Carrie Underwood Honors Country Music Legends with Unforgettable Tributes
A Historic Moment at the 2020 ACM Awards
At the 2020 ACM Awards, Carrie Underwood delivered a breathtaking performance in honor of the Grand Ole Opry’s 95th anniversary. Taking the stage at the legendary Opry House in a stunning maroon gown, she paid tribute to the female country trailblazers who inspired her career and paved the way for generations to come.
Her medley featured timeless classics including Patsy Cline’s “Crazy”, Loretta Lynn’s “You Ain’t Woman Enough”, Barbara Mandrell’s “I Was Country When Country Wasn’t Cool”, Dolly Parton’s “Why’d You Come in Here”, Reba McEntire’s “The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia”, and Martina McBride’s “A Broken Wing.”
Before beginning, Underwood paused to acknowledge these icons with heartfelt words, calling them her heroes and thanking them for their influence on her journey. Her vocal power, precision, and emotion brought the songs to life, earning thunderous applause and rave reviews from both fans and critics, who praised her for capturing the spirit of each legend.
The tribute carried special weight as Underwood herself is a Grand Ole Opry member and, that night, the only female nominee for Entertainer of the Year—a category she went on to win in a historic tie with Thomas Rhett. The moment underscored her role as both a torchbearer of tradition and one of country music’s most influential modern voices.
A Heartfelt Tribute to Alan Jackson at the 56th CMA Awards
Two years later, at the 56th CMA Awards, Carrie Underwood once again joined forces with fellow stars to celebrate another country icon: Alan Jackson. Alongside Dierks Bentley, Jon Pardi, and Lainey Wilson, she helped deliver a powerful medley honoring Jackson’s enduring legacy in country music.
Each artist brought their own style while honoring Jackson’s neo-traditional roots. Underwood’s soaring vocals moved the audience with “Remember When”, Bentley’s smooth delivery captured the nostalgia of “Drive”, Pardi’s twangy energy lit up “Don’t Rock the Jukebox”, and Wilson’s raw performance of “Chattahoochee” added fiddle and steel guitar flair that delighted the crowd.
The audience erupted as Jackson, seated among his peers, watched the tribute with visible emotion. Cameras captured teary-eyed reactions from country stars like Luke Bryan and Brooks & Dunn, underscoring the deep respect felt across the industry. It wasn’t just a performance—it was a celebration of Jackson’s timeless contributions, proving that his music still resonates as powerfully today as it did when it first topped the charts.
A Legacy of Tradition and Inspiration
From honoring female pioneers at the ACM Awards to celebrating Alan Jackson’s career at the CMAs, Carrie Underwood has consistently used her platform to connect country music’s past with its present. Her tributes remind audiences that while the industry continues to evolve, the roots remain strong—grounded in the voices, stories, and songs that built its foundation.