with his hands in his pockets while showing off the coordinated look. In another, he smiled while holding his cowboy hat during the red carpet arrivals.

Online reactions to Green’s appearance quickly followed, with some Facebook users focusing on his overall look.

Someone else commented, “Good thing he wears a cowboy hat cause his hair always looks greasy.” Another wrote, “He looks like he just got out of the shower and isn’t quite sure what to do.”

Not all of the reactions were critical, however. One commenter shared, “Well well. He’s the second most handsome man in the world. Tom Selleck is the most handsome.”

Another netizen praised Green’s appearance, “He looks amazing with or without that hat.” Someone else added, “Riley is gorgeous. Sings like a dream too.”

Kane Brown

Kane Brown arrived at the ACM Awards in a sleeveless brown pinstripe suit that showed off his tattooed arms. The singer completed the look with light-colored shoes and layered jewelry, giving the outfit a sleek but relaxed edge.

The bold tailoring and sleeveless design helped Brown stand out among the more traditional country looks seen throughout the night.

Tyler Hubbard

Tyler Hubbard kept things casual on the red carpet in a tan blazer layered over a white shirt and light blue jeans. He paired the relaxed outfit with boots and simple accessories, leaning into an easygoing country style.

His longer hairstyle and laid-back look gave the appearance a more effortless feel compared to some of the night’s sharper, tailored outfits.

Brooks & Dunn

Brooks & Dunn brought classic country style to the ACM Awards. Ronnie Dunn wore a denim jacket over a light shirt with dark jeans and sunglasses, while Kix Brooks appeared in a dark blazer, patterned button-down shirt, jeans, and a black cowboy hat.

The longtime musical duo posed closely together during arrivals, staying true to the traditional country image that has defined their career for decades.

Dan + Shay

Dan Smyers and Shay Mooney arrived in sharply tailored suits that contrasted in both color and style. Smyers wore a light mauve suit with a white shirt, while Mooney chose a darker double-breasted navy suit with a tie.

The duo brought a polished and modern look to the carpet while posing together during arrivals.

Tucker Wetmore

Tucker Wetmore opted for a bold monochromatic look in a powder-blue suit paired with a black cowboy hat and dark boots. The singer left part of his shirt unbuttoned, adding a more relaxed edge to the tailored outfit.

The combination of classic Western accessories and modern styling gave the appearance a standout look on the carpet.

Cody Johnson

Cody Johnson kept to a classic cowboy-inspired style with a dark blazer, jeans, boots, and a light-colored cowboy hat. He completed the look with a large belt buckle and an open-collar shirt.

The outfit reflected the traditional country aesthetic that has long been associated with the singer’s public image.

Parker McCollum

Parker McCollum arrived in a textured blazer paired with jeans, a white shirt, boots, and a black cowboy hat. The singer kept the look simple and clean while leaning into classic Western style. His oversized belt buckle added another traditional country detail to the outfit.

Zach Top

Zach Top embraced a traditional country look for the ACM Awards arrivals. The singer wore a black cowboy hat with a varsity-style jacket, jeans, boots, and a large belt buckle, giving the outfit a casual Western feel.

The relaxed styling stood out against some of the night’s more formal red carpet looks while still staying true to classic country fashion.

Keith Urban

Keith Urban sparked some of the strongest reactions of the night after appearing on the red carpet in a gray blazer, dark T-shirt, loose white pants, and sneakers.

While the outfit itself drew attention, many social media users focused on Urban’s expression and body language in photos from the event.

Fans reacting to an Instagram post shared mixed opinions about the singer’s appearance. One netizen wrote, “He looks sad.” Another commented, “I wish he would update his look.” A third added, “I feel so bad for him 🥲.”

Similar reactions appeared under a Facebook reel. One commenter wrote, “I think he seems a bit uncomfortable. I bet he’d rather be playing and singing.”

Another user shared, “He looks cool on those lighter colours look.” A third added, “He hates the photo stuff.. he just wants to Play his Guitar and sing [sic]!! ❤️”

The online reaction to Keith Urban’s latest ACM Awards appearance echoed similar conversations from the previous year.

In 2025, photos of the singer and Nicole Kidman at the ACM Awards also prompted widespread commentary, with many netizens focusing on Urban’s facial expression and reserved presence on the red carpet.

Wearing complementary black ensembles, the couple posed with ease. Urban donned a pinstripe suit and open-collared shirt, his tousled hair and light stubble completing the look.

Kidman stood beside him in a sleeveless black dress with a leather-like finish, the fitted silhouette emphasizing her tall frame. Her straight, middle-parted blonde hair framed a soft smile as she rested a hand on Urban’s chest, offering a calm, affectionate contrast to his more reserved look.

The contrast between her composed warmth and his quieter demeanor didn’t go unnoticed by netizens. “Keith looks sad in this photo. Look at his eyes,” one commented. Another simply agreed, “He does look sad.” A third chimed in, “Why so sad Keith?”

Some focused on the couple’s hairstyles. A netizen pointed out, “Her hair grew back!” while another observed, “Wait. She had short short hair at the event a few days ago?!?!” A different person typed, “His hair always looks dirty … what happened to her short haircut?”

Someone else directed criticism at Kidman, writing, “Can not stand her [sic].”

Not all reactions were negative. One supporter described them as a “Beautiful and HAPPY couple…[sic]” Another expressed admiration for their pairing, while a separate commenter complimented their appearances, calling Urban “handsome” and Kidman “beautiful.”

The couple attended the ceremony as Urban accepted the ACM Triple Crown Award — a rare honor the Academy has awarded only a few times throughout its history.

As the photos continued circulating online, the reactions highlighted how closely fans follow the red carpet appearances of country music’s biggest stars — from their fashion choices to the expressions captured by photographers.