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Wynonna Judd, on Her Own

Last spring, the country superstar lost her mother and longtime singing partner, Naomi Judd, to suicide. At 58, she finally hopes to become the musician she’s wanted to be for 50 years.

The Judds announced a reunion tour shortly before Naomi Judd’s death by suicide in 2022. Wynonna has carried on, performing the Final Tour with a cast of guests. Credit... Thea Traff for The New York Times

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By Grayson Haver Currin

• Jan. 31, 2023

NASHVILLE — Wynonna Judd was almost late for her date to sing with Joni Mitchell.

It was July 2022, and the country star had rented a yacht off the Rhode Island coast while she rehearsed for her idol’s first public performance since a 2015 brain aneurysm. That Sunday afternoon, the captain struggled to find a dock, forcing Wynonna to race to the Newport Folk Festival. She arrived a minute before showtime, squeezed into a spot toward the rear of the onstage throng and sighed with relief. Maybe people wouldn’t know she was there.

A dozen songs into the secret set, Mitchell began to purr “ Both Sides Now ,” the tune Wynonna — who with her mother, Naomi, made up one of Nashville’s most indelible duos — had sung during her debut performance, at eighth-grade graduation. Cameras caught her over Mitchell’s right shoulder, often sobbing as she occasionally harmonized. Honest and unmitigated, the footage went viral. Everyone knew Wynonna was there.

“It flipped me like a pancake, man, everything coming out. I was such a beautiful little mess,” she said on a recent Saturday afternoon in an enormous Nashville rehearsal hall, red hair cascading over a silver cross resting against her stomach. She paused to apply another stratum of lip gloss. “I was thinking about my mom, how much she loved my voice. And I was so freaking mad at her for leaving me. I realized I was an orphan.”

Less than three months earlier, a mediator who has worked with the entire Judd family for more than a decade commanded Wynonna to race to her mother’s house across the 1,000-acre farm they shared outside Nashville. Her younger sister, the actress and activist Ashley Judd, was already there. Wynonna arrived nine minutes later to find paramedics ready to rush her mother and lifelong singing partner into an ambulance. Naomi had struggled for decades with severe depression and panic attacks. She died that morning, her death ruled a suicide, the day before the Judds were to be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

“We were still at the hospital,” Cactus Moser, Wynonna’s husband, manager and drummer, remembered later in the same dressing room. “Her exact words were, ‘I’m walking my mother into the Hall of Fame tomorrow. We’re not going to bail.’ She is an oak.”

The tearful ceremony was Wynonna’s first step in moving toward her own future. Since the Judds disbanded three decades ago, her relationship with her mother had been fraught at best, an exercise in boundaries. A fence split their spread in half. Family dinners observed firm time limits. Meetings about music were led by managers. “I can compartmentalize real easy,” she said, curling her lips.

Last week, Wynonna began what may prove the pivotal phase of putting the past to rest: the second leg of the Final Tour, a sweeping survey of the Judds’ bygone country supremacy, performed over 15 dates across the United States with a cast of guests that includes Tanya Tucker , Brandi Carlile and Kelsea Ballerini . When it is over, she believes the rest of her career can begin. Now a 58-year-old grandmother newly confronting an empty nest, one of country music’s most venerated singers is electrified by the idea of making records that turn away from what Naomi long called “Judd music.”

“It’s made me even more determined to be myself,” Wynonna said of her mother’s death in a second interview on her tour bus, flanked by photos of herself with Mitchell. “It’s given me a louder voice. I want to do stuff that makes people say, ‘What are you doing?’”

With a new record deal through the independent label Anti-, Wynonna hopes to mine the rock, folk and soul she wanted to sing before Naomi suggested a family band, when Wynonna was still a teenager. Already, she has released new music with an indie-rock descendant, Waxahatchee , and had even started a band a few years ago with the elliptical singer-songwriter Cass McCombs .

“We’ve both lived our lives as people have expected us, but she’s just getting started,” said Bobby Weir of the Grateful Dead, speaking by phone from Mexico, where Wynonna had just joined Dead & Company for a surprise performance. “I can’t wait to see who she takes with her, who she leaves wondering.”

FOR MUCH OF the ’80s, the Judds were country music’s sweethearts next door, the mother-daughter duo mistaken for sisters. The Judds’ preternatural Kentucky harmonies politely rebuffed the “Urban Cowboy” craze sparked by the 1980 film, and country’s increasing slickness. Wynonna and Naomi sang about grandpa and the good ol’ days, and then held each other in love or heartache. Naomi was the playful one, charming crowds as she sang backup; Wynonna, more stoic, was the generational singer out front.

“I don’t think there’s anybody in the business — any business, whether it’s country or rock or pop, anything — that has a greater voice than Wynonna,” Dolly Parton, a longtime mentor who thinks of her as a daughter, said in an interview. “With all the passion she has, all the stuff she feels, she was able to get that voice out there.”

The Judds’ life was “a wonderful duet,” Naomi wrote in her autobiography, “the two of us against a frightening and unknown world.” But for Wynonna, the songs were more idyllic than their circumstances. Naomi was a single mother, pinballing between California and Kentucky, Texas and Tennessee for opportunity or inspiration. By the time Wynonna was 8, she felt the burden of raising Ashley was, in part, hers. Her mother never told her that she and her sister had different fathers.

“We didn’t have the sit-down, Norman Rockwell family,” she said. “I always wanted that. I was never really allowed to be a kid.”

That applied to music, too. Wynonna loved Joni Mitchell and Bessie Smith but longed to be Linda Ronstadt or Bonnie Raitt. She wanted to build a sizzling rock band, not be in a country duo with her mother. Bouncing between short-term jobs and nursing school, Naomi had other ideas, not only to safeguard her firstborn but also to try a novel family business.

“On some level, she knew that this kid could sing,” Wynonna said, winking. “She had dreams and plans, and I had dreams and plans. They were very different. But I was so codependent, and I wanted to sing.”

Indeed, in only six years, Wynonna’s supple vocals led the Judds to country’s biggest stages. Their meteoric rise was interrupted in October 1990, when Naomi announced her sudden retirement as hepatitis C ravaged her health. Wynonna wanted to quit, too. “It’s like being in the middle of a divorce,” said Wynonna, who has endured two of them. “How can you possibly think about dating?”

But as Wynonna built a solo career, Naomi found other ways to impose. Wynonna believes her mother once hired a private investigator to learn if Wynonna’s boyfriend was gay. Naomi resented that Wynonna toured while she stayed at home. It got worse after 2009, when Wynonna partnered with Moser. Comparing her voice to some garage-bound Ferrari that had “only ever gone to fourth gear,” he encouraged her to try new songs and fresh settings of Judds standbys.

