Live from the packed arena of the Music City Rodeo, Reba McEntire, Miranda Lambert, and Lainey Wilson teamed up for an electric performance of “Trailblazer,” creating one of the most unforgettable moments of the night. The crowd roared the moment the lights dimmed and Reba stepped onto the stage in a sparkling red cowgirl outfit, her classic voice opening the song with confidence and warmth.

A few seconds later, Miranda Lambert joined her, wearing a sleek black leather jacket and carrying her signature pink guitar. Her gritty, strong vocals shifted the energy instantly, adding fire and attitude to the performance.

As the spotlight moved across the stage, Lainey Wilson rode in on a small platform shaped like a wooden wagon, wearing her wide-brimmed hat and bell-bottoms that shimmered under the bright lights. She jumped right into her verse with her bold, Southern-rock tone, earning loud cheers from the crowd.

When all three singers came together for the chorus, their voices blended perfectly—Reba’s steady power, Miranda’s smoky edge, and Lainey’s modern twang creating a harmony that felt both classic and fresh.

Behind them, the screens flashed images of trailblazing women in country music, from Dolly Parton to Shania Twain, celebrating the legacy they were honoring. The stage was filled with swirling lights, line dancers, and a full live band that kept the rodeo crowd on its feet.

By the final note, the audience erupted in applause, standing and shouting as the three stars held hands and bowed. The performance was more than just a song—it was a celebration of strength, sisterhood, and the fearless women who continue to shape country music.

The CMA Awards 2025 delivered one of its most emotional moments when country legend Vince Gill was honored with a beautiful Lifetime Achievement Award tribute, brought to life by the powerful voices of Brandi Carlile and Patty Loveless.

The segment began with a warm introduction highlighting Gill’s four decades of contributions to country music—his songwriting, his smooth tenor voice, and his deep influence on artists across generations.

As the spotlight dimmed and the stage glowed in soft gold, Patty Loveless stepped forward first, performing a tender version of “Go Rest High on That Mountain.” Her voice, rich and steady, brought a hush over the entire arena as the audience watched with complete stillness. Moments later, Brandi Carlile joined her, blending her soulful, soaring vocals into perfect harmony.

Together they created a breathtaking duet that felt both intimate and powerful, filling the room with emotion.

Vince Gill, seated in the front row, was visibly moved—his eyes shining, his hands clasped as he listened to the tribute that celebrated his life’s work. When the performance ended, the crowd rose in a long standing ovation, cheering for his decades of music, kindness, and mentorship in the country community.

Gill then took the stage to accept the award, delivering a humble and heartfelt speech about the people who shaped his journey, from his family to the musicians who inspired him. Every detail—from the gentle stage lighting to the heartfelt harmonies—made this tribute one of the most unforgettable highlights of the CMA Awards 2025.

Robert Plant’s Tiny Desk Concert felt like stepping into a quiet, candle-lit room where one of rock’s most iconic voices invited everyone to sit close and listen. Trading in massive arena energy for soft acoustic warmth, Plant created a performance filled with charm, soul, and unexpected tenderness.

Backed by musicians who blended folk, blues, and world-music textures, he reimagined a few Led Zeppelin classics with gentle guitars, subtle percussion, and haunting harmonies that let his seasoned voice shine in a new way.

Plant moved easily between stories and songs, sharing small jokes, memories from the road, and thoughtful reflections on how his music has evolved over the years. His relaxed presence made the performance feel less like a concert and more like a friendly gathering.

With every note, the Tiny Desk space transformed into a cozy musical sanctuary—proving that even after decades at the top of rock history, Robert Plant can still mesmerize with quiet power, emotional depth, and a voice that carries both nostalgia and timeless magic.

Lainey Wilson kicked off the 2025 CMA Awards with a powerful, star-studded medley that paid tribute to some of country music’s most iconic voices. She opened with Chris Stapleton’s soulful “White Horse,” backed by Charlie Worsham, then ripped into the high-energy “Hillbilly Deluxe” by Brooks & Dunn.

Moving through the crowd, she joined Ella Langley to sing “You Look Like You Love Me” (Langley & Riley Green), then performed Gretchen Wilson’s anthem “Redneck Woman” while standing beside the original artist. She shifted gears into the emotional strains of Lady A’s “Need You Now,” followed by Miranda Lambert’s fierce “Gunpowder & Lead,” with Lambert herself singing along.

