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 Then, without missing a beat, she turned up the energy for a fiery rendition of “When Will I Be Loved,” originally made famous by the Everly Brothers and later reimagined by Ronstadt.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.
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