Carly Pearce is the reigning CMA Female Vocalist of the Year. Even a year later, she still finds it difficult to put into words what winning that award last year meant to her.

“Oh God, the Female Vocalist of the Year was like the greatest thing to ever happen in my life, ever. I mean, I think I loved that more than I love like, Dairy Queen Blizzards. So, umm, I just can’t even put into words what that meant to me.”

As the reigning Female Vocalist of the Year, with five nominations this year, a lot of eyes will certainly be on Carly at this year’s CMA Awards as she walks the red carpet and delivers two performances – she’ll be performing “Dear Miss Loretta” off her 29: Written in Stone album, and she’ll join Kelsea Ballerini and Kelly Clarkson for their collaboration of “You’re Drunk, Go Home,” off Kelsea’s latest album. With everything going on that night, we wanted to know how many outfits Carly has planned, how challenging it was to pick what to wear, and if she is ready for the big night.

“This is the busiest that I’ve ever been for an awards show, but that’s fine. So, I have three looks throughout the night and I’m really excited. It is stressful when you are thinking about looks for all of those things each year. However, when you find them, you get really excited about it. So, I am at this point where I know exactly – and honestly, a lot of years I haven’t known what I was wearing until like two days before – so, I know exactly what I’m wearing and I feel really good about it.”

Don’t miss Carly and all her outfits Wednesday night on the 56th annual CMA Awards, broadcasting live from Nashville at 8 ET/7 CT on ABC.