Keeping the momentum going, Lainey covered Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” then brought out Little Big Town for a stirring rendition of their hit “Girl Crush.” The grand finale came when Keith Urban joined her on stage to play guitar and sing his classic “Where the Blacktop Ends,” bringing the whole medley home in spectacular fashion.

The Goo Goo Dolls brought warmth and nostalgia to their first-ever NPR Tiny Desk Concert, delivering a close-up, heartfelt four-song set that highlighted both their classic hits and their newer work.

John Rzeznik, joined by Robby Takac and their touring band, opened with the lively fan favorite “Slide” before shifting into the softer, emotional mood of “Feel the Silence.” Rzeznik admitted he felt intimidated by the intimate space, joking that everyone could be on a first-name basis, which made the moment even more personal.

They then performed the newer track “Not Goodbye (Close My Eyes)” from their Summer Anthem EP, showing that the band still has fresh stories to tell. Finally, they closed with their timeless ballad “Iris,” inviting the small audience to sing along in one of the concert’s most touching moments.

With warm acoustic arrangements, gentle harmonies, and Rzeznik’s slightly rough but honest vocals, the Goo Goo Dolls turned the Tiny Desk into a quiet celebration of their music, proving that their songs still carry deep emotion and connection after all these years.

Twenty One Pilots delivered a powerful and unforgettable moment at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 2025 Induction when they took the stage to honor The White Stripes with a bold cover of “Seven Nation Army.” Tyler Joseph and Josh Dun stepped into the spotlight with deep respect for Jack and Meg White, even posting beforehand that they hoped to “give it every bit of justice it deserves.”

Their performance kept the song’s famous, thundering riff but added their own creative touch, with Tyler shifting to the keys for a dramatic twist and both members wearing face coverings designed like white stripes—symbolizing that the tribute wasn’t about them, but about the band they were honoring.

The audience reacted immediately, with artists like Flea giving a standing ovation, while earlier in the night Iggy Pop had already hyped the room by chanting the song’s iconic riff as he inducted The White Stripes. Jack White accepted the honor with an emotional speech, mentioning Meg’s involvement in writing parts of it and encouraging young musicians to keep creating with passion.

The night also featured Olivia Rodrigo and Feist performing “We’re Going to Be Friends,” making the entire tribute a full-circle celebration of The White Stripes’ influence. Twenty One Pilots’ intense, stylish, and thoughtful take on “Seven Nation Army” became one of the most talked-about performances of the evening, blending respect, creativity, and pure musical energy into one standout moment.

It was a moment made for history when Jazmine Sullivan, Ledisi, Cynthia Erivo, Stephanie Mills, and Yolanda Adams came together to celebrate the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin. Each singer brought her own tone, style, and emotion, creating a tribute that felt both deeply personal and wonderfully grand. The stage opened with soft, glowing lights, setting a warm, gospel-tinged mood that Aretha herself would have loved.

Jazmine Sullivan began with her rich, smoky voice, adding soulful runs that immediately pulled the audience in. Ledisi followed with her bold, powerful delivery, lifting the energy higher with every note. Cynthia Erivo stepped in next, bringing her theatrical strength and emotional control, carrying the song with quiet intensity. Stephanie Mills added a classic R&B sparkle, her warm tone filling the room with nostalgia.

Finally, Yolanda Adams closed the performance with her soaring gospel brilliance, hitting high notes that brought people to their feet. Together, they blended harmonies, exchanged smiles, and honored Aretha with respect, joy, and pure vocal fire.

Every moment—from the expressive hand motions to the heartfelt glances between the performers—showed their deep love for the legend who inspired them all. It was more than a performance; it was a glowing celebration of Aretha’s legacy, carried by five voices powerful enough to match her spirit.

Jeff “Skunk” Baxter, one of the most recognizable guitarists from the classic Steely Dan era, delivered a smooth and stylish performance of “Rikki Don’t Lose That Number,” reminding everyone why this song remains one of the band’s greatest gems. The moment he stepped onstage with his signature mustache, sunglasses, and relaxed confidence, the audience knew they were about to experience something special.

Baxter opened the performance with the song’s iconic, soft piano-like intro recreated on guitar, capturing that familiar Steely Dan vibe. Every note felt clean and warm, keeping the original groove alive while giving it a fresh, live energy. As the band settled into the song, the rhythm section kept a steady, laid-back beat, with the drums tapping out that classic shuffle and the bass sliding smoothly underneath.