“Mom was not a big fan of me and Cactus, because she desperately wanted to be on the road,” Wynonna admitted. “There’s a piece of me that feels like I left her at the party.”

In 2019, an unexpected invitation arrived. The Nashville promoter Leslie Cohea saw Wynonna perform at a Tennessee festival, as Naomi watched from backstage. Cohea began hatching a plan for a final Judds hurrah: a full tour, taking the hits to arenas one last time.

At a preliminary meeting in a Nashville board room, mother and daughter sat at opposite ends of a conference table and offered redlines. At Naomi’s request, the songs would be true to original form, recalled Jason Owen, the founder of Sandbox Entertainment, who built the tour alongside Cohea; at Wynonna’s request, the outfits would not be fastidiously coordinated.

When Naomi started in on wardrobe plans, Wynonna gagged. “She said, ‘I’m fine. That’s just the sound of my mother’s uterus strangling my throat,’” Owen remembered in an interview. “They were playing off each other, but it was real.”

Sandbox shaped a comprehensive plan to relaunch the Judds, hinging on a taped outdoor performance of one of their final hits, “Love Can Build a Bridge,” for the CMT Music Awards in April 2022. They announced 10 tour dates that night, quickly selling most of the tickets.

The performance, however, wobbled. For the first time in Judds history, the ever-punctual Naomi was late, flustered by the unseasonably cold weather and an edit made to shorten her anthem for television. “She went from being at home, putting on makeup, to being in a multimillion-dollar production,” Wynonna said. “She wasn’t prepared.”

Wynonna is not big on regret. She doesn’t think she could have saved her mom. “Once you make that choice, you’re determined to carry it out,” she said flatly. “There’s only so much guilt to carry around.” Still, she wondered if they should have debriefed more, unpacking the anxiety of working together again.

“I missed that, because I was gone,” she said, referring to a tour of her own. Two weeks later, so was Naomi.

LATE IN THE afternoon on the first day of the Final Tour’s last leg (at least for now), Wynonna shuffled up the stage steps in a hockey arena in Hershey, Pa. “Oh, hi !” she said to a small crowd in the arena’s front two rows, stretching that last word like molasses.

More than two dozen devotees had paid extra for deluxe treatment, arriving three hours before showtime to watch a snippet of soundcheck and pose for a snapshot. After the band raced through “Have Mercy,” an early Judds hit about a hopeless cad, Wynonna grabbed a stack of scrap paper. Each fan had scribbled a question, and she started with the easy ones.

How many pets do you have? (Forty-eight, including 26 cats.) Who was your biggest influence? (Her Mamaw, or paternal grandmother.) And then, inevitably, came the queries about carrying on without Naomi. Her mother loved everybody, she said, and taught her gratitude for the life they’d built, even when it seemed impossible.

“She was a good person — to everybody else,” Wynonna said. She paused, as if realizing how harsh that sounded. “I did her hair, so she was strict with me.”

Perched above her behind the drums, Moser interceded with a mischievous grin, asking if she was ready to play. “What are you talking about?” she shot back. “I was born ready.”

In the weeks after Naomi’s death, Wynonna wasn’t sure if she was ready for this tour, to say goodbye to the Judds without her mother. She canceled a run with her own band and wondered if continuing was crass. “There was no way I was going to sing these songs without her,” she explained. “I had to seek counsel, because I was in a shutdown. Even Jesus had disciples.”

The feedback from a retinue that included Moser, her sister and even her farm manager was nearly unanimous: Play. Parton demanded as much in front of a crowd at a private memorial service, telling Wynonna she needed those shows. “I told her that Naomi had her journey, and she had hers. None of that was her fault,” Parton remembered. “I told her to get her ass out there on the road. It’s time for her to go on and do the great things she’s capable of doing, a new start.”

Singers including Carlile and Ashley McBryde, both ’80s babies reared on “Judd music,” volunteered to join her and sing Naomi’s parts. The first 11 shows last fall were more celebration than elegy.

“I would have been desperately sad if not,” Wynonna said, anxiously rubbing her hands together. “You can’t fake this. It’s not a time to put on your big-girl panties and just deal with it. This music is my foundational life journey.”

These concerts without Naomi are the culmination of an extended and unsteady process of stepping from their famous duo’s shadows, personally and professionally. Though Wynonna’s solo career was full of left turns into slinky R&B, vaulting pop and collaborations with the likes of Jeff Beck, that work was heard within the context of what she had accomplished with her mother, or might still. That is finally over.

“Almost instantly, there was less weight, less pressure,” Moser said, chatting in a Hershey sports bar. “Naomi believed I was trying to tunnel under the Judds legacy and let her fall through the cracks.”

An encyclopedic rock fan who scoffs at Nashville mores, Moser speculates about future collaborations with cerebral producers like Daniel Lanois or Blake Mills. He and Wynonna are eight songs into an album that will most likely include work with Weir, Carlile and Iron & Wine’s Sam Beam. It feels so real and vulnerable, Wynonna said, it makes her uncomfortable. “It’s the most intimate I’ve ever been,” she noted of a song called “Broken and Blessed.” “And that’s because of my mother.”

And two years ago, after her biological father died, she finally met her brother, Michael, when she called him without warning on his birthday. They talked for five hours the first time they met. “We couldn’t get over how much we looked alike,” she gushed. “They’re all so normal.”

She never told Naomi about her new family. She beamed, though, when she mentioned someday introducing him to Ashley, whom she repeatedly called “honey bunny.” Their relationship has become closer, Wynonna explained, the result of having and respecting boundaries. “We’re in such good places now,” she said. “It’s going to be OK.”

MORE THAN 20 minutes before Wynonna was due onstage in Hershey for the opening night’s 24-song set, she stood still in a backstage hallway, bare feet on the concrete floor. She talked to her son, Elijah, and asked for more hair spray. Her black velvet outfit was covered in a constellation of gold glitter, and her wavy hair was a ripple of burnished reds. She clutched an enormous white guitar, so new it gleamed even beneath wan fluorescent lights.

For the better part of a year, Moser schemed with Gibson to make a replica of the big, white guitar Wynonna bought soon after the Judds broke up. After a quarter-century of concerts, the original was as yellow as fresh butter, the wood beneath its strings ground down from countless strums. That guitar had signaled a new phase of her life, just like this one. She kept both hands around it, as if protecting a puppy. “It feels good,” she said slowly, closing her eyes to reveal more glitter.

