A Historic Performance at the 60th ACM Awards
On May 8, 2025, Reba McEntire, Miranda Lambert, and Lainey Wilson shared the stage at the 60th Academy of Country Music Awards for a powerful performance of their new song, “Trailblazer.”
The performance united three generations of iconic women in country music. Held in Frisco, Texas, the event was streamed live on Prime Video. This special moment marked not only a new song debut but also a celebration of unity and the future of female voices in country music.
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The Story Behind “Trailblazer”
“Trailblazer” was officially released just days before the ACM Awards. Lainey Wilson and Miranda Lambert co-wrote the song and invited Reba McEntire to join them. Reba quickly agreed. The lyrics highlight sisterhood, mutual respect, and passing the torch to new generations.
It’s a true tribute to the influence these artists have on one another and the strength of women in country. The song brought tears to Reba’s eyes when she first heard it, calling it flawless and saying she “couldn’t find a flaw in it, not a word.”
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How the Performance Unfolded
Lainey Wilson opened the “Trailblazer” performance at the ACM Awards. Miranda Lambert joined her next, followed by Reba McEntire, with each artist taking her verse. They sang in close harmony throughout the song.
All three wore matching brown leather outfits with turquoise accents, showing unity. The performance touched the crowd and was one of the most talked-about moments of the night.
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Reba’s Historic Role at the ACMs
Reba McEntire made history as the host of the 60th ACM Awards. This marked her 18th time hosting the ACMs since 1986, more than anyone else. She’s on track to beat Bob Hope’s record of 19 major awards show host appearances.
Reba opened the show with a medley performance. Her involvement in both hosting and performing in “Trailblazer” marked her continued leadership in the country music world.
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The Impact of “Trailblazer” Collaboration
“Trailblazer” moment was meaningful beyond just the music. After recording the song, Reba, Miranda, and Lainey started a group chat to stay in touch. They use it to share advice, support, and encouragement.
It’s a sign of how this song created a real sisterhood off-stage, too. The sudden surprise announcement of the collaboration just days before the ACMs built major buzz and made the live debut even more exciting for fans.
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“Good Horses” – A Prequel to Great Teamwork
Before “Trailblazer,” Lainey Wilson and Miranda Lambert teamed up on “Good Horses,” released August 2, 2024. Co-written by Lainey, Miranda, and Luke Dick, it speaks to free spirits who roam but always return home.
The lyrics compare loyal love to a good horse, as free but faithful. Miranda’s verse shares her journey from Louisiana with heartfelt imagery. Their voices blend Lainey’s country roots and Miranda’s edge.
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Music Video and Reception of “Good Horses”
Before the release, Lainey and Miranda performed the song live during Miranda Lambert’s Velvet Rodeo Las Vegas residency and at the Bridgestone Arena to kick off Lainey’s “Country’s Cool Again” tour, which created early buzz.
The song was shared widely on social media, with many positive comments from fans and other country artists. It helped grow Lainey’s success after she won the 2024 ACM Entertainer of the Year award.
It also followed the big success of her album Bell Bottom Country, which reached #4 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart.
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A Look Back – 2019 CMA Tribute to Women
At the 53rd CMA Awards on November 13, 2019, women in country music were honored with a big tribute performance. Reba McEntire co-hosted with Dolly Parton and Carrie Underwood.
Many stars performed, like Crystal Gayle, Martina McBride, Sara Evans, and Tanya Tucker. Reba sang “Those Memories of You” with Dolly and Carrie.
Miranda Lambert was at the event and performed her song “It All Comes Out in the Wash,” but she wasn’t part of the tribute medley. It still showed both stars’ strong roles in the country.
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Reba’s Career and Crossover Success
Reba McEntire’s career goes beyond music. She starred in her sitcom, Reba, from 2001–2007, showing her acting talent. Her first #1 hit was “Can’t Even Get the Blues” in 1982, and she has released many platinum albums since then.
Her long chart success proves her staying power across four decades. Reba also helped produce “Trailblazer” along with Tony Brown and Steve Marcantonio. As of 2025, she remains one of the most honored and active legends in country.
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Miranda Lambert – Songwriting and Giving Back
Miranda Lambert is known for writing most of her songs. Her lyrics come from her real-life stories. She co-wrote both “Good Horses” and “Trailblazer”.
Miranda also gives back through her MuttNation Foundation, which has raised over $9 million for animal shelters across the U.S. She has won 18 ACM Awards, including multiple Female Vocalist of the Year titles. Her music and mission continue to make a big impact in and out of the spotlight.
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Lainey Wilson – Country’s New Trailblazer
Lainey Wilson won Entertainer of the Year at the 60th ACM Awards on May 8, 2025, for the second year in a row. She also took home Female Artist of the Year, Album of the Year for Whirlwind, and Artist-Songwriter of the Year.
These wins brought her total ACM Awards to 16. She’s now only the third woman ever to win Entertainer of the Year two years in a row, after Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood.
In 2024, her home state of Louisiana gave her a highway marker in Baskin, calling her a “country music trailblazer.” During her speech, she admitted she sometimes feels impostor syndrome, but is learning to accept success with an open heart.
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Trailblazers Make Way for Ella Langley
At the 2025 ACMs, rising star Ella Langley followed in the footsteps of country trailblazers like Lainey Wilson, Miranda Lambert, and Reba McEntire.
Langley took home five awards, the most of the night. She won New Female Artist, Single of the Year, Music Event, and Visual Media of the Year for her duet with Riley Green, “You Look Like You Love Me.”
For a newcomer, this kind of win was rare, which shows how today’s trailblazers are clearing a strong path for new voices.
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Reba’s Legacy Echoes in Keith Urban’s Milestone
Reba McEntire’s long-time role as a trailblazer came full circle when she stood on stage as Keith Urban accepted the ACM Triple Crown Award.
Urban earned it by winning New Male Vocalist (2001), Male Vocalist (2005, 2006), and Entertainer of the Year (2019). The honor hadn’t been handed out live since 2010. A special tribute followed, with Chris Stapleton, Megan Moroney, and Brothers Osborne singing for Urban.
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Reba Leads a Tribute to Classic Country Songs
As a longtime trailblazer, Reba McEntire opened the ACMs with power. She sang “Okie from Muskogee” to start a 12-minute tribute to past Songs of the Year.
Clint Black, Wynonna Judd, LeAnn Rimes, Little Big Town, and Dan + Shay followed with classics like “Rhinestone Cowboy” and “Girl Crush.” The tribute reminded fans how Reba and her generation laid the groundwork for today’s stars.
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Star Collaborations Light Up the Stage
The 2025 ACMs featured fun musical team-ups. Brooks & Dunn and Cody Johnson performed “Red Dirt Road.”
Jelly Roll and Shaboozey brought out a choir for a moving version of “Amen.” Miranda Lambert invited Ella Langley on stage to celebrate the 20th anniversary of her hit song “Kerosene.”
One of the most unexpected moments came when Rascal Flatts and the Backstreet Boys teamed up for a high-energy medley, including “What Hurts the Most,” “I Dare You,” “Larger Than Life,” and “Life Is a Highway.”
For those interested in the history behind such moments, the ACM Entertainer of the Year full list since 1987 shows the legendary artists who have won this top honor over the years.
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Last Updated: May 21, 2025
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