Skunk’s guitar tone was crisp but silky, true to the jazz-rock flavor that made Steely Dan famous. He played each line with precision, adding little bends and flourishes that showed just how deeply he understands the song’s musical DNA. When the saxophone entered for its signature touches, it created that unmistakable Steely Dan atmosphere—cool, sophisticated, and full of subtle swing.

During the instrumental break, Baxter delivered a tasteful solo filled with bright, clean runs that echoed the original recording without copying it note for note. His hands moved effortlessly, and you could see him smiling at the band, clearly enjoying every moment onstage. The audience responded with cheers, soaking up the nostalgia.

Vocals were smooth and mellow, delivering the lyrics with clarity: the gentle warning, the emotional hesitation, and the friendly advice woven into the song. The harmony lines blended softly in the background, giving the performance a warm, rounded feel.

As the song reached its final chorus, Skunk Baxter brought the band to a tight and elegant finish. The last notes faded gently, just like in the classic version, leaving the crowd applauding loudly for a performance that honored the past while still feeling vibrant and alive.

Skunk Baxter’s take on “Rikki Don’t Lose That Number” was more than just a tribute—it was a reminder of the timeless sound he helped create, played with skill, heart, and that unmistakable Baxter charm.

Christopher Cross’s timeless classic “Sailing” is one of those rare songs that instantly makes you feel calm, free, and carried away to a quiet place far from everyday worries. Released in 1980 on his debut album, the song became the centerpiece of his early success, showcasing his smooth voice, gentle guitar work, and the dreamy atmosphere that would make him a household name.

“Sailing” opens with soft guitar chords that feel like ripples on water, soon joined by a warm, floating keyboard line that creates a feeling of endless horizon. Cross sings with a tender, almost whisper-like tone, inviting listeners to drift with him: “Well, it’s not far down to paradise…” Every line feels like a gentle breeze. The production is clean and silky, using delicate drums, light bass, and lush harmonies that rise and fall like ocean waves.

Cross has often said that sailing was his real-life escape, a peaceful retreat where he felt safe to dream. That feeling shines through in the song’s arrangement — every sound moves slowly and gracefully, as if nothing is in a rush. Even the famous guitar solo is soft and melodic, perfectly matching the song’s relaxing mood rather than trying to show off.

“Sailing” became a massive hit, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, and winning multiple Grammy Awards, including Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Arrangement. Its success helped Christopher Cross become the first artist to win all four major Grammy categories in one night.

Over the years, “Sailing” has remained a symbol of peaceful music — a song people return to when they want to unwind, think, or simply breathe. Its gentle beauty, simple lyrics, and soothing melody make it feel almost magical. More than four decades later, Christopher Cross’s “Sailing” still carries listeners to a quiet paradise every time it plays.

Kris Kristofferson’s timeless classic “Me and Bobby McGee” came to life in a warm, emotional tribute as he shared the stage with an all-star lineup including Jewel, Lady A, Martina McBride, and several other beloved country artists. The performance began with Kristofferson stepping into the spotlight, guitar in hand, delivering the familiar opening lines with a calm, gravelly voice that carried decades of stories. Jewel stood beside him, adding soft harmonies that wrapped around his vocals like a gentle echo.

As the song moved forward, Lady A took turns singing verses—Hillary Scott’s clear, bright voice blending beautifully with Kristofferson’s rough, lived-in tone, while Charles Kelley added rich harmonies that lifted the chorus. Martina McBride joined next, her powerful voice soaring effortlessly, giving the classic song a burst of energy that made the entire crowd cheer.

Throughout the performance, each artist smiled at Kristofferson with clear admiration, creating a feeling of family onstage. The musicians behind them kept the arrangement simple and warm—light acoustic strumming, steady percussion, and a soft steel guitar in the background that added just the right touch of country soul. As the final chorus approached, all the artists gathered around Kristofferson, their voices blending into a beautiful, full harmony that filled the entire venue.

When the last note faded, Kristofferson gave a small, humble grin and nodded to the crowd, clearly touched by the love surrounding him. It wasn’t just a performance—it was a heartfelt celebration of an icon, a song, and the generations of artists he continues to inspire.