Fans and critics alike are raving about the performance by Lainey Wilson, Reba McEntire, and Miranda Lambert at the Academy of Country Music Awards (ACM) held on May 8, 2025. This trio debuted their new single, "Trailblazers," which is being hailed as the "most profound moment" of the show. The song, which pays tribute to the women who paved the way in country music, has ignited excitement among fans and industry insiders.
Prime Video shared the performance on its Instagram account, captioning it, "Three trailblazers, one unforgettable moment." The response from fans was overwhelmingly positive, with one commenting, "I have it on repeat right now – I love it!" Another fan expressed that the performance deserved to be the finale, stating, "This should have been the finale!!! ❤️🧡❤️🔥" A third fan exclaimed, "THIS SONG & PERFORMANCE WAS INCREDIBLE!!! THEY SOUNDED AMAZING TOGETHER!!!🔥🔥🔥"
But the praise wasn't limited to fans. Renowned music publication Rolling Stone remarked, "Three generations of musicians took hold of the 2025 ACM Awards stage," while USA Today echoed the sentiment, calling it "the most profound moment" in the lineage of women in country music.
Wilson and Lambert co-wrote "Trailblazers" with Brandy Clark on Lambert’s back porch, specifically with Reba McEntire in mind. Lambert recalled, "We were like, ‘OK, we’re going to do a song with Reba — what kind of song do we write?" They reached out to McEntire while she was on the set of her sitcom, "Happy’s Place," to discuss the right message for their collaboration. The song reflects their conversation about musical influences and the importance of passing the torch.
In the song, they namecheck some of country music's biggest female artists, including Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, Patsy Cline, and Tammy Wynette. The lyrics proclaim, "They gave me a seat at the table and I’m saving one for you," highlighting the importance of inclusion and support among women in the industry.
Reba McEntire shared that the process of writing and rehearsing the song has fostered a close bond among the trio. They even share a group text, which McEntire humorously described as "off-color." She reflected on how technology has changed the way artists interact, saying, "There’s something different totally in these generations than the earlier generations, mainly because of the social aspect. We’ve got texting, we’ve got emails, communication at our fingertips, and we didn’t have that starting out. I like that things are more approachable now."
McEntire emphasized the camaraderie among women in country music, stating, "If somebody needs something, the others come in to help. That’s very important. A lot of people think it’s backstabbing and so competitive. There’s enough room in this business — and all businesses — for everybody to be successful."
Wilson echoed this sentiment, referencing her personal experiences with Lambert’s support. "One of the very first people to give me a seat at the table was that one right over there," she said, pointing to Lambert. "She made me feel like I was welcome, and like she was my cheerleader. I think a lot of times people like to pit women against each other, and I think we’re just proving otherwise."
Lainey Wilson also emphasized the significance of their group text, which provides emotional support. "Sometimes you need someone to talk to when you’re so exhausted," she said. McEntire had previously advised her, "Sometimes I have to get up [on stage] and sing for a different reason. Sing for my sister. Sing for whomever it is." Wilson recalled this advice during challenging moments on stage.
When asked if "Trailblazers" would be a one-off collaboration, McEntire quickly responded, "No ma’am!" She expressed her enthusiasm for working with Wilson and Lambert again, stating, "I love singing with these gals. They’re a lot of fun. They’re great singers. Our harmonies blend so well. So why not?"
McEntire has already performed alongside Lambert at the 2024 Stagecoach festival and expressed her desire to tour with her, saying, "I’d love to tour with Miranda. I love her sassiness and her fun energy and I love her music, so you bet — that’d be a great tour."
Ultimately, the trio aims to inspire future generations through their music. Lambert remarked, "It’s not about us. It’s about what the song means to little girls out there watching, or anyone out there watching that really has a dream or needs to be surrounded by people they love, and needs a little nudge to know they’re not alone."
The ACM Awards, celebrating its 60th annual event, was a night filled with promise and recognition of female artists in a genre that has historically been male-dominated. The performance of "Trailblazers" highlighted the importance of honoring those who came before while paving the way for the next generation.
Lainey Wilson, who was named Entertainer of the Year, Female Artist of the Year, and Artist-Songwriter of the Year at the ACM Awards, also saw her album "Whirlwind" recognized as Album of the Year. The ceremony, hosted by McEntire for the 18th time, was a celebration of talent, legacy, and the spirit of collaboration within the country music community.
As the night concluded, it was clear that the message of "Trailblazers" resonated deeply, not just among the audience present but also with fans across the country. The song serves as a reminder of the strength and unity among women in the industry, celebrating their contributions and encouraging each other to continue blazing trails for future generations.
