The first People’s Choice Country Awards brought together some of country music’s biggest and brightest stars at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee.
The event turned into a big night for Wynonna Judd, who was not only one of the most anticipated artists, but was also honored with the inaugural Country Champion Award.
The Ashland, Kentucky native received the special honor in recognition of her decades-long career as a solo artist and as one half of the legendary duo The Judds with her late mother Naomi Judd, as well as her efforts in philanthropy activism.
Before the ceremony, the country superstar walked the red carpet for a photo or two while both photographers and fans did their best to get her attention.
Never one to be skimpy and play it safe when it comes to her fashion choices, Judd once again stepped out in an all-black ensemble that featured a mix of leather and lace.
Honored: Not only did Wynonna Judd perform at the inaugural People’s Choice Country Awards at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville on Thursday, she also has the honor of being the first musician to receive the Country Champion Award
While Judd, 59, chose to forego color in her outfit, she opted for the layered look that has become almost a trademark for her.
That evening, she wore a layered scarf that reached from her cleavage to the middle of her stomach.
The “Why Not Me” singer also paired her ensemble with a vest and shirt under her stylized leather coat and matching pants that hugged her figure from the knees up and tapered from the knees down.
Judge a number of stylish touches, including fingerless lace gloves and her fiery red locks that flow long and straight past the middle of her back, with big bangs in the front.
After strutting her stuff as a solo artist for a while, Judd called her husband of just over eleven years, Cactus Moser, together for another round of photos.
The musician matched his wife perfectly and looked cool in black leather pants and a black blazer over a white shirt and black tie.
He also wore a pair of black sneakers and added an extra cool touch by wearing glasses with yellow lenses.
Arriving at the famous Grand Ole Opry, Judd made her way to her seat, eventually stopping to say hello to Blake Shelton, which was documented with a photo.
Cool couple: Judd, 59, shared the evening and the spotlight with husband and musician Cactus Moser, 66, who looked cool in black leather pants and a matching blazer
Chatty: As Judd made his rounds, he stopped to chat with Blake Shelton, who also served as one of the performers during the ceremony
Lap time: The country music legend showed off her layered leather look while holding hands with singer-songwriter Kelsea Ballerini, who showed off her figure in a black sequin mini dress
Ladies Night: Judd and Ballerini ended up sitting next to each other so they could talk and laugh a lot
She ended up sitting next to singer-songwriter Kelsea Ballerini, and the two had a great time together, chatting and laughing.
The Love Me Like You Mean It star stunned in a black sequin mini dress that shone in the event’s bright lights and matching heels.
More than once, Judd and Ballerini could be seen walking arm in arm through the Grand Old Opry, stopping to talk to other stars along the way.
During the ceremony, Toby Keith received the inaugural Country Icon Award from fellow Oklahoman Blake Shelton.
Glammy: A few hours before the show, Judd took to her Instagram page to give her 297,000 fans and followers a glimpse of how her hairstylist was getting her locks ready for the big event
Beaming: The Ashland, Kentucky, native smiled as she posed for the throngs of photographers and journalists on the red carpet
Honoree: The country music icon was honored with the inaugural Country Champion Award in recognition of her decades-long career and her efforts in philanthropy and activism
A few hours before the show, Judd took to her Instagram page to give her 297,000 fans and followers a glimpse of how her hairstylist was getting her locks ready for the big event.
There are also some clips of the “To Be Loved By You” star working for the various journalists and photographers on the red carpet.
During her acclaimed career as a solo artist and as a member of The Judds with her mother, Judd scored 19 number one singles.
