My First CMA Awards Night: From Utah Mom to Nashville Dreamer (and a New Cowgirl Obsession!)

You guys. YOU GUYS. I’m still buzzing. Like, actually buzzing. I just had one of the best nights of my life and I’m still trying to process it all. The CMA Awards! Can you even believe it? Little old me, from Utah, on the red carpet in Nashville. It feels like a total dream, and honestly, I’m still half-expecting to wake up. But nope, it was real. And it was freakin’ amazing.

I’ve been wanting to share all the deets with you bc I know you guys love hearing about these adventures, and this one was just too good not to spill everything. Grab a snack, get comfy, bc this is gonna be a long one. I’m gonna tell you all about the red carpet, the performances, the vibes, and why I’m now fully convinced I need to become a cowgirl. Like, immediately. Tanner’s already rolling his eyes, but idc. My mind is made up. Hahah.

The Build-Up: Getting Ready for the Red Carpet

Okay, so let’s start from the beginning. When I first got the invitation, I literally thought it was a prank. I was like, “No way, this can’t be real.” I showed Tanner and he was like, “Lo, this is huge!” And then it slowly started to sink in. The CMA Awards! I’ve watched them on TV for years, just admiring all the glitz and the incredible music. To actually be invited? It felt surreal. I called my mom right away, and she was just as excited as I was, maybe even more! She’s always been my biggest cheerleader, and I just knew she was so proud. :,)

Then came the outfit stress, hahah. You know how I am with decisions. I swear I tried on like a million things. I wanted something that felt like me, but also, you know, red carpet worthy! It’s not every day you get to walk a red carpet, right? I finally landed on something that felt right, and honestly, once I had it on, I just felt so good. It’s funny how an outfit can just make you feel like a whole new person. I was still Lo, but like, Lo with a little extra sparkle. Tanner was my hype man, as always. He’s so good at making me feel confident, even when I’m freakin out about something silly like what shoes to wear. I swear he’s the best.

Stepping Onto the Red Carpet: A Whirlwind of Emotions

Walking onto that red carpet… wow. It was a sensory overload in the best way possible. The lights, the cameras, the buzz of everyone talking and laughing. It was just electric. I remember taking a deep breath and just trying to soak it all in. I kept thinking about Stella, Ozzy, and Cherry, and how one day I’ll tell them all about this. And how I hope they always chase their dreams, no matter how big or crazy they seem.

I saw so many familiar faces, and it was just cool to be in that space. Everyone was so friendly and genuinely excited to be there. It wasn’t like, stuffy or anything. It was just a big celebration of country music, and you could feel that energy radiating from everyone. I was definitely a little nervous, but also just so incredibly grateful to be there. It’s moments like those that just make you pause and think, “How did I get so lucky?”

The Main Event: Performances That Blew My Mind

Okay, but the performances, you guys. THE PERFORMANCES. They were insane. Seriously, every single artist brought their A-game. I mean, I love country music, but seeing it live, with that kind of production and energy, it’s just on another level. There were moments where I had goosebumps, and moments where I was literally tearing up because the music just hit me so hard. You know how music can just reach into your soul? That’s what it felt like.

I loved seeing all the different artists, from the legends to the newer ones. It’s so cool to see how much talent is out there. And the collaborations! Oh my gosh, when different artists came together, it was just pure magic. I was just sitting there, taking it all in, feeling so lucky to witness it. It really made me appreciate the artistry and the hard work that goes into creating those moments. It’s not just a song; it’s a whole experience.

Finding My Inner Cowgirl: A New Obsession

And this is where the cowgirl obsession officially began, hahah. I swear, after seeing all the amazing outfits, the boots, the hats, and just the general vibe of Nashville and country music… I just knew. I was like, “That’s it. I need to be a cowgirl.” I mean, I’m a mom of three, I live in Utah, and my current uniform is usually leggings and a messy bun. But a girl can dream, right?

There’s just something so cool and confident about the cowgirl aesthetic. It’s strong, it’s a little bit wild, and it just feels so authentic. I’m already picturing myself in some cute boots, maybe a fringe jacket (Tanner, prepare yourself), and just embracing that whole vibe. I told Tanner, “I’m serious! I’m gonna start looking for a hat!” He just laughed and said, “Whatever makes you happy, Lo.” He’s so used to my random obsessions by now. But ngl, this one feels different. This feels like a calling. Hahah.

Reflecting on the Magic: More Than Just an Award Show

Coming home after a night like that, it’s hard to just go back to normal. My head is still spinning with all the memories. It wasn’t just an award show; it was an experience. It was a reminder to step outside your comfort zone, to say yes to new adventures, and to really soak in those moments of joy and inspiration.

As a mom, sometimes it’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day, the routines, the endless to-do lists. And I love my life, I wouldn’t trade it for anything. My girls are my whole world, and being their mom is the best thing ever. But it’s also important to have those moments for yourself, those experiences that light you up and remind you of who you are outside of being “mom.” This night was definitely one of those for me. It filled my cup in a way I didn’t even know it needed filling.

It also made me think about dreams. Like, I never thought I’d be at the CMA Awards. It just goes to show that you never know where life is going to take you, and it’s always good to keep an open mind and heart. Maybe my next big adventure will involve a horse and a cowboy hat. Who knows? Hahah. But seriously, I’m feeling so inspired and grateful.

Thank you guys for always following along on my adventures and for being the best community ever. It means the world to me to share these moments with you. I love you all sm! ❤

What’s Next for This Aspiring Cowgirl?

So, what’s next for this newfound cowgirl wannabe? Well, first things first, I’m definitely going to be adding some more country music to my playlists. And I might just start browsing online for some cute cowboy boots. Just casually, you know. For research purposes. Hahah. Tanner might have to drag me out of a Western wear store soon, but it’s fine. It’s all part of the journey.

But more than just the fashion, I think this experience has really sparked something in me. It’s a reminder that it’s okay to have new interests, to explore different sides of yourself, even when you’re in a completely different stage of life than you thought you’d be. Being a mom is amazing, but it doesn’t mean you stop growing or dreaming. In fact, it makes you want to dream even bigger for yourself and for your kids.

So here’s to new adventures, to embracing the unexpected, and to maybe, just maybe, finding my inner cowgirl. Wish me luck! And if you have any tips on where to find the perfect cowboy hat, send them my way! I’m all ears. Or all hat, I guess. Hahah. Love you guys!