The Kennedy Center Honors is always a special evening, but for Garth Brooks, the 42nd annual celebration hit especially close to home. His wife, Trisha Yearwood, took the stage to honor the legendary Linda Ronstadt—and ended up delivering a performance that left just about everyone in tears.

As Trisha launched into Ronstadt’s classic hit “You’re No Good,” the emotion in the room was undeniable. Linda Ronstadt, who has been unable to sing due to a form of Parkinson’s disease, watched with tears in her eyes. Garth, sitting in the audience, looked visibly moved as he watched his wife pay tribute to one of the artists who helped shape the sound of country and rock music.

The crowd was right there with them—clapping, smiling, and some even crying. Familiar faces like Rita Wilson and Kevin Jonas swayed along. And when Trisha finished, Ronstadt rose to her feet, tissue in hand, to give a heartfelt standing ovation.

But the night didn’t end there. Trisha returned to the stage, this time teaming up with the soulful Aaron Neville to sing “Don’t Know Much”—a Grammy-winning duet he originally performed with Ronstadt in 1990. Their harmonies soared, creating a moment that felt like pure musical magic.

Alongside Ronstadt, other honorees that year included Earth, Wind & Fire, Sally Field, Sesame Street, and conductor Michael Tilson Thomas.

But Trisha Yearwood’s performance was a standout—an unforgettable tribute that wasn’t just about music. It was about love, legacy, and the kind of respect that only true artists can give each other.

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Kellie Pickler first won over hearts across America during her run on American Idol in 2006. With her charming Southern personality and powerful voice, the Albemarle, North Carolina native stood out—but it was her honesty about a tough upbringing that truly resonated with fans.

Raised by her grandparents after her mother left when she was just 2, and with a father in and out of prison for much of her childhood, Kellie’s story was far from easy. So when she released her debut album Small Town Girl later that year, it came as no surprise that one of its standout tracks, “I Wonder,” was deeply personal.

Co-written by Kellie, the song is a heartbreaking reflection on her strained relationship with her mother. Lyrics like:

“I think about how it ain’t fair
That you weren’t there to braid my hair like mothers do…”

cut right to the heart, revealing a longing for answers, closure, and connection.

At the 2007 CMA Awards, Kellie may not have taken home the Horizon Award (now New Artist of the Year)—that went to a then-rising star named Taylor Swift—but it was her emotional performance of “I Wonder” that stole the spotlight.

Tears streamed down her face as she poured her heart into every word. The audience, visibly moved, gave her a standing ovation—not just for her vocals, but for her vulnerability and courage.

Later, Kellie opened up in an interview with People about what made that night even more overwhelming. Adjusting to fame had been difficult, and she’d been struggling with depression. She decided to stop taking antidepressants just before the show, which left her emotionally raw:

“The CMAs were right after I’d gone off the pills, so my body still needed them. I was an emotional wreck.”

And if that wasn’t enough, just minutes before stepping on stage, she learned that her estranged mother—whom she hadn’t seen or spoken to in 12 years—had given a televised interview discussing her past with Kellie:

“Then 10 minutes before I went onstage, I got a call saying my mom was on TV. I hadn’t seen her in years. I felt like, ‘Tonight I’m good enough?’
It really hurt. My hands shook all during the song. Then I lost it.”

That wave of emotion came crashing down in front of millions, but it created a moment of rare authenticity—one that stood out amid the polished glitz of an awards show.

It wasn’t just a performance; it was a raw, unfiltered glimpse into a young woman’s pain, strength, and healing. And it’s the kind of moment that people still talk about today—not because it was perfect, but because it was real.

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Merle Haggard and his lovely wife, Theresa, took a page out of the legendary Johnny Cash and June Carter’s book, performing the classic country duet “Jackson” with warmth and charm.

Though Theresa never recorded an album of her own, she absolutely shone in this performance, perfectly nailing June Carter’s part of the song. Merle, clearly captivated by her talent, couldn’t stop smiling as he watched her sing with such grace.

Merle and Theresa tied the knot in September of 1993, staying together until his passing in 2016. Shortly after their marriage, they welcomed Ben and Janessa into the world, expanding Merle’s family to include six incredible children.

“Jackson,” originally released by Johnny and June in 1967, earned the duo a Grammy Award for “Best Country & Western Performance Duet, Trio, or Group,” cementing its place as a timeless classic.

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If there’s one thing Kelly Clarkson knows how to do (besides basically everything), it’s nailing a cover song—and she’s at it again on The Kelly Clarkson Show. This time, she took on the beautiful country ballad “When You Say Nothing at All” by the late, great Keith Whitley, and let’s just say… fans are still picking their jaws up off the floor.

