The Kennedy Center Honors is a night dedicated to celebrating the legends who have shaped American culture through the arts. In 2019, Linda Ronstadt, a true musical icon, was among those honored.
The evening featured several incredible performances, but one that truly stole the show was Carrie Underwood’s heartfelt tribute. Underwood, known for her powerhouse vocals and country roots, has always admired Ronstadt’s genre-bending spirit.
Underwood herself has crossed musical boundaries throughout her career, and she clearly identifies with Ronstadt’s artistic freedom. As Underwood herself said, Ronstadt “broke the rules and sang music that was true to her,” and that’s exactly what Underwood did when she took the stage to honor this legend.
Carrie Underwood Takes on Ronstadt Classics
Carrie Underwood, dazzling in a shimmering blue dress, took center stage to pay homage to Linda Ronstadt. Her first selection was “Blue Bayou”, originally by Roy Orbison. However, Ronstadt’s 1977 cover transformed the song into a classic, and Underwood’s rendition captured the spirit of Ronstadt’s interpretation.
With the first song complete, Underwood seamlessly transitioned to another Ronstadt staple, “When Will I Be Loved”. This wasn’t Underwood’s first time honoring the legend with this particular song. Back in 2014, when Ronstadt was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame,
Underwood, alongside Bonnie Raitt and Emmylou Harris, delivered a powerful performance of “Blue Bayou”. This Kennedy Center Honors tribute further solidified Underwood’s admiration for Ronstadt’s musical legacy.
A Night of Tributes at the Kennedy Center Honors
The 42nd annual Kennedy Center Honors was a star-studded event that celebrated the lifetime achievements of five incredible artists.
The ceremony, which aired on CBS on December 15, 2019, saw actress Sally Field, the children’s television show Sesame Street, conductor Michael Tilson Thomas, the band Earth, Wind & Fire, and legendary singer Linda Ronstadt take center stage.
Each honoree received heartfelt tributes throughout the evening. Tom Hanks, for instance, delivered a touching speech dedicated to Sally Field, his co-star from the beloved film Forrest Gump. The audience, including Linda Ronstadt herself, was clearly moved by the outpouring of appreciation.