As anticipation builds for the upcoming ACM Awards, country fans are looking back at one of the most unforgettable performances in recent memory—Miranda Lambert’s fiery moment at the 2019 show that turned heads and sent social media into a frenzy. Lambert, never one to hold back, shook things up during her high-energy medley when she changed a single line that carried the weight of years of personal history.
Midway through her explosive rendition of “Little Red Wagon,” Lambert took a sharp lyrical detour. Instead of the original line, “I live in Oklahoma,” she belted out, “I got the hell out of Oklahoma”—a clear, pointed jab at her ex-husband Blake Shelton, a proud Oklahoma native. The crowd erupted, fans lost their minds online, and everyone was left wondering if cameras would pan to Shelton’s face. They didn’t. But that didn’t stop the moment from becoming an instant classic.
Lambert had performed the tweaked version of the song at concerts before, but never with Blake Shelton in the same room. That alone gave the moment a heavier edge, making it feel more like a statement than just a clever lyric swap. Whether it was spite, sass, or simple truth-telling, Miranda made sure everyone felt it—and fans loved her for it.
Still, it’s not all smoke and fire between the two. Lambert has spoken warmly in the past about her song “Over You,” which she co-wrote with Shelton about his late brother. She described it as a powerful, healing experience that she was glad to share with him. Even amid heartbreak and distance, the music they made together still holds a special place.
That wasn’t the only dramatic ACM moment tied to Lambert. Fans also remember the 2012 show, when actor Ashton Kutcher appeared dressed like a cowboy parody and awkwardly performed George Strait’s “I Cross My Heart.” His presentation was met with criticism and confusion, with some artists—including Lambert—calling him out for what felt like a mockery of the genre. Although Kutcher later clarified he was a genuine fan of country music, the moment highlighted how out-of-touch some celebrity appearances at country events can feel.
To her credit, Lambert later said that Kutcher showed appreciation for “real country music” when they met again at the Kentucky Derby. Even so, the incident remained a reminder of the disconnect that often happens when awards shows try too hard to appeal to mainstream audiences outside the country world.
As we head into the 59th Annual ACM Awards—set to stream May 16th on Prime Video—fans can’t help but wonder what kind of surprises might unfold next. If Miranda Lambert’s history is any indication, country music’s most fearless female just might steal the spotlight again.
