Any footage from a time when Miranda Lambert wasn’t a household name feels centuries old. While the modern country icon has been at it for almost two decades now, the 2000s still don’t feel like such a long time ago.
Right out of the gate, however, there was no stopping Miranda Lambert. After performing on Nashville Star, i.e. Country Music’s answer to American Idol way back in 2003, Lambert was immediately offered a record deal – and country music would never be the same.
Since then, Lambert has become synonymous with the genre. Moreover, she’s synonymous with some of country’s most raw, truthful, and soul-bearing themes. To this end, we’re taking a look back at one of her early live performances that personifies this grit.
Within, Lambert performs a few early hits for Good Morning America way back in 2007. As such, the GMA host notes the labeling of her music, now infamously known as “take no prisoners country”. Following this, he asks Lambert what she feels makes her so unique.
“I’ve sort of carved out this little niche for myself,” she smiles. “I’m pretty redneck, I’m from Texas, so I just sing about things I believe in. Things I enjoy singin’ about. And luckily people are buying it, so it’s working!” she laughs timidly. Even in 2007, just 4 years on from her debut on Nashville Star, she’s as humble as ever.
While the clip begins with a performance of “Kerosene“, the main attraction below is a lesser-covered song of Lambert’s. Another early hit – “Famous in a Small Town”.
Miranda Lambert performing “Famous in a Small Town” on Good Morning America on November 27, 2007
YouTube
Miranda Lambert Debuts with ‘Kerosene’ at 2005 CMAs
Back in this 2007 clip, Lambert was still fighting to prove herself in the male-dominated country music industry. Just a few years before, she made her CMA Awards debut in 2005, as well. Within, she absolutely brought the house down with “Kerosine,” her first hit single from her first album of the same name.
In the years after, Lambert has become one of the most awarded musicians by the CMAs in history. She also holds the record for most wins for Female Vocalist of the Year at 7 wins. This beats out even her longtime friend & rival for the title, Carrie Underwood, who has won 5 times.
Viewer Theresa Bollman, perhaps, sums it up best:
“My husband & I watched it in our room…I remember us sitting up in bed, our mouths hanging open,” Bollman recalls of the performance. “Finally one of us said..”Oh, that’s not the last time we’ll hear from that little girl.” And it sure was not. She’s the real deal. Love her!”
BONUS: Watch Lambert’s NASHVILLE STAR Audition
And if that weren’t enough, we’ve got Lambert’s world debut audition right here for you.
Travel even further back to the first time the world got to know Miranda Lambert on USA’s Nashville Star. Within, she sings her favorite song she’s ever written – and wrote with her father – Greyhound Bound for Nowhere.
For context, the bright young star is a mere 19-years-old here. Almost unbelievable!
Fast forward to 2020, and we’ve got all the Miranda Lambert coverage you’ll ever need – all right here on Outsider.com.
