In 2024, Ashley McBryde overcame her nervousness to honor Kris Kristofferson at the CMA Awards.
The singer hardly hinted at or teased her acoustic performance. In 1970, she performed “Help Me Make It Through the Night,” a No. 1 hit for Sammi Smith, while standing by herself.
The song’s lyrics are among Kristofferson’s most well-known compositions.
Kristofferson passed away on September 28, 2024, at the age of 88, capping one of the most influential careers in the history of country music.
Prior to the performance, McBryde acknowledged her nervousness in an interview with Taste of Country.
“Especially in a room full of people who do what you do for a living,” she said. “They are going to know if you did it wrong or if you make a choice that they re like, ‘That was self indulgent.'”
“Plus,” she jokes, “I like to overthink things.” I will therefore be uncomfortably nervous the entire time.
See Also: Kris Kristofferson’s Heartfelt Farewell Performance
The repeated camera shots of McBryde’s widow, Lisa Meyers, were much more poignant than his performance. She smiled and repressed her tears before celebrating the moment as a fitting homage to the late country star.
With hits like “Me and Bobby McGee” and “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down,” Kristofferson made a major impact on the country songbook. He has also had success as an actor and solo artist. He formed the supergroup The Highwaymen in the 1980s with Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, and Johnny Cash.
He made sporadic public appearances, such as at the 2023 Country singing Hall of Fame Medallion ceremony, despite his discreet retirement from singing in 2020. In May 2023, he might have given his final performance at Willie Nelson’s birthday celebration.
See Also: 2024’s Lost Country Stars
Stars in the music and entertainment industries were deeply affected by Kristofferson’s passing; Reba McEntire, Barbra Streisand, Garth Brooks, and Trisha Yearwood were among those who expressed their thoughts on the loss.
Kristofferson passed away less than two months ago, and many people who attended the CMA Awards were still affected by his absence. Several singers were crying as they watched from their seats in the audience.
The 2024 CMA Awards were broadcast on ABC and held at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena.The show was co-hosted by Luke Bryan, Lainey Wilson, and Peyton Manning.
*Keep in mind that watching the CMA Awards on ABC with ToC on your phone is the best option.
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