Just then, she stopped her tour manager, Tanner Brandell, and asked how much time she had left. “I was coming to tell you that you have the trigger,” he said. “Tell me when.” Without hesitation, she said “Now” and began sauntering toward the stage, moving deliberately, as if the world could always wait for Wynonna.

She climbed the stairs and strummed a chord as the white guitar caught the spotlight for the first time. She belted out one line from an old Judds favorite, her voice every bit as mighty as it was when they cut the song in 1983: “Had a dream about you, baby.” She let the line echo back, and grinned.

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Wynonna Judd Extends the Judds’ Final Tour into 2023

By Jon Freeman

Jon Freeman

Wynonna Judd has added new dates to “ The Judds : The Final Tour,” her celebration of her mother Naomi Judd, who died in May, and the music they made together as a duo. Ashley McBryde , Brandi Carlile , Kelsea Ballerini, Little Big Town , and Martina McBride , along with special guests yet to be announced, will appear at select shows.

“The Judds: The Final Tour” has three more dates left in 2022, including an Oct. 29 show at Lexington, Kentucky’s Rupp Arena in the Judds’ home state. One day earlier, the tour will visit Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena.

“The decision to add 15 more shows was a no-brainer for me,” Judd said in a statement. “The fans have been such a gift during my time of grieving and honoring my mother in song. What an amazing season this is. I look so forward to continuing the celebration of the music that has changed my life forever.”

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The Judds Final Tour Dates: Oct. 27 — Biloxi, MS @ Mississippi Coast Coliseum Oct. 28 — Nashville, TN @ Bridgestone Arena Oct. 29 — Lexington, Kentucky @ Rupp Arena Jan. 26  —  Hershey, PA @ Giant Center                    Jan. 28 —  Bridgeport, CT  @ Total Mortgage Arena                   Jan. 29 —  Worcester, MA @ DCU Center                                     Feb. 2 —  Tulsa, OK @ BOK Center                                     Feb. 3. — Kansas City, MO @ T-Mobile Center                             Feb. 4 — St. Louis, MO @ Chaifetz Arena                                 Feb. 9 — Omaha, NE @ CHI Health Center Omaha             Feb. 10 — Moline, IL @ Vibrant Arena at The Mark          Feb. 11 — Dayton, OH @ WSU Nutter Center                         Feb. 16 — Greenville, SC @ Bon Secours Wellness Arena         Feb. 17 — Fairfax, VA @ EagleBank Arena                              Feb. 18 — Charleston Coliseum @  Charleston, WV Feb. 23 — Savannah, GA @ Enmarket Arena                               Feb. 24 —Tampa, FL @ Amalie Arena  Feb. 25 — Hollywood, FL @ Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood     

This story was updated 10/24 with Judd’s new tour dates.

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How Wynonna Judd’s ‘Judds Final Tour’ Resulted in a Celebratory, All-Star Concert Special… and a Doc That Deals With Grief

Filmmakers behind Paramount+'s 'Between Hell and Hallelujah' and CMT's 'Love Is Alive — The Final Concert' tell how two specials came out of a tour that had Wynonna joined by Brandi Carlile, Kelsea Ballerini, Ashley McBryde, Little Big Town and Martina McBride

By Chris Willman

Chris Willman

Senior Music Writer and Chief Music Critic

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No one will be punished for picking their own viewing order, but CMT’s Margaret Comeaux, one of the executive producers of the concert film, suggests starting with the doc and saving the live show for dessert. “I think that’s probably the preferred order,” Comeaux says, “because I think the story that the doc is telling of the whole year leads us to the final story we’re telling in the concert special, with the culmination in Murfreesboro.” That’s the Tennessee city where Judd and all the guest stars who appeared along last fall’s tour routing converged for a show that was meant to more or less recreate the Judds’ famous original farewell concert back in 1991, shot on the same stage.

Both projects will prove enticing not just to fans of the Judds but to followers of the performers who are seen joining Wynonna as co-frontwomen: Brandi Carlile , Kelsea Ballerini, Martina McBride, Ashley McBryde, Faith Hill and Little Big Town. (Make that co-frontwomen and -frontmen in the case of the latter co-ed vocal quartet.)

Says Jason Owen , the head of Nashville media powerhouse Sandbox Entertainment and an exec producer on both projects: “I’m being honest when I say I could not have done this tour without her. I mean, she was a confidante. She and I talked through a lot as we were talking through songs and making sure everyone was healthy and happy. And her energy is just infectious. From the very beginning, she felt very strongly that Wynonna should do the tour, and she was very vocal about that with all of us. And we all started building this idea of the tour with a guest (each night) off of Brandi, and that’s how it started. But throughout the process, she was there. It was very important for me that she be the first guest — and it was very important to me — because I knew that she cared so much about the music and cared so much about Wynonna. Not that all of them did not, because they did, but she was like a beacon, and wanted to make sure everything was really right and perfect for Wy, mostly musically.”

Even before Naomi died and plans changed in the biggest possible way, there had always been a plan to film a documentary about what had been booked as the Judds’ second farewell tour. Owens’ Sandbox had hooked up with Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine — specifically Sara Rea, who runs the unscripted division — at about the time the Judds appeared on the 2022 CMT Music Awards to sing “Love Will Build a Bridge” and promote the coming reunion tour.

After Naomi died, virtually everything that had been planned went on — including the filming projects — albeit always with a check-in to Wynonna and her team to make sure they were on board, and with obvious constant acknowledgements of the void at the center of things, or at a half-center. Unforgettably, Wynonna showed up to accept the duo’s Country Music Hall of Fame medallion at a ceremony just two days after the death. At a musical memorial televised by CMT from the Ryman Auditorium, Wynonna announced the tour would go on, with Carlile — a key duet partner at the eulogistic event — seen in the third row literally leaning forward in her seat with enthusiasm for the idea.

Probably the most talked-about scene comes mid-tour, when deepening anxiety about staging issues leads Wynonna to get on an emergency Zoom call with her therapist to deal with the real underlying issues. She says that every time she drives by her mother’s house, which is often, she flashes back to the day she was called over, and the traumatic imagery of being in the room with her dying mom. Her biggest regret, she says feistily, is that she didn’t punch the cop who held her back from kissing her mother before she passed, and that it was only after Naomi was declared dead that she was able to kiss her on the forehead.

