Celebrating Miranda Lambert

Written By: Michelle Emmick

From her early days playing talent shows and honkey-tonk bars to becoming a decorated artist performing on some of the world’s biggest stages, country music superstar Miranda Lambert has managed to do something incredibly rare in the music industry: stay true to herself and own it. She’s what I like to call ‘A Real One.’ 

It’s evident to anyone following her journey that her roots run deep. In everything she’s done, the Texas-bred badass has been guided by the principle that surrounding yourself with good people and celebrating life’s daily joys help you be the best version of yourself. “My mom and her group of friends were a huge influence on me. I learned a lot from them about all the stages of life, how to handle whatever comes with grace, and how important it is to lean on your friends,” Miranda shared. And she honors those influences in all of her endeavors. 

One of the most recent tributes to Miranda’s loved ones is her newly released cookbook, Y’all Eat Yet?, now a NYT Bestseller. The recipes that fill the pages are highlights of beloved family celebrations, moments at the very core of Miranda’s heart.  “We love to cook and enjoy meals together,” she said. “The book is about our family and friends and how we rally around each other. It’s all about sisterhood and spending time together.” In addition to her cookbook, Miranda pays homage to her origins through the Wanda June Home brand, named after her  grandma, Wanda Louise, and her mom, Beverly June (available exclusively at Walmart). But to truly understand Miranda’s dedication to celebrating strong women, you needn’t look any further than her music. 

Even if you don’t consider yourself a country music fan (wake up, people!), you still probably know who Miranda Lambert is. Heck, you may even know the words to a couple of her songs. This true country queen has put out hit after hit, cranking out anthems for women that empower us to be bold, brave, and a little bit brassy. She sings from the heart with grit, and her musical storytelling has cemented her as one of the greatest songwriters in modern country music. 

From chart-topping hits like “Gunpowder and Lead,” “White Liar,” and “Mama’s Broken Heart” to more understated yet equally as influential ballads like “The House That Built Me” and “Bluebird,” Miranda holds court as the most decorated artist in the history of the Academy of Country Music. She’s earned ten number-one singles, 38 ACM Awards (including a record-setting nine consecutive Female Artist of the Year Awards), 14 CMA Awards, three Grammy Awards, an ACM Song of the Decade Award, and was the youngest artist ever to serve as the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum’s Artist in Residence. 

And if that’s not impressive enough, Miranda also makes up one-third of the Grammy-nominated country female supergroup Pistol Annies, alongside talented singer-songwriters Ashley Monroe and Angaleena Presley. The trio is known to celebrate fierce, fun women and their life stories through their riveting lyrics and high-heel spitfire spirits. Can I get a Hell Yeah?    

With so many accomplishments under her belt (or, should I say, in her boots), Miranda continues to pave her own road, trusting her gut every step of the way. She’s tackled every obstacle with her own unique brand of fearless authenticity, bringing the women — and men — who support her along for the ride. We see that again as she embarks on a new musical journey, having recently announced the end of a 20-year contract with record label Sony Music Nashville and embracing a different path in a way only she can. “I feel free right now to create and to really dig in. I’m excited to find a family at a label that wants to continue this journey with me while pushing me to think outside the box and keep creating,” she told us. This creative artistry places Miranda in a lane of her own. Her latest single, “If You Were Mine,” is a beautiful duet with fellow Grammy-winning artist Leon Bridges that blends country and R&B, resulting in a musical collaboration masterpiece.

Clearly, there is no shortage of reasons to rejoice in the Miranda Lambert camp. And with a milestone birthday approaching, she’s welcoming the new perspectives that come with turning 40 and looking forward to dedicating more time to herself and the things that matter most. “I’ve learned how to put self-care at the forefront of my priorities. It’s super important to take time for yourself in order to be able to show up and be 100% in your life,” Miranda shared. Part of that self-care, she told us, is feeling your best. She said, “The number one key to beauty is true happiness — and some good moisturizer. I learned that from my mama!”

Another aspect of beauty that Miranda has mastered is style. In a world of lookalikes and dwindling individuality, she’s kept it real with her signature look: a bit of rock and roll with a whole lot of country. Miranda’s trademark combo of a  bandana, t-shirt, and fringe is the kind of kick-ass cool and effortless yet put-together style she now shares with the world through her lifestyle brand Idyllwind. This massive undertaking was inspired by Miranda’s desire to create fashion that would represent female empowerment and uplift women of every age and every size. “Idyllwind is all about feeling empowered,” Miranda said. “It’s about being fearless and trying new things while looking and feeling your best. I am so proud of this brand and what we have built. I started riding horses at 30, and I was a little fearful at first, but horses have now become a part of my life that brings me joy and zen. Because of that, I ended up naming the company after my horse Ellie. Her full name is Idyllwind Ellund. She gave me the confidence to try something new, and I hope that’s what these clothes do for women, too.”

Idyllwind’s vintage and retro apparel and accessories (including cowboy boots, of course) offer a whole new level of swag. When you wear Idyllwind, you feel like you are stepping into Miranda’s closet and coming out with your chin held higher. The brand includes comfortable, soft, affordable, and great-fitting clothes and boots — what Miranda calls her “trusties,” clothes you can always put on and feel good wearing. Miranda believes how we feel in our clothes plays into our confidence as women, which is why both the look and the feel of Idyllwind items are so important to her. “Those things are such a reflection of someone’s personality and who they are on the inside. I love the self-expression that comes with clothing and accessories,” she shared. “Boots are my love language.” And the 50 pairs — and counting — she owns makes her the perfect person to curate these pieces.  

The Miranda Lambert party doesn’t end there, though. This year, Miranda is commemorating her wildly successful music career by headlining her Velvet Rodeo Las Vegas Residency at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino. Her performance of fan-favorite songs that carry passion and speak the truth creates a spectacular one-of-a-kind experience that gets fans on their feet and in their feels. This show is a testament to Miranda’s unparalleled decades-long musical evolution, something she never takes for granted. “Oh man, it’s been a journey for sure. I have been so lucky to live my dream and to still be doing what I love. One of the best parts of this ride is the team around me. I’ve had the same manager, agent, business manager, and lawyer since the beginning, and we’ve built it together. The other very vital part, of course, is the fans. They have been with me for 20 years, and without them, I wouldn’t have any of this.”

Whether it’s through songwriting, visual storytelling (I mean, have you seen her music videos?), live performances, or her business ventures, Miranda Lambert continues to make her mark and leave a lasting impact on women all over the world.  This ‘Real One’ is a true champion of women and a celebrator of life. “We have to lift each other up and catch each other when we fall. It’s so important to inspire and to be inspired by other women.”

We couldn’t agree more, Miranda. Cheers to you!

For music, news, and touring information, visit https://www.mirandalambert.com/

Idyllwind is available exclusively at Boot Barn stores nationwide & at Idyllwind.com.