Simone Biles arrived at the CMA Awards sporting a new haircut and ready to take on a special responsibility. “Okay, but wait for the glow-up later today,” the Olympian posted on her Instagram story ahead of the prestigious event. However, a clip of Biles among the audience alongside George Strait’s wife Norma Strait shows that she may have second-guessed her decision.

The X-page All About Carrie uploaded a short clip of the 27-year-old standing behind Norma Strait during the George Strait tribute performance. While the country music legend’s wife seemed to be enjoying Chris Stapleton’s tribute performance, Biles seemed less than excited. “Simone Biles caught questioning why she came to the CMA Awards during this George Strait tribute performance,” read the caption.

However, there’s little clue as to why Biles seemed disinterested in the clip. The seven-time Olympic gold medalist returned to the CMA Awards for the first time since she attended the event with her Rio 2016 gold medal-winning teammates. The 2024 CMA Awards invited the gymnastics icon alongside several other celebrities, including actors and some of country music’s biggest names.

Biles joined Billy Bob Thornton, Jeff Bridges, Little Big Town, Dustin Lynch, and others on the stage. As a trailblazer in women’s sports and an Olympic legend, Simone Biles fittingly presented the ‘Female Vocalist of the Year’ year category, which went to Lainey Wilson. Meanwhile, the award show honored George Strait with the CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award.

What made the eleven-time Olympic medalist’s reaction even more surprising was what she said before the show. Before the defending all-around world champion took to the stage, she walked the red carpet, where ABC caught up with the Texas resident. “I try to rest as much as possible, but it’s always fun to get opportunities to come and do stuff like this,” Biles said during the pre-show.

“It’s fun walking the carpet and meeting new people,” added Simone Biles. Well, whatever the reason behind her displeasure, the Olympian had everyone talking as she sported a brand-new look for the 2024 CMA Awards.

Simone Biles teased fans before debuting her new look

The 27-year-old arrived at the award show sporting a new bob haircut. Biles stepped on the red carpet wearing a metallic silver gown, adding some sparkle to the gold medalist aura. She also sported some smokey eyeshadow and nude lip gloss. Biles also wore a pair of silver boots to complete the look. And while her getup looked stunning, her Instagram followers already had an inkling of what the gymnastics icon would wear.

Besides teasing her fans with the “glow up,” Simone Biles also showed off the silver boots. “I got the cutest pair of boots.” the three-time gold medalist in Paris has posted while getting ready for her big night in Nashville. The Critics Choice Award winner looked transformed on the CMA re-carpet when compared to her long-haired-floral dress-wearing avatar at the Simone Biles Rising Part 2 premier.

However, her current look has a subtle similarity with what she wore at the 2016 CMA Awards. In the photos alongside fellow gold medalists Aly Raisman, Gabby Douglas, Laurie Hernandez, and Madison Kocian, the gymnastics icon wore a gunmetal gown with relatively shorter hair. Yet, despite nailing the look and expressing excitement ahead of the show, something may have displeased Biles. However, we can only speculate until the gymnast herself clears the air.