Shania Twain Blends Drama and Elegance As She Rocks Two Stunning Gowns At ACM Honors

Shania Twain turned heads on the red carpet ahead of Wednesday’s 15th Annual Academy of Country Music Honors.

Her plunging black velvet gown with a full train and matching gloves wouldn’t have been complete without a touch of classic leopard print. She sported this pattern in the form of a cowboy hat and over-the-knee boots, adding a pop of color and displaying true Shaina Twain vivacity.

This was a precursor to the night as pop-punk star Avril Lavigne later took to the stage channeling the 56-year-old country legend with her own leopard print hoodie and mini skirt. This outfit, including a motorcycle jacket over a black leather bustier, fit Lavigne’s usual style, but it also served as a recreation of the iconic hooded ensemble that Twain wore in her 1998 music video for “That Don’t Impress Me Much.”

Before the night began, Lavigne shared several first-looks of her outfit via social media saying, “I’m here today in Nashville for the ACM Honors to present Shania Twain with the ACM Poet’s Award!” and “I’m channeling my inner Shania Twain right now.”

Lavigne’s pleated mini skirt and black knee-high boots made an appearance on the red carpet before she honored her fellow Canadian native by singing her 1990 hit, “No One Needs To Know.”

Following the performance, she presented Twain with the ACM’s Poets Award. At the start of her passionate speech, Twain thanked Lavigne for her tribute and suggested the “Sk8er Boi” singer “should’ve gone into country, honestly.” While accepting her honor, Twain shined from head to toe in her golden outfit change. The switch to long, elegant dress included a tasteful keyhole neckline with a gold beaded collar.

These two artists from opposing genres first met years ago when Lavigne was just 14 years old. At the time, she won a contest through her local radio station that presented her with the opportunity to join Twain on stage and sing in front of a crowd of 20,000 people. Since, that moment, they have had many reunions as they continue to support each other in their careers.

Lavigne was not the only star of the night to recreate an iconic Shania Twain ensemble. Kelsea Ballerini also wore the actual white sequined, high-necked gown that Twain rocked during the 1999 Grammy Awards. Later on, she kicked off the night by performing one of Twain’s most iconic tracks to date, “Man, I Feel Like A Woman.” Her outfit, which included a top hat, gloves tailcoat, cuffs, collar and tie, closely resembled the one worn in the original music video.

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“One of the things that I think she’s an icon because of is her fashion, and the way she’s always pushing boundaries,” Ballerini told Entertainment Tonight. “I wanted to honor that part of her too.”

Hosted by reigning ACM Female Artist of the Year, Carly Pearce, the star-studded event will air in a two-hour special on FOX on Tuesday, September 13 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT). 

Dubbed “Country Music industry’s favorite night,” ACM Honors recognized several special honorees, including ACM Triple Crown Award recipient Miranda Lambert, ACM Spirit Award recipient Chris Stapleton, ACM Poet’s Award recipient Shania Twain, ACM Milestone Award recipient Morgan Wallen and ACM Film Award recipient Yellowstone. 

Performers and presenters included Kelsea Ballerini, Dierks Bentley, The Warren Brothers, Brooks & Dunn, Dan + Shay, Eric Church, Jordan Davis, ERNEST, Jesse Frasure, Vince Gill, Ashley Gorley, Mickey Guyton, HARDY, Wynonna Judd, Avril Lavigne, Little Big Town, Morgan Wallen, Lainey Wilson and more. 

ACM Award winner and Grammy nominee Trace Adkins was also on hand to perform his cover of “A Country Boy Can Survive,” from the upcoming FOX country music drama MONARCH, in which he stars alongside Susan Sarandon and Anna Friel.

ACM Honors will premiere Tuesday, September 13 at 8/7c on FOX.