Introduction
On March 12, 2015, at Dallas’s American Airlines Center, Miranda Lambert surprised the crowd by inviting her then-husband Blake Shelton to join her onstage for a heartfelt duet of his breakthrough hit, “Austin.” Originally released in 2001 as Shelton’s debut single, “Austin” marked the beginning of his journey in country music. For Lambert—who spent her childhood just 80 miles away in Lindale, Texas—this rendition felt like a poignant homecoming, both for her and the Dallas audience.
When Shelton stepped into the spotlight, the arena roared in approval. Lambert’s eyes sparkled with pride as she praised her husband’s influence on her own career, and together they wove an emotionally charged performance. Each lyric of “Austin” underscored the deep connection they shared, and their seamless onstage chemistry gave the song an added layer of sentiment, transforming the evening into an unforgettable celebration of love and musical heritage.
This unforgettable duet was one of the highlights of Lambert’s 2015 Platinum Tour, a run that featured chart-topping tracks such as “Automatic” and the electrifying collaboration “Somethin’ Bad” with Carrie Underwood. Moments like this duet not only underscored Lambert’s proud Texas roots but also allowed fans to witness the genuine bond between her and Shelton—one that resonated deeply before their separation later that year.