Red Carpet Report Card: 2011 ACM Awards

Red Carpet Report Card: 2011 ACM Awards

 Taylor Swift
Grade: A

As usual, the country cutie did not disappoint upon arriving at the 2011 Academy of Country Music Awards -- held at the MGM Garden Arena in Las Vegas -- wearing a gorgeous pale yellow Elie Saab Couture gown. Neil Lane jewels and long wavy locks completed her elegant ensemble.

Carrie Underwood
Grade: B+

Carrie Underwood -- who's also know for her impeccable sense of style -- picked a deep purple Jean Fares Couture frock for the occasion. While it didn't necessarily do her fab physique justice, Carrie still looked stunning.

 Wynonna and Naomi Judd
Grade: F

On the flip side, mother-daughter duo Wynonna and Naomi Judd -- who aren't exactly known for being fashion plates -- also lived up to their reputations when they arrived wearing these garish getups.

 Miranda Lambert
Grade: C

While she's currently one of country music's hottest stars, Miranda Lambert's low-cut, Grecian-style Lorena Sarbu gown was far from white hot. Instead of accentuating her curves, we have a feeling Miranda spent most of the night worrying about how to contain them!

 Martina McBride
Grade: B+

Also opting for a Grecian goddess look was Martina McBride, who paired her one-shoulder Pamella Roland creation with an opulent gold belt and shoulder-grazing tassel earrings.

 Reba McEntire
Grade: D

Reba McEntire, who co-hosted the show, hit the red carpet in a lackluster copper-colored gown, which perfectly matched her fiery tresses. A gothic cross choker and black cuff topped off her confusing look.

 Lady Antebellum
Grade: B+

Hillary Scott flanked by bandmates Charles Kelley and Dave Haywood glammed it up in a gorgeous, beaded Georges Chakra gown and bold bangs.

 Chace Crawford
Grade: B

"Gossip Girl" hunk Chace Crawford showed up for the event sporting slick-backed hair and a gray suit, which he dressed down with a casual, gray henley shirt. Think he was cheering on his ex-girlfriend Carrie Underwood?

 Julianne Hough
Grade: B+

The pro dancer-turned-country singer strutted her stuff in a sexy coral halter dress. That Ryan Seacrest is one lucky guy, eh

 Kristian Bush and Jennifer Nettles
Grade: B-

Sugarland's Kristian Bush stepped out in his signature suit and fedora, while Jennifer Nettles sported a black gown with interesting web detailing. Unfortunately, we couldn't take our eyes off her tacky wing-adorned heart tattoo!

 Sara Evans
Grade: B

Sara Evans showed off her gams in a sparkly-yet-rather-casual BCBG Max Azria dress, blazer, and strappy platform sandals.

 Darius Rucker
Grade: B

Former Hootie and the Blowfish frontman Darius Rucker opted to pair his crisp white blazer with a purple button-down and matching tie. Salt-and-pepper scruff completed his summery look.

 Casey James
Grade: B

Following in Rucker's footsteps was former "American Idol" contestant Casey James, who suited up and even pulled his hair back into a ponytail for the occasion.

 Diana DeGarmo
Grade: C-

Another "Idol," Diana DeGarmo, attempted to get all dolled up for the awards show ... in a pink prom bomb.

 Luke Bryan
Grade: B-

Luke Bryan took a fashion risk by pairing his black jeans with a funky patterned black blazer. Do you think it was a hit ... or a miss?

 Jennette McCurdy
Grade: D

"iCarly star/aspiring country singer Jennette McCurdy may only be 18, but she's certainly old enough to realize that her hideous, rhinestone-adorned Mandalay mini and hot pink peep-toes would garner her attention for all the wrong reasons!

 Jake Owen
Grade: B+

While everyone might not agree, Jake Owen scored extra points with us for daring to be different in a dapper burgundy-and-gray pin-striped suit, which he accessorized with cowboy boots and boutonniere.

 Laura Bell Bundy
Grade: A-

All eyes were on actress/singer Laura Bell Bundy thanks to her shimmering, embroidered Jean Fares Couture strapless mermaid gown.

 Laura Bell Bundy
Grade: A-

All eyes were on actress/singer Laura Bell Bundy thanks to her shimmering, embroidered Jean Fares Couture strapless mermaid gown.

 Brooklyn Decker
Grade: B+

Model/actress Brooklyn Decker modeled her new, short 'do in a simple -- yet classy -- form-fitting Victoria Beckham frock.

 Alabama
Grade: D+

Alabama's Jeff Cook, Teddy Gentry, and Randy Owen have been together since 1969, but they might want to consider updating their look!

 Sunny Sweeney
Grade: B-

Aside from her skunk-like locks, Sunny Sweeney played it safe in a navy, strapless number.

 Meghan Linsey
Grade: C

Steel Magnolia's Meghan Linsey donned a ruffled Ina Soltani design, which she accessorized with black nails, a sparkling clutch, and a seriously outdated matronly 'do.

 Josh Kelley
Grade: C+

Unfortunately, Katherine Heigl's singer/songwriter hubby Josh Kelley ruined his navy suit and checked shirt combo with a wrinkly tie.

 Carter's Chord
Grade: B-

Musical sisters Emily, Becky, and Joanna Robertson looked cute in their minis. Too bad they paired their fun frocks with clunky footwear!

Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban
Grade: B+

Despite their drastically different skin hues, Keith Urban and wife Nicole Kidman color-coordinated perfectly for the awards show in dark ensembles. Keith looked comfy in his suit thanks to his open-collar shirt, while Nicole vamped it up in a snakeskin L'Wren Scott frock, fur bolero, and black Manolo Blahniks.

American Idol': Where are they now

Where are they now?

Catch up with Clay Aiken (remember the Claymates?) & other 'American Idol' faves.

"American Idol" is gearing up for its 10th season with some new faces at the judges' table. So we're taking a stroll down memory lane to find out what past favorites are up to these days.

Crystal Bowersox

Season: 9

She was dealing with a breakup during the "Idol" finale but the single mom bounced back with a new man and a new album.

 Lee DeWyze

Season: 9

The former paint salesman released his first post-"Idol" album, but it's not selling as well as another "Idol" CD. 

Simon Cowell

Seasons: 1-9

The "mean" judge with a penchant for showing his chest surprised a lot of people when he announced he would be leaving the show. 

Kara DioGuardi

Seasons: 8-9

The hit songwriter was the fourth judge for two seasons before she jumped ship last year.

 Jason Castro

Season: 7

The dreadlocked guitarist from small-town Texas has changed his relationship status since his time on the show.  

David Archuleta

Season: 7
 The teen pop singer appeared on "Star Search before his "Idol" stint and released his first album in 2008. 

Allison Iraheta

Season: 8
 The teenage redhead (check out her rockin' style), who had a previous brush with fame, released her debut album in 2009 before going on tour with a fellow "Idol" alum.  

Kelly Clarkson

Season: 1
 The Texas native has produced lots of hits . Her weight and fashion choices have become tabloid fodder. 

Ruben Studdard

Season: 2
 The "Velvet Teddy Bear" left the spotlight for a few years and married Surata Zuri McCants in 2008.His greatest post-"Idol" success has been as part of a troupe.  

Fantasia Barrino

Season: 3

 She has starred in a reality show, a TV movie and a Broadway play since appearing on "Idol," but the singer has also seen her share of troubles, including her father's lawsuit and a suicide attempt. 

Carrie Underwood 

Season: 4
 After "Idol," she received this honor, dated a Cowboy and a "Gossip" star but married someone else. Before her "Idol" audition, she had never done something most of us don't blink at. 

Taylor Hicks

Season: 5
 The prematurely gray singer, whose fans had a soulful nickname, was named People's Most Eligible Bachelor, although later there were setbacks. He moved on to this role on Broadway. 

Jordin Sparks

Season: 6
 The daughter of a pro football player toured with this hot band and defended them when she thought they were dissed. She later toured with another famous singer. 

David Cook

Season: 7
 Cook battled a terrible personal challenge during the show and after. He became tabloid fodder when he dated one of the show's Season 2 contestants. Some say he owes his success to this particular fan base.  

Kris Allen

Season: 8
 Despite almost missing his shot at stardom, the married Allen has been performing on the road and TV ever since his "Idol" days. His self-titled album reached No. 11 but later met this fate. Clay Aiken

Season: 2
 His loyal fans made his debut album a hit. Aiken made a not-so-surprising pronouncement and has become a daddy. Before that, he spent a stint on Broadway. 

Jennifer Hudson

Season: 3
 She went on to win a Grammy and took home this gold trophy for her role in "Dreamgirls." Since then, a horrible crime devastated her family, but joy returned to her life with this event. 

Adam Lambert

Season: 8
 The flamboyant singer  made this pronouncement and admitted to something else. His risqué performance at the American Music Awards caused ABC to cancel some appearances. 

Chris Daughtry

Season: 5
 Daughtry, who had a very different career prior to "Idol," has gone on to smashing success. His cover of a Lady Gaga song got more than a million views, and he has made recent additions to his family.  

Paula Abdul

Seasons: 1-8
 The "nice" judge didn't come back for the ninth season.She's gotten publicity in recent years for some strange things but hosted this glittery event and sells these bits of bling. 

Sanjaya Malakar

Season: 6
 A crying girl became the symbol of why he lingered.He's oddly popular in another country and showed up on a reality TV show.  

William Hung

Season: 3
 The civil engineering student uttered a memorable line in response to Simon Cowell's criticism. Hung ended up recording several albums, appeared in a foreign flick and starred in a documentary about his life. 

Elliott Yamin

Season: 5
 The former pharmacy worker signed a deal with Sony and released his self-titled album in 2007. He released his second album, "Fight for Love," in 2009. 

Bo Bice

Season: 4
 The longhaired singer got his nickname when his grandmother decided he had a famous actor's eyes. Bice released his debut album and got married in 2005. They recently had their third son. 

Kellie Pickler

Season: 5
 Pickler's quirky personality won over "Idol" audiences, and her debut album went gold. She co-wrote a song with a teen country sensation on her self-titled second album. In 2009, she became a celebrity spokeswoman. 

LaToya London

The R&B singer's first gig, at the age of 7, was singing at her mother's wedding reception. She released her debut album in 2005 and toured with "The Color Purple."  

Syesha Mercado

Season: 7
 Mercado, who won a Florida singing competition before her stint on "Idol," landed the lead role in the national tour of "Dreamgirls. 

Blake Lewis

Season: 6
 The beat-boxing singer saw his major-label debut peak at on No. 10 on the Billboard 200. His second album was released in 2009.