“That was a hard day of filming,” says Patty Ivins Specht, the director of the “Between Hell and Hallelujah” doc. “It was a fascinating day, because that (therapy session) was not scheduled. She woke up that day and sincerely needed to have a session with David Kessler for her grief therapy because she was just feeling it so deeply. First of all, the entire crew is crying on some level, because it’s very emotional to listen to somebody relive their worst day of their life. And then it was another moment where she went into that very personal trauma of replaying the driving over (to the house), every time. She’s like, ‘I just can’t stop that loop in my brain.’ Sometimes when you’re making a movie like this, it is such a trust fall, and Wy just trusted that we were gonna capture the process and was free with how she felt, and I think everyone in the room filming it feels that responsibility when someone trusts you with their vulnerability.

“I look at that scene and she’s a woman who’s legitimately in a painful hour in time and she’s asking for help. And she’s kind of trying to ignore that these cameras are here. But watching somebody model processing their grief is also really empowering, because in our society, we don’t talk about death. You do the funeral, you move along, and then you still live with that grief for years. And so I think in a powerful way, her modeling how she’s processing this grief is really one of the gifts of this film.”

The anxiety for Judd comes about in a somewhat symbolic way, at first, starting with the very practical matter of the artist having difficulty with the opening gambit of the tour. She would be snuck out each night in a rolling equipment cabinet to start each concert on a “B stage,” apart from the band or any guests back on the main stage — and, in some kind of deeply Freudian way, separated from the union with her mother that the main stage represents. It doesn’t help that Judd is described by others as being more claustrophobic than anyone else they know even on an elevator.

As for capturing Wynonna’s first visit to her mother’s home after the tragedy, says Ivins Specht, “It illustrates this thing that happens with Wynonna, where I think she has this kind of unspoken contract with her fans that she just gives it up. Because even when she said yes to us, that we could go with her that day, I mean, we weren’t so sure she’d say yes, but no, she was all for it. … The sensitive thing is, leading with your intuition a little bit in those times, but really our job is to always ask. That actually is our job, to ask — in humility and kindness — to ask the uncomfortable questions all the time. There’s so much give and take, and she gives so much. There’s a moment (in the film) where she goes, ‘OK, I think I did it.’ Like, ‘That’s all I can do today.’ But she generally tries to say yes, and then she’ll find a boundary at some point.”

One reason Owen bonded so well with Carlile is that he, too, was a Judds megafan since childhood. He will allow that a VHS tape of the 1991 Judds farewell special was one of his most prized, if not worn-out, possessions. (Naomi Judd said that she was retiring at the time, after their run of ’80s smashes, because of her hepatitis-C diagnosis, although she participated in short or one-off reunions over the following three decades.) That farewell show had been filmed at Middle Tennessee State University, and it was Owen’s idea to recreate the show back at that original site — though it was not the original plan.

“I remember Margaret and I having a phone conversation as we were trying to plan this concert special,” Owen recalls, “and the original plan was that we were going to do it in Lexington, Kentucky,” where the last show was to take place on the original fall 2022 tour routing. “Kentucky made sense because they were obviously from Kentucky, and that was where we were going to wrap the tour. We had blocked off seating for it, we had done camera holds, we did everything. Long story short, Wynonna wanted to continue the tour and continue to do another run of dates,” which would extend the actual finale to months down the line. “And then, with Margaret and I brainstorming on the phone, I said, ‘What if we do it there, at MTSU?’ Within eight hours, we had that.. … At the college, there was tons of faculty and people that worked there for a long period of time that were all there when they shot that special, believe it or not. And when we pitched them on this idea, they went through every hoop imaginable to make sure it happened.

It wasn’t just Carlile among the guests who was able to have an emotional impact on Judd. Comeaux remembers a spontaneous moment in rehearsal, captured in the doc, when Faith Hill began serenading Judd on stage with an a cappella version of “You Are Not Alone,” with the band eventually joining in. The documentary crew was on the opposite side of the venue, filming an interview with Tim McGraw, but they had made contingency plans to leave one camera near the star at all times, and a producer was able to pick it up and capture the moment. “Wy, at the beginning of every show, is very much in a zone of ‘I want to service all the fans who are coming,’ and as anyone is, you’re in game mode — you’ve gotta see the vision of the end. And so when Faith begins this beautiful rendition, I mean, everybody on stage had a lump in their throat, and Wynonna pulls out a funny and says, ‘Don’t you ever do that again.’ But it’s a beautiful moment in the movie.”

But it’s hard to overstate Carlile’s impact, even on the tour dates that came after her initial appearance at the first ones. Says Ivins Specht, “At the kickoff concert, it was one day of load-in, a little bit of rehearsal that late afternoon into the evening, and then the next day was another rehearsal, and then the first show was that Friday night. So it’s Thursday, 4 or 5 o’clock, and it’s a big freaking day — stressful, everything’s getting built, and things aren’t coming together as quickly as possible, as with every production you ever work on.” Owen concurs, “That first weekend of shows was very stressful. Things go wrong. We have to change things; I’m yelling at some lighting guy. It’s tough.”

And then, says the director, “I can tell you, the moment Team Brandi rolled in, Wy was like, ‘OK, I’m gonna be good.’ Like, ‘I have Brandi on stage. She’s as invested in this being a success for me, as an individual woman, as she is for all the fans who love the Judds so much.’ And I think the planning of Brandi being first is kind of an unspoken tribute to why this is such a success. It transcended being about all the anxiety around what Wynonna was about to do, and it went back to the place of celebration and joy, and Brandi helped Wy access that peace in herself. That’s what I witnessed.” Adds Owen, “She helped me too, honestly, because I was very emotional through it, because I cared so much and it was such a rollercoaster of a year. Again, I really would say wholeheartedly, I could not have done this without her.”

“I have a petition to get her to the Greek” in Los Angeles, says Comeaux. “I want to see Wynonna at the Greek.”

Maybe that will happen eventually, but not under this banner. “There’s nothing (further) scheduled for that,” Owen says. “I think that that was the end of the Judds tour. Unfortunately for all of us.”

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Wynonna Judd Unveils All-Star Lineup For 'The Judds: The Final Tour'

Photo : Getty Images

Wynonna Judd unveiled a can’t-miss lineup for her upcoming tour in honor of The Judds , her iconic country duo with her late mother, Naomi Judd . “The Judds: The Final Tour,” with special guest Martina McBride , will also include appearances by Brandi Carlile ,  Ashley McBryde ,  Kelsea Ballerini , Little Big Town ,  Trisha Yearwood  and  Faith Hill on select tour dates.

