Miranda Lambert has had her fair share of awards shows, but it was in 2005 at the CMA Awards that she solidified her place in country music, showing off her fierce attitude, effortless southern vocals, and incredible stage presence.
Onstage, the tough-talking Texan channeled the revenge-seeking song “Kerosene.” The tune has been largely recognized as Lambert’s breakout hit and belongs on her debut album of the same name.
In an Instagram post shared on Saturday, Nov. 15, Lambert looked back at that special moment, with a video from that performance. At the time, Lambert was just 22 years old and a nominee for the coveted Horizon Award.
“20 years ago today 🤠🔥,” the 42-year-old hitmaker captioned alongside the clip, which shows her dressed in jeans, a belt buckle, and a flowy shirt. She stomps along to the beat and shows off her sassy attitude while flames surround her on the stage floor.
The Song Rose to the Top 20 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs Chart
While Lambert didn’t win the Horizon Award that evening, the moment earned her a thunderous applause and gave her a launching pad for more highlights. “Kerosene” also reached No. 15 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs Chart.
It appears as though fans also recognize the flashback video, as several of them shared their excitement over the throwback.
“Iconic then and iconic now🔥,” one follower commented below the post, while another person wrote, “And those flames are still burning higher than ever 🔥.”
“I still get chills watching this,” a third fan said. “It’s when the whole world knew this little girl from East Texas meant business. 🔥🔥🔥.”
Since releasing “Kerosene,” Lambert has gone on to earn several awards and accolades throughout her decades-long career. She has logged nearly a dozen No. 1 singles, released 10 solo studio albums, and is a three-time Grammy Award winner.
Miranda Lambert Is a Nominee at the 2025 CMA Awards
Lambert is in the running for CMA Female Vocalist of the Year heading into “Country Music’s Biggest Night” when the ceremony returns in just a matter of days. She is vying for the win alongside fellow female artists, Kelsea Ballerini, Ella Langley, Megan Moroney, and Lainey Wilson. Lambert currently holds the record for the most wins in that category, with seven in total.
The 59th annual CMA Awards, hosted by Wilson, will air live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, Nov. 19, at 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT on ABC and will be available for streaming the next day on Hulu.
This story was originally reported by Parade on Nov 15, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.