Wynonna Judd Delivers Emotional Tribute to Naomi Judd at CMT Awards: A Resilient Performance and Enduring Legacy
Nearly a year after the profoundly saddening loss of her beloved mother, Naomi Judd, country music icon Wynonna Judd graced the stage of the CMT Awards in Austin, Texas. Her appearance was not merely a performance but a poignant testament to resilience, remembrance, and the enduring power of music to heal and connect.
For this deeply personal occasion, Wynonna Judd joined forces with the incredibly talented Ashley McBryde, delivering a powerful rendition of Foreigner’s timeless rock anthem, “I Want To Know What Love Is.” The song, a favorite of Wynonna’s, took on new layers of meaning as she channeled her grief and enduring love into every note. Wynonna captivated the audience, radiant in a shimmering, fringe-detailed jacket, her signature red hair flowing straight, a visual echo of the vibrant energy she shares with her mother. Ashley McBryde complemented her perfectly, elegant in a black dress with a striking red lip, embodying both strength and grace. Together, their voices intertwined in a stunning harmony, building to a crescendo as flames and dazzling sparklers erupted behind them, adding a dramatic, almost cathartic, visual spectacle to their rock-infused country performance. The raw emotion palpable in their delivery resonated deeply, turning a classic rock hit into an anthem of enduring love and memory.
This collaborative performance was not the first time these two stars had shared the stage with this particular song. They had previously united to perform the iconic 1984 hit at “The Judds: Love Is Alive – The Final Concert” on November 3rd of the previous year. That monumental event brought together an impressive lineup of country singers who joined Wynonna at the Murphy Center in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, specifically to celebrate the life and groundbreaking songs of her late mother, Naomi Judd. The concert served as a powerful collective tribute, a testament to Naomi’s immense impact on the genre and the countless lives she touched with her music and spirit. It was a bittersweet occasion, filled with both tears and joyous remembrance, setting a precedent for the emotional journey Wynonna has been navigating.
The weight of this year’s CMT performance was made even heavier by the memory of the previous year. This time last year, Wynonna stood on the very same CMT Awards stage, performing alongside her mother. That performance, a heartfelt rendition of their signature song “Love Can Build A Bridge,” tragically turned out to be their last together. Just one day after their memorable duet, and devastatingly, a day before she was slated for induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame, Naomi Judd, at 76 years old, passed away by suicide. This stark contrast between last year’s joy and this year’s profound grief underscored the emotional depth of Wynonna’s performance, making it a powerful and public moment of healing and homage.
In the culminating moments of her 2023 CMT Awards performance of “I Want To Know What Love Is,” Wynonna Judd’s raw emotions surfaced in a profoundly moving way. Her voice, already laden with feeling, broke as she sang, looking upward as if directly addressing her mother, “Mama, you should be here tonight. I miss you. And I love you.” These simple yet powerful words encapsulated the immense grief and longing that have marked her journey over the past year. As she finished the number, Ashley McBryde gently took her hand, offering a silent gesture of support and shared empathy, a moment that spoke volumes without needing words. Wynonna’s gaze remained fixed above, a tangible connection to the memory of her mother, as the audience collectively held its breath, moved by her vulnerability.
Prior to her performance, while walking the red carpet and chatting with CMT’s Carissa Culiner, the 58-year-old artist was asked about her final performance with her mom – the very one from the 2022 CMT Awards, which was nominated in the Best Performance category for tonight’s show. When gently prompted if she had watched the video of their poignant 2022 performance of “Love Can Build A Bridge,” Wynonna candidly replied, “It’s too much, it’s too much of a good thing. I’ve been crying on and off all day, it’s a bittersweet day.” Her raw honesty highlighted the deep emotional struggle she continues to face, navigating the public eye while privately grappling with immense grief. The nomination itself, while an honor, served as a stark reminder of what was lost, making the day a whirlwind of conflicting emotions.
