Introduction
At the 2025 ACM Awards, a truly unforgettable moment unfolded when Reba McEntire, Miranda Lambert, and Lainey Wilson came together to debut one of the most heartfelt collaborations country music has seen in years.
Just one day before the show (May 7), the ACM announced that the trio would unveil a brand-new song during the awards ceremony on May 8. The track, titled “Trailblazer”, is a moving tribute to the generations of women who have shaped country music’s past, present, and future.
Written by Lambert and Wilson alongside Brandy Clark, “Trailblazer” is more than just a song — it’s a deeply emotional experience. The co-writers have shared how the writing process brought them to tears, and when McEntire first heard the final version, she was moved in the same way.
“I was sitting in the dressing room when I heard it,” McEntire told Billboard. “Every word was perfect. I couldn’t find anything I’d want to change. It just hit me in such a deep, emotional way.”
The song pays tribute to legendary women like Patsy Cline, Dolly Parton, and Loretta Lynn, while also weaving in personal reflections from McEntire, Lambert, and Wilson — including nods to their upbringing and home states. Yet, the power of “Trailblazer” reaches beyond these personal stories.
Wilson shared her hope that the song resonates across generations: “I imagined a grandmother, her daughter, and her granddaughter all sitting together, listening. This song isn’t just about country music’s past — it’s about connection. If we don’t consider the people we’re singing to, we’re missing the whole point.”
Lambert echoed that sentiment, saying: “It’s not about spotlighting ourselves. It’s about what this song could mean to young girls watching, or anyone who’s chasing a dream and needs to feel seen. It’s about reminding them they’re not alone.”
A Defining Moment on the ACM Stage
The trio brought that message to life with their live performance during the 60th Academy of Country Music Awards. Dressed in matching suede outfits that gave them a strong, unified look, McEntire, Lambert, and Wilson commanded the stage with poise and purpose.
Each artist took her moment to shine during solo verses, but it was the chorus — sung in gorgeous harmony — that truly captured the spirit of unity. As the performance reached its emotional finale, the women joined hands and bowed together, sealing the moment with warmth and grace.
The performance wasn’t just a highlight of the evening — it was a celebration of country music’s roots, resilience, and rising voices. “Trailblazer” reminded us all why the genre continues to matter so deeply.