Unveiling Miranda Lambert's Rollercoaster Ride: From Heartbreak to Scandals, a Riveting Journey

Miranda Lambert. Curtis/AFF-USA/Shutterstock

After gaining fame on the reality show Nashville Star in 2003, Miranda Lambert has experienced both triumphs and hardships that have played out in the public eye.

In July 2015, it was confirmed that Lambert and her country star husband, Blake Shelton, had decided to end their four-year marriage. The couple's representative released a statement expressing their sadness and acknowledging that the future they had envisioned together was no longer possible. They emphasized the importance of privacy and compassion during this deeply personal time, as they are real individuals with real lives, families, friends, and colleagues.

Below is a recap of Lambert's experiences and relationships throughout the years:

- Lambert subsequently dated Anderson East and Evan Felker before marrying Brendan McLoughlin in January 2019, following a three-month courtship.

Grammy Winner

Lambert was able to secure three Grammy nominations, ultimately winning her first Grammy Award for Female Country Vocal Performance with the heartfelt track, "The House That Built Me," in February 2011. Building on her success, she went on to claim her first Best Country Album Grammy for Platinum in 2015 and later triumphed once again with Wildcard in 2021.

Eric Church Feud

Following their marriage in 2011, Lambert and Shelton found themselves embroiled in a public dispute with fellow country singer Eric Church the following year. Church had criticized Shelton's NBC show The Voice in an interview with Rolling Stone, questioning the credibility of participating artists. Church stated, "Honestly, if Blake Shelton and Cee Lo Green turn around in a red chair, you got a deal? That's crazy. I don't know what would make an artist do that. You're not an artist. Once your career becomes about something other than the music, then that's what it is. I'll never make that mistake. I don't care if I starve."

Lambert, bringing up her Nashville Star origins, responded to Church's comment by tweeting, "Appreciate the criticism, Eric Church, about me not being a true artist. The same goes for @kelly_clarkson, @carrieunderwood, and @KeithUrban. And don't forget, we went on tour together in 2010." Church later issued a statement in May 2012, clarifying that his comment was actually a reflection on reality television shows and how they shape public perception, rather than a critique of the artists involved.

He continued by saying that these shows create the illusion that artists can achieve instant success. While it is true that some artists have achieved success after appearing on these shows due to their own perseverance, the real challenges come after the cameras stop rolling. Every artist must continue to work diligently to improve their craft, but these shows often downplay this aspect and make it seem like success is guaranteed.

Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert. Mediapunch/Shutterstock

Blake Shelton Divorce

The divorce of Lambert and Shelton was officially completed shortly before the couple publicly revealed their separation in July 2015. A source exclusively informed Us during that month that there are no negative emotions between them. They have chosen to maintain a friendship and are successfully moving forward in that direction.

Shelton took to Twitter in April 2018 and seemingly criticized Lambert's new relationship with Felker. He tweeted, "I have been taking the high road for a long time...almost gave up. But now, I can see something on the horizon up there!! Wait!! Could it be?! Yep!! It's karma!!"

In response, Lambert's ex Jeff Allen, whom she dated before marrying Shelton, accused the former couple of infidelity during his and Lambert's relationship. In a now-deleted tweet, Allen wrote, "I have always given you the benefit of the doubt and attributed it to human nature, but you must be incredibly arrogant to say something like this, when I know for a fact that you were cheating on your wife and Miranda was cheating on me when you two got together."

He responded to the post by writing another tweet, stating, "After staying silent for 13 years, I feel compelled to express my dissatisfaction with his karma tweet. This whole situation seems meaningless."

In a CBS News interview in May 2022, Lambert discussed the overwhelming public scrutiny surrounding her split from Shelton. She acknowledged, "I wasn't expecting it. I don't think anyone is. It can be unpleasant, but it's important to not let it get to you."

Anderson East Romance

Lambert and East began dating in November 2015, with a source exclusively telling Us the following month that the two were “really enjoying each other’s company.”

Two years later, a source close to the couple informed Us that East had a strong affection for Miranda, and she felt the same way about him. According to the source, their friends could envision them getting engaged soon.