“It’s hard to believe that in just 3 weeks we’ll be stepping onstage for our first show in Grand Rapids,” Judd said in a statement on Thursday (September 8). “I continue to find myself both grateful and humbled by the unwavering support from my fellow artists, music community, and of course, the fans. I am looking so forward to celebrating The Judds music one final time. It will be a bittersweet experience, and one that I will never forget.”

Earlier this year, The Judds announced plans for “The Final Tour” with McBride , sharing at that time as they announced the list of tour dates: “We are so excited to announce The Final Tour. Can’t wait to see y’all on the road! 🎶” McBride added at that time that she was “so beyond excited to be joining the iconic duo… We are going to have some fun, that’s for sure!”

Wynonna confirmed that she would continue the tour after her mother unexpectedly died on April 30. She was 76. Wynonna made the announcement during Naomi’s public memorial service, hosted at the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee. She pledged that she “ will continue to sing. …I am gonna have to honor her and do this tour because that is what you would want .”

Previously, Wynonna confirmed that several iconic artists were on board to turn the tour into “ the ultimate girls night out .” That list included Carlile, McBryde, Little Big Town, Yearwood and Hill, along with McBride.

“It’s so amazing to be included in honoring The Judds legacy as part of their final tour. I’m beyond excited for what’s sure to be an emotional, fun, and hit packed series of shows and to be joined by some of Country Music's biggest names,” McBride said on Thursday.

The tour is set to kick off on Friday, September 30 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. It extends through Saturday, October 29, closing in Lexington, Kentucky. The trek will “honor the legacy of The Judds and their everlasting impact on Country music.” See the full list of tour stops and guests here :

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Wynonna Judd to Continue The Judds: The Final Tour as a Tribute With Star-Studded Female Lineup

Martina McBride, Ashley McBryde, Little Big Town, Brandi Carlile and Trisha Yearwood will join for select shows.

By Jessica Nicholson

Jessica Nicholson

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Country Music Hall of Fame member Wynonna Judd is set to continue on with the previously announced The Judds: The Final Tour dates as a tribute following the death of her mother and musical partner Naomi Judd. The country legend died at age 76 on April 30, just one day before The Judds were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

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The 11-date arena tour will be the “ultimate girls night out,” with Martina McBride opening select dates, while a slate of other performers, including Kelsea Ballerini , Brandi Carlile,   Little Big Town , Ashley McBryde and Trisha Yearwood , will be singing with Wynonna on several Judds classics on select dates. Additional shows will be added soon.

How to Get Tickets to Olivia Rodrigo's 'Guts' World Tour

The tour, produced by Sandbox Live and Live Nation, will launch Sept. 30 in Grand Rapids, Mich., at Van Andel Arena, and will conclude on Oct. 29 with a show in Lexington, Ky., where Faith Hill will join Wynonna at Rupp Arena.

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“What a full-circle moment it will be to end the tour in Kentucky where it all began.  It means so much to have my sisterfriend, Faith, join me for this musical celebration.” Wynonna said via a statement. “It is pretty amazing – all of the people who have come forward to offer up their time and their gifts. I am feeling extra grateful.”

She continued: “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. I am grateful that we will continue to honor The Judds legacy, together.”

Larry Strickland, Naomi’s longtime husband, added, “I am so happy that in this time of grief for us all, Wynonna has agreed to move forward with this tour as my sweet wife, Naomi. would have wanted her to do.”

Several of the artists chosen to open shows on the trek previously joined Wynonna and her sister Ashley to honor their late mother during a public memorial service that aired on CMT and was held at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. McBride spoke during the memorial, while McBryde performed “Love Is Alive,” and Little Big Town delivered “Grandpa (Tell Me ‘Bout the Good Old Days).” During the service, Carlile teamed with Wynonna for a stirring rendition of “The Rose.”

One of the most successful duos in country music history, Country Music Hall of Fame members The Judds notched 14 No. 1 hits on Billboard ‘s Hot Country Singles chart. Tickets for The Judds’ The Final Tour are currently on sale, with tickets for the Oct. 29   hometown show in Lexington at Rupp Arena going on-sale May 21.

THE FINAL TOUR 2022 DATES:  

• Friday, September 30 Grand Rapids, MI – Van Andel Arena
• Saturday, October 1 Toledo, OH – Huntington Center
• Friday, October 7 Sioux Falls, SD – Denny Sanford PREMIER Center
• Saturday, October 8 Green Bay, WI – Resch Center
• Friday, October 14 Duluth, GA – Gas South Arena
• Saturday, October 15 Huntsville, AL – Propst Arena @ The Von Braun Center
• Friday, October 21 Durant, OK – Choctaw Grand Theater
• Saturday, October 22 Ft. Worth, TX – Dickies Arena
• Thursday, October 27 Biloxi, MS – Mississippi Coast Coliseum
• Friday, October 28 Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena
• Saturday, October 29 Lexington, KY – Rupp Arena

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Wynonna judd on touring after her mom’s death: “it healed me”.

The singer talks about extending The Judds' final tour and bonding with sister Ashley Judd after their mom's death, and shares her fondest memories of Naomi in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter.

By Mesfin Fekadu

Mesfin Fekadu

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Wynonna Judd knew going on tour soon after her mother died wouldn’t be easy. She also didn’t know it would be healing.

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Naomi Judd died by suicide in April, just weeks before The Judds were set to hit the road for their final tour last year — their first in a decade. But Wynonna kept it pushing, along with special guest stars from the country music world, and the shows ended up being a revelation.

Now, she’s added a second leg to The Judds: The Final Tour , which will kick off Jan. 26. Wynonna will share the stage with Tanya Tucker, Little Big Town, Brandi Carlile, Martina McBride, Ashley McBryde and Kelsea Ballerini on the 13-date trek. 

Wynonna says they’re filming the live shows for a documentary and she didn’t realize how much the fans would resonate with her story.

“I’ve had people literally come up to me and say, ‘My mom committed suicide and I am here, and I’m feeling every word you say.’ And when they say that, I’m not sure what else to tell you, brother. It is intensely deep and personal,” she says. “They’ve either lost their mother or something has happened in their family, and this is almost a 12-step meeting. This is not just show business. It’s helping a lot of people.”

In an interview with THR , Wynonna opens up about the tour, how she’s coping and remembers her fondest memories of her mother, who was open about her struggles with depression and anxiety.

Was it an easy decision to extend the tour? 

Initially, how did you think it was going to be as you were heading into the tour?

