Posted: May 19th, 2008 at 12:16 pm | By: Deb Barnes
With Las Vegas as the setting for the Academy of Country Music Awards on Sunday night (May 18), it’s not surprising that some artists would channel Elvis Presley. Carrie Underwood kicked off the show in an updated, feminine version of the King’s famous white jumpsuit—sleeveless and tight with rhinestones along the plunging v-neckline, accented by a sparkling wide belt. Underwood arrived at the show in a silver knee-length dress complete with shiny Elvis-worthy tassels. Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland performed in a sleeveless black belted jumpsuit with a plunging neckline and tasseled bell-bottoms.
Those who didn’t go for the Elvis connection still embraced Sin City’s glitz. Kellie Pickler walked the orange carpet in a
glamorous flowing gold gown embellished with intricate beading. Miranda Lambert also went for the gold—accents, that is, on her spring-like empire-waisted knee-length sundress. Nettles arrived in a form-fitting champagne-colored Kaufman Franco floor-length gown, sparkling with a beaded graphic pattern and a daring low-cut back. Several stars projected a Roman goddess vibe, including Taylor Swift in a filmy white Marquesa gown with an empire waist and a bodice criss-crossed with beading. Little Big Town’s Kimberly Schlapman wore a blue layered knee-length gown draped over one shoulder, toga-style. Sara Evans shimmered in an icy blue-gray mini with a loosely draped top accented with a metallic neckline.
Blue may have been the star of the show: Host Reba McEntire, Trisha Yearwood and Album of the Year winner Miranda Lambert all rocked a bold indigo (McEntire liked it so much she wore two different gowns in similar shades). Sarah Buxton stood out on the orange carpet in a billowing strapless in several watercolor shades of blue. All in all, lots of shimmer, glimmer and shine — the King would have been proud.
See photos from the 2008 Academy of Country Music Awards.
CMT Lifestyles Blog: What Happens in Vegas ? Is Country Glamour

Kellie Pickler prior to the ACM Awards show on May 18, 2008
Photo Credit: Charley Gallay/Getty Images