Miranda Lambert’s headlining performance at Stagecoach 2024 was already set to be a highlight of the festival, but it reached legendary status when she brought out country music icon Reba McEntire for a surprise encore. The two powerhouse vocalists delivered electrifying renditions of Lambert’s “Mama’s Broken Heart” and “Gunpowder & Lead,” as well as McEntire’s classic hit “Fancy,” leaving the audience in awe.
The night seemed to be winding down after Lambert’s fiery performance of “Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home),” complete with a fireworks finale. However, Lambert had one more surprise up her sleeve. Disappearing briefly, she returned to the stage to introduce McEntire, teasing the crowd with, “I was thinking it would be pretty badass if I had a feisty redhead from Oklahoma to sing this song with me tonight.”
The duo’s three-song encore was a masterclass in country music showmanship. Lambert’s “Mama’s Broken Heart” and “Gunpowder & Lead” bookended McEntire’s “Fancy,” creating a set that was both fierce and unforgettable. Despite battling high winds and dust throughout the evening, Lambert and McEntire’s performances were unaffected, showcasing their professionalism and stage presence.
McEntire, who seemed to relish the opportunity to join Lambert, even mimed smoking a cigarette during “Gunpowder & Lead,” adding a touch of theatricality to the performance. “Fancy,” a song McEntire has performed countless times, was delivered with the same passion and precision that has made it a staple in her repertoire.
In addition to the McEntire cameo, Lambert’s set featured the live debut of her new song “Wranglers,” a track that delves into themes of payback and empowerment. The studio version of “Wranglers” is set to be released on May 3, marking Lambert’s first release since signing with Republic Records in partnership with Nashville indie Big Loud.
Lambert’s return to Stagecoach as a headliner was her first since 2015, and she did not disappoint. Her set was a mix of fan favorites and new material, all delivered with the energy and authenticity that have made her a beloved figure in country music. Eric Church and Morgan Wallen also headlined the festival, but Lambert’s performance, especially with McEntire, was a standout moment.
McEntire, who was recently announced as the host of the 2024 ACM Awards, took to social media to express her gratitude and excitement about the performance. “What a night!!! Thanks @mirandalambert for asking me to be part of @stagecoach last night. And thanks to all the #Countrymusic fans for sticking with us in that wind! #badasssisters #bas #stagecoach,” she wrote on Instagram, sharing photos of the memorable night.
Lambert also shared her excitement on social media, posting, “@Reba at @stagecoach y’all. Thank you to my hero and friend for coming out here as my special guest. I’ll never forget it. She brought all the fire.” The posts were met with enthusiastic responses from fans, who praised the duo’s performance and expressed their hope for more collaborations in the future.
In an interview with Country Living, Lambert revealed that she was initially nervous to ask McEntire to join her on stage. “I mean, obviously, because she’s one of my heroes, but she is a friend, and Reba is a number one class act. She does everything so professionally and she’s super fun to be around, but you know it’s a big favor to ask to come all the way to California to sing a couple of songs. So, I asked her and she was like ‘heck yeah, I’ll do it.'”
The performance was a testament to the mutual respect and admiration between the two artists. Lambert’s new single “Wranglers,” written by Audra Mae, Evan McKeever, and Ryan Carpenter, and recorded in Austin with co-producer Jon Randall, is a song about reclaiming one’s power and seeking revenge on those who have wronged you. “I think we can all identify with the character in this song, because we have all had a time in our life where we needed to find our strength, and also get a little revenge on someone who did us wrong or hurt us,” Lambert said in a statement.
The Stagecoach performance was a night to remember, not just for the fans but for Lambert and McEntire as well. Their on-stage chemistry and shared love for country music created a magical experience that will be talked about for years to come. As Lambert hinted, this might just be the beginning of more collaborations between the two country queens.