Nevertheless, the couple ended their relationship in April 2018 after dating for two years. Another source at the time revealed, "Although they have been apart for a while, there is a possibility they may reconcile. The love between them still remains."

Evan Felker Cheating Scandal

Lambert became entangled in a scandal involving infidelity when she started dating Evan, despite the fact that he was still married to Staci Felker. Their romantic connection ignited while Evan's band, the Turnpike Troubadours, were on tour with Lambert for her Livin' Like Hippies Tour.

In May 2015, a source informed Us that Evan and Staci were attempting to conceive a child before his tour with Lambert. Staci, believing they had no marital issues, was caught off guard when she discovered her husband's divorce filing in a local newspaper. "He went on tour and never returned home."

Their divorce was finalized in August of that same year, coinciding with Evan and Lambert's breakup. However, Evan and Staci eventually reconciled and remarried in June 2020. They then celebrated the arrival of their first child together, a daughter named Evangelina, in March 2021, followed by a son named Everett in September 2022.

Restaurant Fight

According to the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department, Lambert found herself involved in a physical altercation at a restaurant in February 2019. An employee, who made a 911 call obtained by Us, reported that an argument occurred between Lambert and two other individuals. Subsequently, a third person approached Lambert's table and proceeded to verbally attack her. The employee mentioned that this was the third instance of conflict between the parties involved. Additionally, it was stated that Lambert exhibited aggressive behavior, attempting to physically assault others while also causing disturbance by overturning plates.

Brendan McLoughlin Marriage

TMZ reported that Lambert supposedly poured a salad onto a woman's lap during the incident, resulting in her and her group leaving the restaurant before law enforcement arrived. Neither Lambert nor the individuals present filed any police reports, and Lambert chose not to publicly address the occurrence.

Lambert encountered McLoughlin while on patrol near her Good Morning America performance in November 2018. A few days later, the former police officer became a father to a son with Kaihla Rettinger.

The situation grew more complex when Carol Bruno, who is the mother of McLoughlin's ex-girlfriend Jackie Bruno, revealed exclusively to Us at that time that McLoughlin had been unfaithful to Jackie with Rettinger.

Lambert and McLoughlin's love continued to blossom despite their tumultuous beginning. After just three months of dating, they decided to secretly tie the knot in early 2019. Lambert took to Instagram to announce the exciting news on Valentine's Day, expressing her gratitude towards McLoughlin for loving her unconditionally.

Brendan McLaughlin and Miranda Lambert. Matt Baron/BEI/Shutterstock

Baby Plans

According to a source who spoke to Us in February 2022, Lambert and Brendan made the decision to begin trying to conceive after celebrating their third wedding anniversary. The source also revealed that Miranda is overjoyed with the news, as Brendan has always expressed his desire to start a family with her.

Selfie Controversy

One year later, a confidential source disclosed that the couple's relationship flourished as they continued to exude a vibrant aura of newlyweds. According to the insider, Miranda adores having a life partner who prefers to evade the limelight and remains unperturbed by such matters. The source emphasized their shared qualities of being unpretentious and grounded, highlighting the profound compatibility they possess. The cherished privacy they enjoy shields their relationship from relentless scrutiny. Every aspect of their bond complements one another flawlessly, leading Miranda to believe that she has finally discovered her soulmate.

Lambert faced criticism after a TikTok video went viral, showcasing her confronting fans who were more focused on taking selfies rather than appreciating her performance during her Velvet Rodeo Las Vegas residency in July 2023. Interrupting her rendition of "Tin Man," Lambert expressed her frustration to the crowd, stating, "These girls are too preoccupied with their selfies to listen to the song. It's making me quite angry. I'm sorry, but I strongly dislike it."

Furthermore, she emphasized, "We are here tonight to enjoy some country music. I'm here to sing country music, damn it," while gesturing for the group of friends to find their seats.

One of the concert attendees, Adela Calin, expressed her shock at Lambert's response, describing it as reminiscent of being reprimanded by a teacher at school and being told to sit back down. Calin felt that Lambert was deliberately portraying them as young, immature, and vain, despite the fact that they were mature women aged between 30s and 60s, simply attempting to capture a photograph.