Watch Legendary CMT Crossroads Performances Before Kelsea Ballerini and Halsey take the Stage

CMT Crossroads teams up a country musician with successful artists of other genres to duet on their hits, and often perform one another’s songs on notable Nashville stages from the Ryman to the Opry. In honor of the 70th CMT Crossroads episode premiering this month featuring Kelsea Ballerini and Halsey, here’s a throwback of the most legendary rockstar performances featuring the women of country. 

Maren Morris & Alicia Keys 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bwbw6ynUEy8
Both of these girls are truly on fire in this rendition of Keys, “Girl on Fire”. Soon to be momma, Maren Morris, recently performed at the Houston Rodeo nine months pregnant. She is truly superwomen! Alicia Keys, more commonly known as the “Queen of R&B” is a powerful lady as well. She has been listed by Time as one of the top 100 most influential people, twice. 

Kacey Musgraves & Katy Perry
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6uFz3AvAuTk
This duet was way before mainstream media had ever heard of the queen that is Kacey Musgraves. Both of these artists' unique sound blends flawlessly on Parton’s, “Here You Come Again.” Musgraves has been nominated for 9 Grammys and has won 6 throughout her career. Perry, who is currently an American Idol judge, has sold more than 18 million albums and 125 million singles globally. 

Carrie Underwood & Steven Tyler 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jbbIvGVQqKk
All American Girl, Carrie Underwood meets the Demon of Screamin’ in this epic pairing. There is truly nothing Carrie can’t sing or conquer. Check out our latest story on her most recent accomplishments here. She gives Steven Tyler of Aerosmith a run for his money singing a mashup of “Undo It” and “Walk This Way”.

Sara Evans & Maroon 5
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8N6oIuVvcUE
Sara Evans has had many accomplishments outside of being a phenomenal woman of country music. She has competed on Dancing With The Stars, Family Feud, and even performed on CMT Crossroads three times. In her performance with Adam Levine, lead-singer of Maroon 5, the pair duet on hit songs, “She Will Be Loved”, “I Could Not Ask For More”, “I Won’t Go Home Without You” and many more. 

Reba McEntire & Kelly Clarkson 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZwvcjqRYXY
Shortly after Reba and Kelly dueted on CMT Crossroads, they co-headlined the, “2 Worlds 2 Voices Tour” in 2008. Not only are the two women incredibly close friends, they were family! Reba is Kelly’s former mother-in-law. Despite Kelly’s divorce, Reba is a mentor and close confidant of Kelly’s. Kelly is a coach on the current season of The Voice and it is clear that her country roots run deep! She grew up in Texas, so who can blame her! 

Dixie Chicks & James Taylor 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4VSECkz0ug
The Dixie Chicks have ended their 14-year hiatus releasing their new single, “Gaslighter.” In 2002 at the peak of their career, they dueted with Rock & Roll Hall of Fame artist, James Taylor. It can be difficult for a solo artist to harmonize with a trio, but they nailed it singing, “Carolina in My Mind” and “Ready To Run.” I’m looking forward to many new duets hopefully with the Dixie Chicks reemergence onto the scene!

By Haley Moloney​