It was a night dedicated to the queens of country — and Blake Shelton found the perfect way to honor one of its reigning stars: by singing her own words back to her, with just the right mix of pride and playful charm.
At the ACM’s Girls’ Night Out: Superstar Women of Country, aired April 22 on CBS, Shelton stepped onstage to celebrate his then-fiancée Miranda Lambert, delivering a memorable rendition of her 2007 hit “Famous in a Small Town.”
But before a single note was sung, Shelton had the audience — and Lambert — grinning.
“She has captured the heart of millions of Americans,” he began, pausing just long enough to make everyone lean in. “And I am proud to say that I’m one of them.”
From there, Shelton launched into a performance that was as heartfelt as it was entertaining — a loving roast and a romantic tribute rolled into one.
A Small-Town Love Letter
Lambert, seated off to the side of the stage, looked both touched and slightly nervous — knowing full well that when Blake Shelton has a microphone, anything might happen. But what followed was one of the night’s most genuine moments.
Shelton introduced the song with a sweet and funny video montage featuring Lambert’s friends and family from her hometown of Lindale, Texas. They shared their memories of a Miranda quite different from the gun-toting, fire-belting country powerhouse fans see onstage — describing her instead as quiet, humble, and deeply grounded in her roots.
Then came the music. Shelton’s take on “Famous in a Small Town” was both tender and tongue-in-cheek, capturing everything the song celebrates: local legends, front porch fame, and the charm of being a big fish in a small pond.
Lambert, clearly moved, fought back tears as Shelton sang — and joked afterward that she was relieved he stuck to the clean version of the lyrics.
“That was really awesome,” she said, smiling wide. “And I’m proud of him for singing the right words. He’s my biggest fan… and the full package, if you know what I mean.”
Miranda Makes History
The night wasn’t just about musical tributes — it was a momentous occasion for Lambert. She was honored as the only female artist in ACM history to win Album of the Year twice, a feat that cemented her place in the country music record books.
Shelton’s playful delivery provided the perfect counterbalance to the emotion of the evening, showing off the couple’s natural chemistry and mutual admiration. It was one of those rare award show moments that felt less like showbiz — and more like love.
A New Chapter: The Pistol Annies
Lambert used the spotlight to introduce fans to her latest musical venture — the Pistol Annies, a trio that would soon shake up the country music scene with their edgy, truth-telling sound. The performance, paired with Shelton’s tribute, marked a turning point in both their careers — as individuals and as partners.
The Power of a Tribute
Shelton’s performance stood out in a night filled with powerhouse vocals and emotional thank-yous. It wasn’t just the fact that he sang one of Lambert’s most iconic songs. It was the way he sang it — with sincerity, swagger, and a deep understanding of what it meant to her.
By the end of the performance, one thing was clear: Blake Shelton didn’t just sing “Famous in a Small Town” — he lived it. And for a few magical minutes, so did everyone watching.
