Wynonna Judd stunned thousands and thousands of fans when she made a surprise appearance on Friday night during CMA Fest. Judd joined Nissan Stadium performer Carly Pearce to sing “Why Not Me,” later reflecting on what that experience meant to her.
“Friday night at Nissan Stadium was the most amazing celebration of Judds’ music,” she tweeted.. “70,000 people singing the words to “Why Not Me” back to us, WOW. Country music fans really ARE the most loyal!!!! I’m grateful to still have a seat at the table.”
Friday night at Nissan Stadium was the most amazing celebration of Judds music. 70,000 people singing the words to “Why Not Me” back to us, WOW. Country music fans really ARE the most loyal!!!! I’m grateful to still have a seat at the table. #cmafest
📷: Hayley Gjertsen pic.twitter.com/BGqfldtcJv
— Wynonna (@Wynonna) June 12, 2022
Pearce honored Judd ahead of their duet, with a touching tribute to Naomi Judd, who passed away on April 30, one day before The Judds were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
“CMA Fest, we lost one of our absolute pillars in country music earlier this year: Miss Naomi Judd,” Pearce said from stage (via People). “As a girl growing up in Kentucky, I idolized the Judds and wanted to be like them.”
“My first concert was to see Wynonna,” she added. “And I’ve always loved all of the music that the Judds made and feel like it is such a representation of the best of country music.”
Judd also spoke out about the support of her fans, in the weeks since tragically losing her mother and duo partner.
“Hundreds of cards & letters continue to pour in,” Judd wrote. “I read them every day during my morning devotions. I am so grateful for my family of choice. Thank you ALL for thinking of me during this season of life after death…”
Hundreds of cards & letters continue to pour in. I read them every day during my morning devotions. I am so grateful for my family of choice. Thank you ALL for thinking of me during this season of life after death… pic.twitter.com/TBvBEjLgPD
— Wynonna (@Wynonna) June 13, 2022
Judd will embark on the farewell The Final Tour as planned, bringing along several country music icons as her opening acts, including Faith Hill, Trisha Yearwood, Ashley McBryde, Little Big Town and Brandi Carlile, and Martina McBride.
“I am humbled, once again, by the loyalty of the fans who have been with us for 38-plus years, who continue to show up for me when I need them the most,” Judd said during the Naomi Judd: A River of Time Celebration public memorial. “I am grateful that we will continue to honor The Judds’ legacy, together.”
All of Judd’s upcoming tour dates can be found at TheJudds.com.