At the 2025 ACM Awards, Reba McEntire, Miranda Lambert, and Lainey Wilson teamed up for an unforgettable moment in country music, debuting their new song “Trailblazer.” This song is a heartfelt tribute to the legendary women who have shaped country music, both past and present, and celebrates their strength, resilience, and influence.
The song, co-written by Lambert and Wilson alongside Brandy Clark, resonated deeply with the trio as they penned it with tears in their eyes. McEntire, overwhelmed with emotion when she first heard it, shared her thoughts with Billboard: “It was that great. I couldn’t find a flaw in it, not a word.”
“Trailblazer” pays homage to iconic artists like Patsy Cline, Dolly Parton, and Loretta Lynn, while also reflecting on the personal stories of McEntire, Lambert, and Wilson. But, according to Wilson, the song’s heart is in its connection to all listeners, particularly across generations. “This could be a song that a grandmother, daughter, and grandchild could listen to,” she explained. “It’s about bringing people together through shared experiences.”
Lambert echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that the song isn’t just about the artists, but for anyone who has a dream or needs encouragement: “It’s about what the song means to little girls or anyone who needs to be surrounded by love and a little nudge to know they’re not alone.”
On May 8, during the 60th ACM Awards, the trio took the stage in matching suede outfits and delivered the world premiere of the track. Each woman showcased her solo vocals, but it was their harmonies and unity that truly captured the spirit of the song. As they closed the performance with a powerful, unified bow, the crowd was left in awe of this pure, emotional country moment.
“Trailblazer” was more than just a performance—it was a celebration of country music’s history and the women who continue to inspire its future.
