Carrie Underwood Honors Country Music Legends with Powerful ACM Awards Performance

Since winning American Idol in 2005, Carrie Underwood has become one of the brightest stars in country music. A seven-time Grammy winner, she’s never forgotten the legendary women who paved the way.

At the 55th Academy of Country Music Awards, Carrie paid a heartfelt tribute to the queens of country—Dolly Parton, Patsy Cline, and others—delivering a show-stopping medley in honor of their legacy.

Dressed in a stunning red floral gown, the 37-year-old star took the stage at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, marking the venue’s 95th anniversary. Before launching into her performance, Carrie addressed the empty auditorium with heartfelt words:

“Patsy and Loretta, Martina and Barbara, Reba and Dolly—these strong voices mean so much to me and to all the other female artists who stand on their shoulders,” she said. “They are some of my heroes, and I’m so honored to stand alongside them as a fellow member of the Grand Ole Opry.”

She kicked off the tribute with Cline’s Crazy, then seamlessly transitioned into Loretta Lynn’s You Ain’t Woman Enough, Barbara Mandrell’s I Was Country When Country Wasn’t Cool, and Dolly Parton’s Why’d You Come in Here Lookin’ Like That. She also included Reba McEntire’s The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia and Martina McBride’s A Broken Wing.

Later in the evening, Underwood made history by tying with Thomas Rhett for the coveted Entertainer of the Year award—the first tie in the award’s 55-year history. She triumphed over top male nominees including Luke Bryan, Eric Church, and Luke Combs.

Carrie also opened the show alongside her fellow nominees, performing her hit Before He Cheats in a dazzling gold mini dress with flowing sleeves and a matching gold microphone—reminding everyone why she remains a powerhouse in country music.