Three generations of country music powerhouses took the stage at the 2025 ACM Awards for the world premiere of their new single, “Trailblazer,” and it was nothing short of amazing.
Lainey Wilson, Reba McEntire and Miranda Lambert came together for an emotional performance that paid tribute to the to the females of country music who paved the way for others. Written by Lambert, Wilson, and Brandy Clark and produced by McEntire with Tony Brown, “Trailblazer” aims to celebrate strength, resilience, and the importance of women lifting each other up in the music industry.
The idea for the collaboration was born from McEntire, who inspired a powerful conversation between Wilson, Lambert, and Brandy Clark. They got together and discussed the legacy of women in country music and those who’ve not only broken barriers but acted as a support system for other rising stars along the way.
“So Reba had the idea to try to do a song together and me and Miranda and Brandy Clark got together and we just started talking about really the history of country music and how the females have stuck together and kind of just blazed those trails and went down with the weed whackers and done whatever they could to help the next person up,” Wilson told Country Now during a backstage interview at the ACM Awards.
The Louisiana native admits that she likely wouldn’t be the person she is today without the unwavering support from women like Lambert and McEntire.
“I owe it to them. I do. I mean they’re two of the ladies that have really been just willing to share any kind of wisdom with me and lift me up and encourage me and that’s what it’s about. So it’s not just a song for people in the music industry. This is a song for just people in general who feel like they are paving paths for others,” she explained.
During rehearsals, Wilson revealed that they were all trying to “hold it together” throughout the emotional tune, and as soon as their performance aired for the world to see, it became clear as to why.
They took the stage in coordinated neutral-toned outfits with turquoise accents that reflected their individual styles and performed the song with grace. Wilson first appeared in the center of the trio and sang the first few lines before being joined by Lambert and McEntire. The vivid imagery within the lyrics came out in full force as their powerful vocals created a string of effortless harmonies amid the western melody.
“Talk about a trailblazer/ Cuttin’ one path at a time/ Runnin’ like a dream chaser/ Livin’ on a prayer and a rhyme,” they sang on the chorus. “You put a flag in the ground to a country sound/ To the rhythm of your own highway/ Talk about a trailblazеr/ I’m rollin’ down the road you paved.”
After filling the room with heavy emotions, the women grabbed hands and took a bow, signaling the end of their unforgettable performance.
“It just felt we could just feel the energy and we were also happy to be able to share the stage with each other. So I hope other little girls are watching at home and can just see that women who stick together get it done and that’s what it’s about,” Wilson added.
Lainey Wilson had a big night at the 60th Academy of Country Music Awards, which took place on Thursday, May 8 in Frisco, Texas. Along with her performances of “Whirlwind” and “Trailblazer,” she took home multiple trophies.
She went into the show with seven nominations under her belt, including one early win for Artist-Songwriter of the Year. Her name was also considered in the categories of Female Artist of the Year, Album of the Year (Whirlwind), Song of the Year (“4x4xU”), Visual Media of the Year (“4x4xU”), and the night’s highest honor, Entertainer of the Year.
By the end of the night, the “4x4xU” singer had racked up four awards. She started off by nabbing Female Artist of the Year for the third year in a row, making her the first artist to achieve that feat since Miranda Lambert won nine years in a row from 2010-18.
She then became the seventh artist in ACM history to take home Album of the Year or two consecutive studio albums and one of only three female solo artists to earn the title more than once, joining Miranda Lambert and Kacey Musgraves.
Wilson then earned the ultimate honor of the night – Entertainer of the Year – For the second year in a row. She’s the first artist to score back-to-back awards in that category since Jason Aldean’s three-year streak from 2016-18. Additionally, the songstress is the first female to do so since Taylor Swift achieved consecutive Entertainer of the Year titles in 2009 and 2010.
The 60th ACM Awards was certainly an evening Lainey Wilson will never forget.
“To the country music fans and to the country music community, thank you. All I’ve ever wanted to do is sing and write music. Y’all have given me a stage for my songs to be heard and I will never be able to tell you how thankful I truly am for just giving me a shot. Here’s to 14 years in Nashville doing the only thing I know how to do. Love y’all to the moon. ✨⭐️,” she wrote on Instagram.
Things aren’t slowing down for Wilson anytime soon. She has a slew of festival dates ahead of her and then will head back on the road for the fall leg of her Whirlwind tour, beginning August 14.
McEntire hosted the ACM Awards for a record-breaking 18th time and is preparing to return as a coach on NBC’s The Voice this fall. Meanwhile, Lambert is preparing to hit the road on select dates of Morgan Wallen’s I’m The Problem Tour this summer.
The post Lainey Wilson, Reba McEntire & Miranda Lambert Honor Iconic Women of Country Music With ‘Trailblazer’ appeared first on Country Now.