This sentiment was further echoed in her interview where she openly expressed the profound pain of reliving those cherished moments, a testament to her courage and transparency with her fans and the wider world.
Wynonna Judd admits it’s “painful as hell” to relive moments she once shared with her late mother, Naomi Judd. 💔 pic.twitter.com/uuYSphoZJL
— Entertainment Tonight (@etnow) November 10, 2022
Wynonna continued her heartfelt reflection, offering a profound perspective on her ongoing journey: “Life is about embracing the leaks. I just wish that I could say… CMT, you’ve been a part of our lives for a long time, I didn’t know it was the last time I would sing with my mother. So, here we are.” This statement captured the unpredictable nature of life and loss, emphasizing how often we don’t realize the significance of a moment until it’s become a memory. Her choice of “embracing the leaks” conveyed a powerful message of accepting vulnerability and allowing grief to flow, rather than attempting to contain it. Her words served as a universal reminder to cherish every moment, particularly with loved ones, as tomorrow is never promised. The country music community, and indeed her global fanbase, has rallied around Wynonna, providing immense support as she courageously navigates this deeply personal and public period of mourning and remembrance.
Naomi Judd tragically passed away on April 30, 2022. The timing of her death was profoundly agonizing, occurring just one day before she was to be formally inducted into the Country Music Hall Of Fame – an honor she had rightfully earned over decades of groundbreaking work. Furthermore, it came a mere two weeks after that unforgettable final performance with her daughter, Wynonna, at the CMT Awards. After a long and arduous battle with mental health issues, Naomi’s passing was confirmed to be suicide. The Judd family, known for their candor, chose to address the cause of death with remarkable openness. “We have always shared openly both the joys of being family as well as its sorrows, too. One part of our story is that our matriarch was dogged by an unfair foe,” the family stated in a moving announcement shared with the Associated Press. They further elaborated, “She was treated for PTSD and bipolar disorder, to which millions of Americans can relate.”
This brave transparency from the Judd family immediately sparked important conversations surrounding mental health, destigmatizing conditions like PTSD and bipolar disorder. Naomi Judd’s legacy extends far beyond her incredible musical contributions as part of The Judds; it now also includes a powerful message of awareness and compassion for those struggling with similar challenges. Her openness throughout her life about her mental health journey, even in its most difficult phases, provided solace and understanding to countless fans who faced similar battles. The industry and the public alike mourned the loss of a true pioneer, a songwriter, and a performer whose unique voice and authentic storytelling left an indelible mark on country music.
The Judds, comprised of Naomi and Wynonna, were a phenomenon in country music. Their distinctive blend of traditional country with a modern edge, characterized by tight harmonies and heartfelt lyrics, garnered them numerous awards, including multiple Grammy Awards, and cemented their place in musical history. Songs like “Mama He’s Crazy,” “Grandpa (Tell Me ‘Bout The Good Ol’ Days),” and “Love Can Build A Bridge” became anthems, speaking to generations about family, love, and resilience. Naomi’s role as the songwriter and the driving force behind many of their narratives, coupled with Wynonna’s powerhouse vocals, created a synergy that was unparalleled. Their influence paved the way for many female artists in country music, proving that authenticity and strong narratives could dominate the airwaves.
Wynonna Judd’s continued presence on stage, especially at events like the CMT Awards, serves as a powerful testament to her own strength and dedication to her mother’s memory. Each performance is not just a concert; it’s a living tribute, a continuation of a story that began with two women and a guitar, and which now carries the weight of a profound legacy. She continues to honor Naomi’s life, not just through her performances but through her candid discussions about grief and mental health. Her ability to stand on stage, embracing vulnerability while delivering powerful vocals, makes her a beacon of hope and an embodiment of the strength that can emerge from profound loss. The collective love and support from fans and peers alike further underscore the lasting impact of The Judds, ensuring their music and message will resonate for years to come.