Naomi Judd died by suicide after a long battle with her mental health on April 30, 2022, just 19 days after The Judds’ final performance and one day before the duo’s induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
WINNERS OF THE 2023 People’s Choice Country Music Awards
THE FOLK ARTIST OF THE YEAR 2023
Blake Shelton
Kane Brown
Kelsea Ballerini
Lainey Wilson
Luke Combs
Morgan Wallen – WINNER
Old Dominion
Zach Bryan
THE GROUP/DUO OF 2023
Osborne brothers
Dan + Shay – WINNERS
Lady A
Small big city
Maddie & Tae
Old Dominion
Parmalee
The war and the treaty
THE NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR 2023
Bailey Zimmerman
Corey Kent
Serious
Ingrid Andress
Jelly Roll – WINNER
Megan Moroney
Priscilla Block
Zach Bryan
THE COLLABORATIONS SONG OF THE YEAR 2023
“Beer With My Friends” – Kenny Chesney & Old Dominion
“Cowgirls” – Morgan Wallen feat. Serious
“red” – HARDY feat. Morgan Wallen
“Save Me” – Jelly Roll featuring Lainey Wilson – WINNER
“Thank God” – Kane Brown, Katelyn Brown
“wait in the truck” – HARDY feat. Lainey Wilson
“We Don’t Fight Anymore” – Carly Pearce, Chris Stapleton
“You, Me, And Whiskey” – Justin Moore, Priscilla Block
THE ALBUM OF 2023
Bell Bottom Country – Lainey Wilson
Another man – Kane Brown
Getting old – Luke Combs
One thing at a time – Morgan Wallen – WINNER
Religious. The album. – Bailey Zimmerman
Rolling up the welcome mat – Kelsea Ballerini
the mockingbird and the crow – HARDY
Whitsitt Chapel – Jelly Roll
THE CONCERT TOURS 2023
Blake Shelton: Back to the Honky Tonk Tour
Carrie Underwood: Denim and Rhinestones Tour
Chris Stapleton’s All-American Road Show Tour
Kenny Chesney: I Go Back 2023 Tour
Luke Combs world tour
Morgan Wallen: One Night At A Time World Tour – WINNER
Shania Twain: Queen of Me Tour
Zach Bryan: The Burn, Burn, Burn Tour
COUNTRY ICON
Toby Keith – WINNER
THE ARTIST OF THE YEAR 2023
Ashley McBryde
Carly Pearce
Carrie Underwood
Elle King
Kelsea Ballerini
Lainey Wilson – WINNER
Megan Moroney
Miranda Lambert
MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR 2023
Bailey Zimmerman
Blake Shelton
WINTER HARDY
Jelly Roll – WINNER
Kane Brown
Luke Combs
Morgan Wallen
Zach Bryan
THE SOCIAL COUNTRY STAR OF THE YEAR 2023
Bailey Zimmerman
Blake Shelton – WINNER
Carrie Underwood
Dolly Parton
Kelsea Ballerini
Luke Combs
Morgan Wallen
Shania Twain
THE SONG OF 2023
“Fast Car” – Luke Combs
“Last Night” – Morgan Wallen
“I Love You Anyway” – Luke Combs
“Need a Favour” – Jelly Roll – WINNER
“Tennessee Orange” – Megan Moroney
“Thank God” – Kane Brown, Katelyn Brown
“Thinkin’ Bout Me” – Morgan Wallen
“wait in the truck” – HARDY feat. Lainey Wilson
THE CROSSOVER SONG OF 2023
“Dawns” – Zach Bryan feat. Maggie Rogers
“Just Say I’m Sorry” – P!nk, Chris Stapleton – WINNER
“Life Goes On” – Ed Sheeran feat. Luke Combs
“Seasons” – Bebe Rexha, Dolly Parton
“Texas” – Jessie Murph feat. Maren Morris
“UNHEALTHY” – Anne-Marie feat. Shania Twain
“Wasted” – Diplo feat. Kodak Black & Koe Wetzel
THE MUSIC VIDEO OF 2023
“In Your Love” – Tyler Childers
“Need a favor” – Jelly Roll
“Tennessee Orange” – Megan Moroney
“Thank God” – Kane Brown, Katelyn Brown
“I thought you should know” – Morgan Wallen
“wait in the truck” – HARDY feat. Lainey Wilson – WINNER
“Where We Began” – Thomas Rhett, Katy Perry
“They Prove” – Morgan Wallen
COUNTRY CHAMPION
Wynonna Judd – WINNER