Miranda Lambert Breaks Down Her Career, from First Shows to Superstardom

Introduction

Miranda Lambert reflects on six pivotal moments in her music career:

1. CMA Awards 2005 (“Kerosene”):
   Lambert recounts the nerves she felt during her first big televised award show performance. It was a turning point that could define her country music career. Despite the pressure, her improvisation and fiery stage presence helped her succeed.

2. “Gunpowder & Lead”:
   Inspired by her upbringing around domestic violence survivors and her parents’ work as private investigators, Miranda co-wrote the song with a friend who was also a survivor. It became an anthem of empowerment, and many women have since told her it gave them the strength to leave abusive situations.

3. Winning CMA Female Vocalist of the Year:
   A lifelong country music fan, Lambert dreamed of winning this award from a young age. Receiving it from her idol Loretta Lynn, a trailblazer in country music, was a surreal and validating experience.

4. “The House That Built Me”:
   This deeply personal song helped reshape her public image, showing her softer, introspective side. The lyrics resonated with her own life and fans alike, often moving audiences (and herself) to tears during live performances.

5. “Mama’s Broken Heart” Music Video:
   The song portrays a woman spiraling after a breakup, clashing with Southern expectations of composure. Lambert describes the video’s production, her initial fear of cameras, and how director Trey Fanjoy helped her feel confident and creative on set.

6. “Got My Name Changed Back” with Pistol Annies (2018):
   Performing on Good Morning America with her band Pistol Annies marked her return to morning TV after years. That day turned out to be fateful, as she met her husband shortly after.

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