At the 2020 ACM Awards, Carrie Underwood delivered a breathtaking tribute to the Grand Ole Opry’s 95th anniversary, honoring legendary female country artists who paved the way for her and others. Dressed in a stunning maroon gown, Underwood took the stage at the iconic Opry House and performed a powerful medley of hits by trailblazers like Patsy Cline (“Crazy”), Loretta Lynn (“You Ain’t Woman Enough”), Barbara Mandrell (“I Was Country When Country Wasn’t Cool”), Dolly Parton (“Why’d You Come in Here”), Reba McEntire (“The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia”), and Martina McBride (“A Broken Wing”) 716.
Before singing, she emotionally acknowledged these icons, calling them her heroes and expressing gratitude for their influence on her career 312. The performance, which showcased her incredible vocal range and deep respect for country music history, earned thunderous applause from fans and critics alike, with many praising her for “nailing” every note and celebrating the legacy of women in country music 516.
This tribute was especially poignant as Underwood herself is a Grand Ole Opry member and the only female nominee for Entertainer of the Year that night—a category she ended up winning in a historic tie with Thomas Rhett 916. The moment not only highlighted her star power but also reinforced the enduring impact of the Opry’s legendary women.
The 56th CMA Awards delivered a heartfelt tribute to country legend Alan Jackson, as Carrie Underwood, Dierks Bentley, Jon Pardi, and Lainey Wilson took the stage to honor his timeless legacy. Each artist brought their own signature style while staying true to Jackson’s neo-traditional roots—Underwood’s powerhouse vocals soared on “Remember When,” Bentley’s warm tone captured the nostalgia of “Drive,” Pardi’s twangy authenticity shined on “Don’t Rock the Jukebox,” and Wilson’s raw charm delivered a standout performance of “Chattahoochee,” complete with fiddle and steel guitar magic.
The crowd erupted as Jackson himself watched from the audience, visibly moved, while the camera panned to emotional reactions from fellow stars like Luke Bryan and Brooks & Dunn. It was more than a tribute—it was a celebration of Jackson’s enduring impact on country music, proving that his songs remain as vital today as when they first ruled the airwaves.