Carrie Underwood and Miranda Lambert burst onto the country music scene in 2005 and have since become dominant forces in the industry.
Despite their friendly rivalry for No. 1 hits and radio airtime, Underwood and Lambert have remained supportive of each other's success. In December 2023, after nearly two decades in the business, they both made appearances at each other's Las Vegas residencies.
"Sunday night at the Velvet Rodeo was one of my favorites ever," Lambert shared on Instagram. "My friend Carrie Underwood came to see us and my two best pals Jon Randall and Jack Ingram surprised the crowd as we performed a few tunes from the Marfa Tapes."
Afterward, Lambert returned the favor and watched as Underwood took the stage in Las Vegas. "We've both been in the industry for a while now, seen a lot, done a lot, and sang a lot. Through it all, it's nice to know you've got great people in your corner!" Underwood captioned a social media photo backstage with Lambert. "Thanks for coming to the show last night, Miranda! Cheers to Vegas and to all we've accomplished, and to whatever comes next!"
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Scroll down to see Underwood and Lambert’s best friendship moments through the years:
Credit: Jeff Kravitz/ACMA2017/FilmMagic for ACM
Carrie Underwood and Miranda Lambert’s Best Friendship Moments: From ‘Somethin’ Bad’ Duet and Beyond
Carrie Underwood and Miranda Lambert burst onto the country music scene in 2005 and have dominated it ever since.
While they have competed for No. 1 hits and airtime, Underwood and Lambert have always supported each other's success. In December 2023, after nearly two decades in the industry, they each attended the other's Las Vegas residency.
"On Sunday night, the velvet rodeo was one of my all-time favorites," Lambert shared on Instagram. "My friend @carrieunderwood came to support us, and my two best pals @jonrandallmusic @jackingram surprised the crowd by performing a few tunes from the Marfa tapes with us."
Lambert repaid the favor by attending Underwood's performance in Sin City. Underwood expressed her appreciation for having Lambert's support throughout their careers in a backstage social media post. She thanked Lambert for attending the show and reflected on their friendship and shared accomplishments. Celebrating their time in Vegas and looking forward to the future. For a look back at their friendship, continue scrolling.
Credit: Larry Busacca/Getty Images
June 2014
In May 2014, the duo released their debut duet, "Somethin' Bad," followed by the music video the next month. The song reached the top spot on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and garnered a Grammy nomination for Best Country Duo/Group Performance.
Credit: Isaac Brekken/Getty Images for ACM
July 2018
"I always acknowledge that there are many better singers than me. I often describe myself as more of a stylist rather than a powerhouse vocalist. Carrie Underwood, for example, can outshine me in singing," Lambert admitted to Cincinatti.com. "Perhaps I'm not the most exceptional singer in the world, but I believe I convey genuine emotion, and sometimes that is more significant than hitting big notes, even if I were capable of doing so."
She expressed: "However, I have great admiration for female vocalists like Carrie for their talent. I thrive on competition. I believe it's beneficial for all of us women to challenge and support each other, and to motivate each other to improve."
Credit: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for CMT
October 2019
Lambert took to Instagram to express why she believed Underwood deserved to win Entertainer of the Year at the 2019 CMA Awards. “She put out her first single in 2005 and from then on country music was changed for good,” Lambert wrote. “That iconic voice has been classin’ up our stages, charts, and televisions for a decade and a half. The Voice. The legs. The songs. The brand. The mom. The wife. The okie. The Jesus lover. The blonde bombshell that is Carrie.”
Lambert also praised Underwood for always blowing her away with her singing and staying true and pushing herself to be better. “I have her back in this picture and I’ll always have her back. So for the sake of sequins, spanx, and spray tans, take it home! You Carrie the torch! #Carrieon #EOTY.”
Credit: Jeff Kravitz/ACMA2017/FilmMagic for ACM
November 2019
“She has always been incredibly supportive and kind,” Underwood mentioned on an episode of The Ty Bentli Show after discovering that Lambert was actively advocating for her to win the 2019 CMA Awards Entertainer of the Year. “First and foremost - I am feeling quite emotional. I mean, this nomination represents all of us, and it would not only be a victory for all the hard work and opportunities that she mentioned that I am fortunate enough to have, but also for all the other women in this industry doing the same thing.”
Underwood observed that women in the country music industry, like Lambert, "empower each other, we stand by each other."
During that month, Underwood honored Lambert's birthday with a heartfelt social media post. "Wishing you and your loved ones a fantastic day! I'll raise a toast to you and the wonderful moments we've had together over the years! Here's to many more!" she wrote alongside a photo of the two of them.
Credit: Michael Loccisano/Getty Images
November 2022
The 2022 CMA Awards stage saw the musicians coming together to pay tribute to the legacy of Loretta Lynn alongside Reba McEntire. Carrie Underwood opened the medley with a rendition of "You Ain't Woman Enough," followed by Miranda Lambert's performance of "Don't Come Home A Drinkin’," and then Reba McEntire's powerful rendition of "You’re Looking At Country."
The trio wrapped up their nod to the country legend, who died in October 2022 at the age of 90, by singing “Coal Miner’s Daughter” together.
Credit: Courtesy of Carrie Underwood/Instagram
May 2023
Underwood proudly displayed Lambert’s Y’all Eat Yet? cookbook on her Instagram Story, exclaiming, “Look what I just got! My tummy is excited.” She then extended congratulations to her friend on the recipe release.
Credit: Courtesy of Carrie Underwood/Instagram
December 2023
After seeing Lambert at her Velvet Rodeo show, Underwood returned the favor by attending Lambert's residency in Las Vegas. Lambert took to Instagram to praise Underwood's Reflection show, calling it a perfect reflection of her career and highlighting her incredible voice. She also expressed pride in their 20-year journey and thanked Underwood for having her as a guest at the show.