The 2025 Grammy Awards red carpet saw a bold fashion statement that matched the significance of the evening for one of music’s biggest stars. Arriving in a striking black leather gown, the artist made a powerful entrance, setting the tone for a night that would culminate in a major career milestone.
The evening’s triumph came with a win for Best Country Duo or Group Performance. The award was shared for the collaborative track “II Most Wanted,” a song born from a deeply personal and long-standing creative connection. The artist behind the win spoke of the unique bond shared with her legendary duet partner, emphasizing the mutual respect and privacy that forms the foundation of their relationship. “Part of our connection is the safety between us,” she noted in a recent interview, highlighting how their shared approach to public life strengthened their creative partnership.
The Grammy-winning song itself was not a new creation but a piece held close for years, waiting for the right moment and the right collaborator. “I wrote that song over two years ago,” the singer revealed. When the opportunity to work together arose, it was the immediate and obvious choice, as the song’s essence perfectly captured their dynamic. For the Tennessee-born artist, the collaboration was also an affirmation of shared roots. “I told her, ‘We don’t have to get country; we are country,'” she shared, underscoring that the genre was a natural extension of their backgrounds.
This win adds another chapter to a story of artistic perseverance within the country genre. The collaborator, a global icon, has previously spoken about the transformative power of past experiences where she felt unwelcome in certain music spaces. That moment, she explained, became a catalyst for a deep, years-long study of musical history, ultimately fueling a celebrated project that blended genres and celebrated collaboration. The goal was to create work that transcended boundaries, united listeners, and honored musical traditions.
For the night’s winner, the experience was the fulfillment of a profound ambition. “Getting to write a song, not just sing, for her was a dream come true,” she expressed, marking the Grammy not just as an award, but as a symbol of a cherished and impactful creative journey.
