Introduction
Since winning season four of American Idol in 2005, Carrie Underwood has firmly established herself as one of the most influential voices in country music. Over the years, she has never hesitated to recognize the women who paved the way for her and countless others in the industry.
At the 55th Academy of Country Music Awards, Carrie delivered a heartfelt tribute to the iconic female artists who helped shape the genre. Performing a medley of legendary hits, she paid homage to trailblazers like Dolly Parton, Patsy Cline, and other country greats in a moving performance that honored their enduring legacy.
Dressed in a radiant red floral gown, Carrie took to the stage at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville—a fitting venue for the occasion—as part of the Opry’s 95th anniversary celebration. Though the auditorium sat empty due to pandemic restrictions, her words and voice filled the space with reverence and emotion.
“Patsy and Loretta, Martina and Barbara, Reba and Dolly. These strong voices mean so much to me and to all the other female artists who stand on their shoulders,” she shared before launching into her medley. “They are some of my heroes, and I am so honored to stand alongside them as a fellow member of the Grand Ole Opry. It’s my pleasure to pay tribute to these legendary ladies as we celebrate the Opry’s 95th anniversary.”
Her tribute began with Patsy Cline’s “Crazy”, seamlessly blending into Loretta Lynn’s “You Ain’t Woman Enough”, Barbara Mandrell’s “I Was Country When Country Wasn’t Cool”, and Dolly Parton’s “Why’d You Come in Here Lookin’ Like That”. She also included Reba McEntire’s “The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia” and Martina McBride’s “A Broken Wing”, crafting a medley that felt like a love letter to generations of women in country music.
The emotional performance wasn’t the only highlight of the night for Carrie. In a historic moment, she was named Entertainer of the Year, tying with Thomas Rhett. This marked the first time in the ACM Awards’ history that the top honor was shared—an acknowledgment of her lasting impact and powerhouse presence in the industry. She surpassed male heavyweights like Luke Bryan, Eric Church, and Luke Combs to claim the title.
Earlier in the evening, Carrie joined her fellow nominees in a joint opening performance featuring a medley of their own hit songs. For her part, she sang a crowd favorite, “Before He Cheats”, stunning the audience in a shimmering gold mini dress with flowing sleeves and a matching gold microphone. It was a striking visual to accompany one of her most iconic songs.
This unforgettable night was not just a celebration of country music’s past—it was a reminder of Carrie Underwood’s remarkable role in its present and future. Through her voice, presence, and deep respect for those who came before her, she continues to inspire and elevate the genre to new heights.