I thought it was going to be a bit more about a memorial. I’ll be honest. You have to expect that a little bit, my darling, because I’m a daughter, not just a chick singer. And for me as a daughter, I thought this was going to be more about Mom and the memorial part of it. And then I realized that these people are singing every word, and I’m serious. It was so loud at times. I didn’t sing. And I would just stand back from the microphone. I would take a step back literally and go, “Whoa.” And then I would let the fans sing and they sang so loud and they sang every stinking word. And it blew my mind. It just took me to another level of existence. I felt suspended onstage. I really did. I felt like I levitated off the stage many a night. I would come offstage and say, “I don’t know what just happened, but it was otherworldly.”

It’s like you had 20,000 angels singing at you.

What is it like after getting off stage? How did you deal?

You know what, it’s difficult to show up because I’m so emotional. I’m such an emotional creature that I can’t help but cry and feel things very, very deeply. And being an empath, I don’t really love that sometimes publicly, I’ll be honest. But I will tell you that the music is what I rely on. I’m probably going to start crying. When you’re so brokenhearted that you can’t think straight, you do the next right thing, and the next right thing for me is often singing. And that’s what really gets me through. And boy, oh boy, did I feel like I had guardian angels all around me. And it was very, very spiritual for me to the point where I would come off stage and it would take me hours and hours and hours to decompress.

What’s it been like hearing from fans who have gone through similar situations as you?

I’m telling you, this is knocking me into another level of awareness. This has really opened up my heart. It has opened up my mind. Less judgment and more tolerance and love and just loving people where they are. 

Did you and your mom have a chance to rehearse for the tour?

We did not. We had just started to do wardrobe fittings. She was very excited, probably to the point where I had to say, “Mom, hey, I want to talk to you about something else.” Because it was all she really talked about.

How has picking the set list been? Was that hard or was it easy?

Because she’s so prissy and I think of her as just being this queen diva, and she sits there with her perfectly coiffed hair, and I look at her like, “Mom, someone mess it up and pull that wig off and run away with it.” I think sometimes there were moments when I had to literally go, “OK, this is your mother, and you can be right or you can be loved.” So I’m going to let her be right and I’m just going to let that go.

Are any of the songs hard to perform during the live show?

There’s a moment when she’s onstage with me, behind me on screen, on “Love Can Build a Bridge” and I have a really, really difficult time staying on track. It’s really hard not to cry or to get emotional.

Your mom’s birthday was on Jan. 11. How was it for you on that day?

I sat and looked out over the ocean in Mexico. I was in Mexico doing Brandi Carlile’s Girls Just Wanna Weekend concert, and then I sang with the Grateful Dead. I was literally looking out over the ocean and thinking about mental health, trying to understand it is the greatest mystery, just like the depth of the ocean. And I just cried and I thought about her. Ashley threw her a birthday party and a bunch of our friends came and talked about her and told stories, and they had cake, and people cried, and it was an amazing celebration. And I just sat there in silence, looking out over the ocean. That’s pretty therapeutic, really. And then I went onstage and I sang and that’s what I do.

One hundred billion, trillion, gazillion percent accurate. When you become an orphan — Ashley still has her father — but when you lose your mother, it is the most unbelievable thing. And when you have a sibling, it forces you to either make it or break it. It either separates you more or it connects you more. And thank God Ashley is on the farm. I don’t know if you know this or not, but I have 500 acres and I gave her a home on the farm. Ashley and I are more connected than ever. We get together and we talk about things that we’ve never talked about. And I’m finding that we have more in common than ever, even though we’ve been separated geographically for the most part. We have been separated since she actually was 14 and I was 18 and on the road. So you can imagine how much we spent time apart. And now, here we are, coming over to each other’s houses and talking about Mom and stories and when we were little, and it makes me love her and feel closer to her.

Songwriting can be very therapeutic for musicians and I wondered if you’ve written a song about your mom? 

Absolutely. I think one of the most important things we can do is tell our story. And you have a story and I have a story and I think it’s important. And that’s how we learn.

What’s your fondest memory of your mother?

Is there anything you want to say to people who are finding comfort in your story and also supporting you on the road?

I will tell you from experience that the most important thing I can do is, and I can’t say it without crying, is to give yourself a break. There’s nothing you could have done to change anything. And I think sometimes we walk around with regrets or feelings like, “Well, I could have done this differently.” Yeah, we can go there, but it doesn’t serve any purpose other than to give yourself a hard time. And I think the most important thing we can do is to remember that it’s not the disease, but it’s the person. I don’t like the term “mental illness” because it’s a disease. I think we need to rename it.

But I will tell you, I think the most important thing is to remember that the person is not the disease. For instance, my mother’s heart is not her mental illness. My mother had such good days and she had so many bad days, and if you concentrate on the bad days, it just doesn’t serve any purpose. And so I’ve worked really hard to do grief counseling and I will tell people all the time, “Please reach out for help. You cannot do this alone. You’re not supposed to do this alone, and you don’t have to.”

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“The Judds: The Final Tour” To Carry On As An Epic, Star-Studded Tribute This Fall

Wynonna Transforms “The Final Tour” Into the Ultimate Girls Night Out With Addition of Fellow Music Greats:     Brandi Carlile, Faith Hill, Little Big Town, Martina McBride, Ashley McBryde, Trisha Yearwood & More To Be Announced

Superstar Faith Hill to Join Wynonna Judd Onstage at Newly Added Kentucky Hometown Show, to Serve as a Final Bow To a Beautiful Lifetime of Timeless Music

Country Music Hall of Famer and global superstar  Wynonna Judd  has announced that the highly anticipated, previously announced “The Judds: The Final Tour” will move forward after the tragic passing of her mother and musical partner Naomi Judd.  “I am humbled, once again, by the loyalty of the fans who have been with us for 38+ years, who continue to show up for me when I need them the most.  I am grateful that we will continue to honor The Judds legacy, together,” Wynonna shared.  Larry Strickland, Naomi’s longtime husband adds, “I am so happy that in this time of grief for us all, Wynonna has agreed to move forward with this tour as my sweet wife Naomi would have wanted her to do.”

Country music icon  Martina McBride  will kick off select nights with a full set of her own classic hits before Wynonna takes the stage to sing some of her own hits and songs by The Judds.