Written by Paul Overstreet and Don Schlitz, this timeless song has had its share of incredible versions over the years. From Alison Krauss & Union Station to Ronan Keating and Frances Black, it’s a tune that’s crossed genres and borders—yet it always comes back to Whitley’s iconic 1988 version from his Don’t Close Your Eyes album. That version hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country chart and has held a special place in country fans’ hearts ever since.

Now enter Kelly—Texas-born, country-loving, powerhouse vocalist—and it’s no surprise she did the song justice. Her voice glided effortlessly through the heartfelt lyrics, adding her signature emotion and soul. She may be a pop star, but it’s clear her heart has a soft spot for classic country.

Honestly, it’s hard to find a Kelly Clarkson cover that doesn’t hit the mark, but this one? This one felt special. It’s the kind of performance that makes you pause, close your eyes, and feel every word.

With more and more pop stars dipping their toes into country music, Kelly’s the one who could genuinely make the leap and stick the landing. If you haven’t heard her version yet, treat yourself—you’ll be glad you did.

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Back in December 2019, the Kennedy Center Honors lit up Washington, D.C. with a night full of music, legends, and unforgettable moments—but one performance stood out above the rest. Carrie Underwood took the stage to honor the iconic Linda Ronstadt with a tribute that was nothing short of magical.

Dressed in a stunning silvery-blue gown, Carrie began with a beautiful performance of “Blue Bayou,” Ronstadt’s signature hit (originally recorded by Roy Orbison). Her voice was rich, emotional, and full of warmth—perfectly capturing the heart of the song. Then, without missing a beat, she turned up the energy for a fiery rendition of “When Will I Be Loved,” originally made famous by the Everly Brothers and later reimagined by Ronstadt.

The crowd was captivated. Stars like Thomas Rhett, Trisha Yearwood, and Rita Wilson watched with admiration, their faces lighting up with smiles and applause. And up in the balcony, Linda Ronstadt herself beamed as Carrie blew kisses her way before taking a final bow.

Before the performance, Eagles legend Don Henley paid tribute to Ronstadt’s incredible career, calling her a fearless artist who mastered every genre she touched. Carrie echoed that sentiment, saying she admired Linda for always staying true to herself and singing from the heart.

Carrie’s tribute wasn’t just a performance—it was a powerful reminder of Linda Ronstadt’s lasting legacy and the impact she’s had on generations of artists. If you haven’t seen it yet, take a few minutes to watch—it’s a heartfelt celebration of one music legend by another.

@rockhall

@carrieunderwood put her own spin on this beautiful rendition of “Different Drum” in honor of @lindaronstadt’s 2014 Induction. Watch Carrie return to perform and celebrate as 2023 Inductees receive Music’s Highest Honor, Friday 11/3 at 8p ET @disneyplus.

♬ original sound – Rock Hall – Rock Hall

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When two powerhouse voices like Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood come together, you know you’re in for something special—and in 2006, fans got just that. At the final show of their tour, the pair joined forces for a stunning live version of one of country music’s saddest songs, “Whiskey Lullaby.”

Brad opened the performance solo, sitting quietly with his acoustic guitar as the haunting lyrics filled the room. Then, just as the second chorus hit, Carrie stepped onto the stage. The crowd erupted the moment she began to sing—her voice raw, emotional, and absolutely breathtaking.

The two performed from opposite ends of the stage, adding a visual layer to the story of heartbreak and distance told in the lyrics. It was simple, powerful, and deeply moving.

Originally released in 2003 as a duet between Brad Paisley and Alison Krauss, “Whiskey Lullaby” is a devastating ballad about love, loss, and the painful spiral that follows a broken relationship. Its chilling story of two people turning to whiskey to numb the pain hit No. 3 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and even crossed over to No. 41 on the Hot 100.

While the original is unforgettable, Brad and Carrie’s live version brought a whole new depth of emotion to the song—leaving fans heartbroken in the best possible way.

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It was one of those magical Grand Ole Opry nights where the past meets the present in the best way possible. Country legends Alan Jackson and Lee Ann Womack teamed up for a touching performance of “Golden Ring,” the classic duet first made famous by George Jones and Tammy Wynette.

Originally released in 1976, “Golden Ring” tells the emotional story of a couple’s highs and lows—how love begins, unravels, and leaves behind just a simple wedding band. It’s one of those timeless country songs that hits you right in the heart.

Alan and Lee Ann didn’t just sing the song—they lived it. Their voices, rich with experience and emotion, wrapped around the lyrics like an old love letter. Alan, with his signature traditional sound, and Lee Ann, with her soulful delivery, proved why they’re two of the most respected voices in country music.

