Miranda Lambert Says Live Performances with Kacey Musgraves Was ‘Healing’: ‘We Have Kindred Spirits’

Miranda Lambert and Kacey Musgraves recently shared the stage at Gruene Hall, marking the first time they performed their song “Horses and Divorces” live together. This event, held on May 5, symbolised the resolution of a long-standing feud between the two country music stars, who expressed excitement and relief at rekindling their friendship.

During an interview on Sirius XM, Lambert described the performance as “healing,” highlighting the opportunity for reconnection with Musgraves, who she affectionately referred to as her “East Texas sister.” The resurgence of their friendship followed years of tension, which reportedly stemmed from Lambert’s recording of “Mama’s Broken Heart,” a song co-written by Musgraves.

Reflecting on the experience at Gruene Hall in New Braunfels, Texas, Lambert, aged 42, spoke with enthusiasm about the electric atmosphere of the venue, where she has spent much of her life. The opportunity to surprise the audience with Musgraves, aged 37, was something she could not pass up. “Honestly, the roof came off the place,” Lambert remarked, emphasising how good it felt to perform together again. “Whatever bulls— was around is gone, you know what I mean? We have kindred spirits,” she added.

The two singers share a deep-rooted history that dates back to their childhoods, when their families became close and they enjoyed singing karaoke together. Lambert expressed her joy in being able to see Musgraves’ family that night, reminiscing about their past. “Kacey and I grew up together pretty much. We’ve been singing together, knowing each other since she was like 10 and I was 14,” she noted, underscoring the significance of their reunion.

Lambert continued to share her sentiment that their recent collaboration felt like a moment of closure, saying, “it feels really good, honestly,” as they regarded this reconciling moment as “water under the bridge” or, as she cleverly put it, “Whiskey under the bridge.” Musgraves’ latest album, *Middle of Nowhere*, features “Horses and Divorces,” which adds another layer of meaning to their joint performance.

In a previous interview with NPR, Musgraves had opened up about the complexities of their feud, which began when Lambert recorded “Mama’s Broken Heart” for her 2013 album *Four the Record*. Musgraves expressed her disappointment in not being able to release the song as her own debut single, as she had loved it dearly. She had been an established songwriter at that point, having penned songs for various artists, and was finally ready to promote her unique sound.

Musgraves recalled that the song had been pitched to Lambert without her consent, which created a “tricky situation.” However, she managed to move past that conflict, suggesting, “she ended up loving the song, and she really wanted it.” Ultimately, Musgraves released “Merry Go ‘Round” as her debut single instead, indicating that everything worked out for the best in the end.

When the two artists reunited on stage, Musgraves expressed joy in reflecting on their past and shared that the recording of “Horses and Divorces” was a very full-circle moment in many ways. Their relationship, once fraught with tension, has transformed into one of mutual understanding and respect.

In an April digital cover interview with *Variety*, Musgraves acknowledged that there was indeed animosity between her and Lambert, referring to it as “grass-fed, grade A beef.” Their recent performance together not only showcased their talent but also illustrated their growth as artists and as individuals ready to embrace the bonds of their shared history.

In this new chapter, Lambert and Musgraves now appear united rather than divided, signalling a renewed friendship that both artists and their fans can celebrate. As they move forward, their collaborative efforts in music may bring about more opportunities and resonate through the country music scene.