The tour has added a final stop in Lexington, KY at Rupp Arena on October 29 th , a homecoming celebration where it all began.  Superstar  Faith Hill  will join Wynonna onstage at Rupp Arena to perform some of the classic songs and honor one of Country music’s most important catalogues.  “What a full-circle moment it will be to end the tour in Kentucky where it all began.  It means so much to have my sisterfriend, Faith, join me for this musical celebration.” Wynonna adds “It is pretty amazing – all of the people who have come forward to offer up their time and their gifts.  I am feeling extra grateful.”  Wynonna has chosen to honor her mother’s legacy by inviting some of music’s biggest stars to join her onstage to perform some of the timeless hits that earned The Judds multiple Grammy, CMA, and ACM awards over a span of 30+ years.  Each night, Wynonna will welcome a selection of special guests onstage, including  Brandi Carlile ,   Faith Hill ,   Little Big Town ,   McBride ,   Ashley McBryde ,   Trisha Yearwood,   and others to be announced.

The 11-date arena tour, produced by Sandbox Live and Live Nation, will commence this Fall in Grand Rapids, MI at Van Andel Arena on September 30 th  and run through October, wrapping up with the newly announced performance in The Judd’s home-state of Kentucky – Lexington, KY on October 29 th  at the Rupp Arena.

As one of the most successful duos in Country music history, The Judds captured the hearts of fans all over the world with their unmistakable harmonies and powerhouse lead vocals from Wynonna. The iconic mother-daughter pair are celebrated for their 15 #1 hits and having the astounding achievement of each of their RCA released singles landing in the Billboard Top 10. These true musical individualists dominated touring in the 80s with 20 Top 10 hits, selling more than 20 million albums, amassing 16 RIAA Gold, Platinum and Multi-Platinum albums and longform videos – led by 2x Platinum albums  Why Not Me  and  The Judds Greatest Hits . The Judds will forever be immortalized in music history and their tremendous trailblazing impact will continue to inspire generations of female artists. 

THE FINAL TOUR 2022 DATES:

Tickets for The Judds’ “The Final Tour” are currently on sale.  Tickets for the Saturday, October 29 th   hometown show in Lexington, KY at Rupp Arena go on-sale this  Saturday, May 21 st .To purchase tickets, please click   here .

Click  here  for additional information and tickets for The Judds’ “The Final Tour.” 

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Country Music Icon Wynonna Judd Announces Dates For Back To Wy Tour

The Back To Wy Tour Will Feature Songs From Wynonna’s First Two Solo Albums Performed In-Order

Tickets available starting tuesday, august 22 with wynonna fan club presale.

One of Country music’s most legendary voices and truly iconic performers, Wynonna , has announced her upcoming theatre tour, Back To Wy . The tour, produced by Live Nation , will feature the songs off Wynonna’s first two solo albums – Wynonna (1992) and Tell Me Why (1993), performed track by track, front to back, followed by a finale of her other hits along with The Judds classics. The 15-city tour kicks off on Tuesday, October 26 at Murat Theatre at Old National Centre in Indianapolis, IN making stops across the U.S. in San Antonio, Dallas, Louisville and more before wrapping up in Knoxville at Tennessee Theatre on Friday, December 1.

With vast critical acclaim including high endorsement as “the voice of her generation” by Rolling Stone, Wynonna , selling over five-million units, became the highest-selling debut album by a female artist at the time.  Wynonna earned 3 consecutive #1 hits with “She Is His Only Need,” “I Saw The Light,” and “No One Else On Earth.”  A musical force like none other before her, Wynonna followed her wildly successful debut with the multi-platinum disc, Tell Me Why , which produced several hit singles including “Tell Me Why,” “Is It Over Yet,” “Rock Bottom,” and “Girls With Guitars.”

“Getting to share this tour with the fans who have been with me for 40 years, means the world to me. Deep diving into my first two solo albums, “Wynonna” and “Tell Me Why,” track by track, will be a trip down memory lane. As I sit and listen to these two records, I’m flooded with the memories that surrounded that time in my life. The fans held me up and supported me through that season of change in 1992, and I now see “herstory” repeating itself. This music healed me then and is healing me now. The circle of life continues…”

-Wynonna Judd

(Photo Credit: Jim Wright)

Back To Wy Tour Dates :

October 26, 2023                          Indianapolis, IN                                         Murat Theatre at Old National Centre

October 27, 2023                         Ames, IA                                                       Stephens Auditorium

October 28, 2023                          Prior Lake, MN                                           Mystic Lake Casino*

November 2, 2023                        Rosemont, IL                                              Rosemont Theatre

November 3, 2023                        Bowler, WI                                                   North Star Mohican Casino*

November 4, 2023                        Peoria, IL                                                     Peoria Civic Center Theater

November 9, 2023                        San Antonio, TX                                         Tobin Center for the Performing Arts*

November 11, 2023                      Oklahoma City, OK                                    The Criterion

November 12, 2023                      Austin, TX                                                    ACL Live at Moody Theatre

November 17, 2023                      Birmingham, AL                                         Alabama Theatre

November 18, 2023                      Bossier City, LA                                          Margaritaville Casino*

November 19, 2023                      Dallas, TX                                                     Majestic Theatre

November 25, 2023                      Louisville, KY                                               Palace Theatre

November 30, 2023                      Durham, NC                                                Durham Performing Arts Center

December 1, 2023                       Knoxville, TN                                                 Tennessee Theatre

*Not A Live Nation Date

Fan Club pre-sale tickets for the Back To Wy Tour will be available on August 22 nd and general on-sale is available starting August 25 th on Wynonna.com

The tour will also offer a variety of different VIP packages and experiences for fans to take their concert experience to the next level. Packages vary but include premium tickets, commemorative laminate & concert ticket, and specially designed Wynonna cocktail set. For more information, visit vipnation.com !

About Wynonna :

With the release of her 1992 self-titled solo debut, Wynonna emerged as a singular force in American music. Beyond the five Grammy Awards, the multi-platinum albums and sold-out tours, the country/soul vocalist built on the Appalachian traditionalism that defined The Judds to create a world where Top 5 dance/club hits were as possible as being inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Having practically grown up as America’s favorite musical daughter, Wynonna matured into a woman who embraced how life is filled with peaks and valleys, great thrills, and heavy disappointment. Those realities informed her 5-times platinum Wynonna and nearing 3-times platinum Tell Me Why , the albums that gave voice to every human being emerging into their own adulthood with joy in their heart.

Beyond the groundbreaking music she and her mother created as The Judds, Wynonna has grown into her once-in-a-generation vocal prowess with an ease that made people clamor to her. “No One Else On Earth,” “Tell Me Why,” “She Is His Only Need,” “Girls With Guitars,” and “I Saw The Light” set the next chapter in motion of for the girl from Ashland, Kentucky who became a global superstar.

