Lainey Wilson, Miranda Lambert, and Reba McEntire stunned the crowd with an unexpected and electrifying performance at the 2025 ACM Awards

At the 60th Academy of Country Music Awards on May 8, 2025, in Frisco, Texas, three generations of country legends—Reba McEntire, Miranda Lambert, and Lainey Wilson—took the stage for a deeply moving premiere of their collaborative anthem, “Trailblazer.” The performance carried more than just music; it was an emotional homage to the women who shaped country music’s foundation and to those still rising through its ranks.

The day before the broadcast, fans were surprised by the announcement that these powerhouse artists would debut a brand-new song. “Trailblazer” was described as a heartfelt salute to pioneering women like Patsy Cline and Loretta Lynn, while also honoring current voices carving their own place in country history. The anticipation for their performance quickly became one of the biggest talking points of the ceremony.

Written by Lambert and Wilson alongside Brandy Clark, the song was crafted during late-night writing sessions filled with vulnerability and purpose. Wilson admitted she cried while writing the lyrics. When Reba heard the final cut, she also found herself overwhelmed with emotion, a testament to the song’s authenticity and emotional reach.

Reba later recalled how she first encountered “Trailblazer.” Sitting alone in a dressing room, she pressed play and was instantly gripped by its message. “Every word just hit home,” she explained in a backstage interview. “I didn’t want to change a thing. It was as if it was written straight from my heart.”

Lyrically, the song drew strength from the past, with shoutouts to Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, and Cline, but it also wove in the personal lives of the performers. McEntire’s Oklahoma roots, Lambert’s Texas pride, and Wilson’s Louisiana background were reflected in every verse, lending a unique layer of intimacy that connected with fans across generations.

Wilson shared her hope that the song would go beyond country radio. “I picture a grandmother, her daughter, and her granddaughter listening together,” she said. “It’s a country song, yes—but it’s also about strength, connection, and belonging. It’s for every woman who’s lived through something and come out stronger.”

Miranda Lambert added that the track was about more than just their own journeys. She emphasized that it was meant to uplift others. “This isn’t just our story,” she noted. “It’s about the little girl watching us, the woman rebuilding her life, or anyone needing to be reminded that they matter. That they belong.”

Backstage during rehearsals, cameras captured a moment that would later go viral—Wilson was surprised with the Artist-Songwriter of the Year award. Standing beside McEntire and Lambert, she wiped away tears. Their bond and shared respect set the tone for what would become one of the ACMs’ most memorable live performances.

When the trio walked onstage in coordinated suede outfits, the crowd immediately sensed they were about to witness something special. Each woman took a verse, but it was their harmonized chorus that truly raised goosebumps. Their voices blended effortlessly, filling the stadium with raw emotion, conviction, and pride.

The most unforgettable moment came as they clasped hands during the final refrain. Heads bowed in reverence, they stood together in silence for a heartbeat before the arena erupted in a standing ovation. In that instant, generations of women in country music—past and present—felt honored and seen.

Fans who couldn’t attend the awards show live were soon able to experience the power of “Trailblazer” through the official performance video released online.

With millions of views within days, the song quickly became a symbol of strength and a standout moment in each artist’s career. Reba, a longtime icon of country music, experienced her biggest streaming debut ever—proving that her voice and presence are as vital as ever.

“Trailblazer” isn’t just a song—it’s a movement. A reminder that the stories of women in country music are far from finished. For Reba, Lambert, and Wilson, it was a chance to give thanks while helping pave the way forward.

Their joint performance will undoubtedly be remembered as a high point in the ACM’s 60-year history. As fans continue to share and revisit the performance, “Trailblazer” cements itself not just in award show history, but in the hearts of listeners everywhere.