Fans in the audience—and watching from home—could feel the love and respect these two have for the roots of the genre. It wasn’t just a performance; it was a beautiful reminder of what makes classic country so powerful: heartfelt stories, raw emotion, and voices that tell the truth.

By breathing new life into “Golden Ring,” Alan and Lee Ann not only paid tribute to George and Tammy, but also showed that real country music never goes out of style.

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When Keith Urban and Carrie Underwood hit the stage together, you know you’re in for something special—and their performance of “The Fighter” was no exception. From the very first beat, the energy was electric. With Keith shredding on guitar and Carrie belting out vocals that could shake the rafters, the crowd was on their feet, dancing and cheering along.

But it wasn’t just the music that made the moment unforgettable—it was the chemistry. The playful back-and-forth between them, the way they smiled at each other mid-song, and the fun they clearly had performing together gave the whole set a joyful, feel-good vibe.

Keith brought his laid-back charm and killer guitar skills, while Carrie lit up the stage with her powerhouse voice and magnetic presence. Together, they were a force—effortlessly blending country roots with a splash of rock and pop.

By the end, the audience wasn’t just applauding—they were roaring. “The Fighter” has always been a fan favorite, but seeing these two bring it to life together made it even more powerful. It was one of those performances where you could tell everyone in the room was thinking the same thing: This is why we love live music.

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Carrie Underwood has given us plenty of unforgettable performances over the years, but one truly stood out in 2012 — a heartfelt tribute to country legend Alan Jackson at the Grand Ole Opry. And it wasn’t just another performance. It was personal.

Before launching into the song, Carrie shared a sweet story with the audience: the very first concert she ever attended was Alan Jackson’s. That moment lit a spark in her — a dream that would eventually take her from small-town Oklahoma to country music’s most legendary stage.

To honor the man who helped inspire her journey, Carrie chose “Remember When,” one of Alan’s most beloved songs. Written by Jackson himself, the track is a beautiful reflection on love, family, and the memories that shape a lifetime.

From the moment she began to sing, the room fell completely silent. Her voice carried every word with such honesty and tenderness, it was impossible not to feel moved. You could hear a pin drop — until the final note, when the crowd burst into a well-deserved standing ovation. Even behind the scenes, crew members stopped what they were doing just to take in the magic.

The moment was so powerful, the Grand Ole Opry honored it as a “show-stopping performance” — a rare title, and the first of its kind in the Opry’s long history.

Carrie didn’t just perform that night. She connected — to the song, to the crowd, and to the man who helped shape her musical path. It was more than a tribute — it was a full-circle moment that reminded everyone why Carrie Underwood’s voice continues to be one of the most cherished in country music.

If you haven’t watched it yet, prepare to be moved — this is one of those performances you’ll feel deep in your soul.

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When the 2011 reboot of Footloose hit the scene, it stirred up plenty of nostalgia—and a bit of skepticism. Fans of the 1984 classic were unsure how they’d feel about a modern take on the beloved film, especially with Blake Shelton stepping in to reimagine Kenny Loggins’ iconic soundtrack hit. But leave it to Shelton to turn doubt into toe-tapping approval.

The country star debuted his version of “Footloose” on October 8, 2011, with a music video directed by Shaun Silva. It was also included as a bonus track on his sixth studio album, Red River Blue, and made its way to No. 63 on the US Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.

Blake didn’t just cover the song—he gave it a Nashville makeover. With a smooth drawl and that signature twang, he transformed the 80s pop anthem into a feel-good country jam. Speaking about the remake, Shelton said, “You have to step into the role of what’s best for the movie. There’s really only one way to approach it: a fun, uptempo, catchy version—just like Kenny Loggins did.”

Reactions were mixed at first, and Shelton had a little fun with that. “Ha! I can’t sleep, so I’m reading comments and reviews on my version of ‘Footloose’… Man, it’s so polarizing… I love it!! I hate it!! Well, either way, it was SO fun to sing it,” he posted on Twitter (now X) back in 2011.

But perhaps the biggest stamp of approval came from Kenny Loggins himself. “I always thought of ‘Footloose’ as a country song. Blake makes it even more so,” Loggins said. “His production updates the sound… If anything, it’s maybe a bit too perfect. But no matter—it’s still a fun tune, and I wish them much luck.”

The two legends even shared the stage at the 45th Annual CMA Awards, bringing the crowd to life with an energetic performance backed by a team of dancers. It was a perfect mix of old-school fun and modern flair—just like the song itself.

Love it or hate it, Shelton’s Footloose cover showed one thing loud and clear: country can make anything danceable.

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