Brianna "Chickenfry" LaPaglia made headlines at the 2025 Golden Globe Awards, marking her empowering return to the red carpet just three months after her breakup with country singer Zach Bryan. LaPaglia's appearance on January 5 illuminated the ceremony at the Beverly Hilton, showcasing her stunning fashion choice—a metallic, plunging gown by Maria Lucia Hohan.
Entering the event, LaPaglia turned heads with her ensemble, which featured flattering ruched details and elegantly accentuated her waist. The strapless design of the gown served to highlight her arm tattoos, sending her style cred soaring. Complementing her look, LaPaglia wore layered silver bracelets and rings, alongside a metallic clutch, all perfectly matched with her toes peeking from nude heels. Her hair, styled by Becca Mader, was elegantly curled and tied back, allowing her hazel-brown eyes to steal the show.
Taking the spotlight not only for her fashion, LaPaglia reflected on her past relationship with Bryan, who had previously criticized her Golden Globes attire during their last appearance together. According to LaPaglia, he had openly expressed disdain for her outfit from the 2024 awards, telling her, "He didn't want to date someone who presents themselves like this." This statement was part of their tumultuous breakup, which involved LaPaglia alleging emotional abuse during their time together.
“That was f----- crazy. That was the first time he had really tried to control what I wore and what I posted,” LaPaglia recounted to her podcast listeners, recounting how Bryan’s disapproval impacted her confidence and the joy of attending significant events. Most recently on her "BFFs" podcast, she described her relationship with Bryan as burdensome, claiming, “The last year of my life has been the hardest year of my life.”
Her emergence on the red carpet this year felt like liberation, especially as she left behind the negative energy of the past. Supportive messages flooded her social media as she prepared for the night, with fans commenting on her appearance, such as one who noted, “This was made for you.”
LaPaglia's gown was not her original choice, as prior to the event, she had nearly chosen another outfit—a sheer silver dress with a dramatic keyhole cutout. Still, her final decision to wear the stunning metallic gown transformed the evening, effectively commemorated through the acclaim she received online.
Her podcast co-host Josh Richards joined her on the carpet, solidifying their friendship—a supportive presence after challenging months. The energy at the event was palpable, with LaPaglia admitting her excitement as the couple walked the carpet together. “Ready for the @goldenglobes,” she humorously stated during one of her social media updates, showcasing back-to-back snippets of her glamorous preparations.
Walking down the red carpet alone this year also allowed LaPaglia to devote attention to herself, emphasizing her individuality and growth since her breakup. ''I don’t have a boyfriend,” she shared shortly after the event, clarifying any dating rumors swirling around her post-split narrative.
The 82nd Golden Globes had numerous films nominated for various categories, with star-studded attendees including Selena Gomez and Zendaya walking the same iconic carpet. Yet, it was LaPaglia who took her heart-wrenching past and transformed it beautifully through fashion and self-affirmation, owning the moment with her bold statement dress.
Though the emotional turbulence from her past remains fresh, LaPaglia’s confidence radiated at the awards, presenting herself as not only a fashionista but also emblematic of resilience during challenging personal circumstances. Fans and attendees alike were left with one prevailing thought: LaPaglia is continuing to rise, leaving shadows of the past behind as she embraces the future.