As the excitement around the upcoming ACM Awards builds, one unforgettable moment from the past continues to ignite memories. Miranda Lambert’s fearless attitude and unflinching confidence have become a hallmark of her performances, and one particularly iconic instance proves why she’s not just a country music star—she’s a legend.
At a past ACM Awards show, Miranda set the stage ablaze with her signature hits “Kerosene” and “Gunpowder and Lead.” But it was during her performance of “Little Red Wagon” that she truly left the audience in awe. As the familiar lyrics rang out, she tossed in a twist that no one saw coming. Instead of the usual, “I live in Oklahoma,” Miranda belted out, “I got the hell out of Oklahoma,” sending shockwaves through the crowd.
The moment was electric, and the subtle but pointed jab at her ex-husband, Blake Shelton, was impossible to miss. Blake, a proud Oklahoma native, was sitting just a few rows away, and the tension in the room was palpable. Miranda had been performing the altered lyrics for a while, but this was the first time she did so with Blake in the audience. The crowd eagerly waited to see if the cameras would catch his reaction—after all, it was hard to ignore the sting of those words.
While some might call it a petty moment, it was undeniably powerful. Miranda had every right to sing what felt true to her—after all, she no longer called Oklahoma home. But there was something undeniably satisfying in watching her command the stage, showing her strength and resilience in the face of a public and personal history. The performance oozed with defiance, and fans couldn’t get enough of it.
Despite their history, Miranda and Blake share a meaningful connection in their music. One of the most poignant moments in their relationship was the creation of “Over You,” a deeply personal song they wrote together about Blake’s late brother. Miranda has spoken fondly of the song’s significance, saying, “I’m glad we shared that song and that it helped his family heal, to have that together.” Even amid the drama, there’s a reminder of the bond they once shared.
But Miranda’s boldness doesn’t end with her ex-husband. Back in 2012, she wasn’t afraid to call out Ashton Kutcher for his awkward and ill-received performance at the ACMs. The actor, attempting to present an award in a cowboy outfit, tried—and failed—to cover George Strait’s “I Cross My Heart.” The performance was cringeworthy, and Miranda didn’t mince words, later referring to it as a “dumb moment in ACM history.” Still, she softened her stance when she met Ashton months later at the Kentucky Derby, acknowledging his genuine love for country music.
As the 59th Annual ACM Awards approach, there’s no telling what new moments will emerge, but with Miranda Lambert on stage, one thing’s for sure: It’s bound to be another unforgettable night. Get ready for more drama, more bold moves, and more of Miranda’s fearless energy that keeps us all hooked.