Contact for Wynonna :

Marcel Pariseau

[email protected]

True Public Relations

About Live Nation Entertainment:

Live Nation Entertainment (NYSE: LYV) is the world’s leading live entertainment company comprised of global market leaders: Ticketmaster, Live Nation Concerts, and Live Nation Sponsorship. For additional information, visit www.livenationentertainment.com .

Live Nation Concerts

Monique Sowinski | [email protected]

Navier Grimes | [email protected]

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Everything to know about The Voice mega mentor Wynonna Judd

By sabrina reed | nov 6, 2023.

Country music royalty is making her way to The Voice for season 24 to join the Queen of Country Reba McEntire, Niall Horan, Gwen Stefani, and John Legend as a mega mentor. Of course, we’re talking about the Wynonna Judd. She’ll be mentoring contestants who survived the Battle Rounds and now must get ready to face-off in the three-way Knockouts on Monday, Nov. 6.

Though she’s known as a country artist, Judd’s sound also encompasses gospel and blues. Her stage presence, along with her voice, is legendary. She knows more than a thing or two about standing out in an industry where there’s talent galore and countless people with a song in their heart. With over 40 years in the business, Judd can provide priceless advice to the contestants regardless of the style they perform in. At the end of the day, it’s about being yourself on stage, whatever that looks like, and putting on a show.

Learn more about the mega mentor below!

What to know about Wynonna Judd, The Voice season 24 mega mentor

Quick facts :

• Birthday : May 30, 1964
• Birth name : Christina Claire Ciminella
• Instagram : @WynonnaJudd
• Parents : Naomi Judd and Charles Jordan. Her former stepfather is Michael Ciminella.
• Sibling(s) : Ashley Judd
• Spouse : Scott “Cactus” Moser
• Children : Grace Pauline Kelley and Elijah Judd
• Has a star on the Music City Walk of Fame in Nashville
• Was inducted in the Country Music Hall of Fame, along with her mother Naomi Judd
• 5 time Grammy winner, 9 time Country Music Association winner, 8 time Academy of Country music winner and recipient of the 2013 Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award for her work in the country music duo The Judds.

Per Taste of Country , Wynonna’s stage name came from her mother and Ray Benson. When she was a teenager, Naomi began calling her Wynonna after Benson had “blessed” her daughter with the nickname derived from one of his songs. Her mother liked it and the name stuck. This was years before the mother-daughter duo signed a record deal as The Judds.

Once their star took off in 1983, it kept rising. For nearly 10 years, the two dominated the country music scene. They put out six albums before their career together came to an end in 1991 due to Naomi’s Hepatitis C diagnosis:

• Why Not Me (1984)
• Rockin’ with the Rhythm (1985)
• Heartland (1987)
• Christmas Time with the Judds (1987)
• River of Time (1989)
• Love Can Build a Bridge (1990)

As a solo act, Wynonna Judd continued to put out hits starting with her self-titled debut album in 1992. She won two Billboard Music Awards that year for her work–Country Single and Best New Country Artist. Between 1993-2003, Judd was nominated for four Academy of Country Music Awards and, from 1993-1995, four Grammys. Judd has a total of 10 studio albums spanning 1992-2020.

• Wynonna (1992)
• Tell Me Why (1993)
• Revelations (1996)
• The Other Side (1997)
• New Day Dawning (2000)
• What the World Needs Now Is Love (2003)
• A Classic Christmas (2006)
• Sing: Chapter 1 (2009)
• Wynonna & the Big Noise (2016)
• Recollections (2020)

Naomi Judd tragically passed on April 30, 2022 from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. She’d struggled with depression for most of her life. Naomi died the day before she and Wynonna due to be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame as The Judds.

Wynonna, along with her sister Ashley Judd, took to the stage on May 1, 2022 to accept the induction during the medallion ceremony.  In her speech , she shared:

"I didn’t prepare anything tonight because I knew mom would probably talk the most. I’m gonna make this fast, because my heart’s broken, and I feel so blessed. It’s a very strange dynamic, to be this broken and this blessed. … Though my heart’s broken, I will continue to sing, because that’s what we do."

The singer kept true to her word. This year into 2024, she’ll be on her Back to Wy Tour. Upcoming dates include a Nov. 9 appearance at Tobin Center for the Performing Arts in San Antonio, TX and the Grand Ole Opry on Nov. 14.

When the tour was announced , Judd informed fans that her performances will cover her first two albums, Wynonna and Tell Me Why , in celebration of the 40 years she’s been making music. The setlist includes her hits and deep cuts.

If you’d like to learn more about Wynonna Judd’s life and her career, check out Wynonna Judd: Between Hell and Halleulujah . The documentary is streaming on Paramount+ . Over the course of 1 hour and 40 minute film, you’ll be taken on a journey through Judd’s time on tour, her grief process as she mourns the loss of her mother and celebrates the music they created together.

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Born in May 30, 1964, Christina Claire Ciminella or publicly known as Wynonna Judd, came from Ashland, Kentucky. Her genre revolves in country music. She started off in her career together with her mother Naomi, being a successful duo in country music. Their band was called the “Judds.” They were able to take 14 of their songs to the singles top spot starting 1984 to 1989.

However, Naomi retired from the music scene because of a life-threatening illness. She was diagnosed with hepatitis C. Fortunately, she was able to recover as she watched her daughter became successful in her solo career. In 2000, Wynonna and Naomi performed for the New Year’s Eve concert, later releasing the video recording as “The Judds Reunion Live.”

Wynonna Judd contact information is available for you to look at. We have Wynonna Judd’s manager information, along with her booking agents info as well. If you want the Wynonna Judd email address for her management team, or booking agency, we have that available for you to view by signing up. You can find the Wynonna Judd booking info and booking price here.

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The Voice Mega Mentor Wynonna Judd's Amazing Career Proves She's a Country Icon

The musical star joined  The Voice  for Season 24 and will host NBC's Christmas at the Opry.

Wynonna Judd is a legend who has been rocking the country music charts since the 1980s, first as half of the iconic duo The Judds and then in her solo career. 

How to Watch

Watch  The Voice Mondays and Tuesdays at 8/7c on NBC and next day on Peacock.  

Wynonna was half of the creative talent behind The Judd's extensive lineup of No. 1 hits, and her solo music career has been just as decorated, bringing listeners hits like "Is It Over Yet," "No One Else on Earth," and "Only Love." A true Renaissance woman in every way, the singer has appearing in several television series and programs.

RELATED:  A Full Breakdown of How The Voice Works

Wynonna's not slowing down either: The industry titan is making her way to  The Voice  Season 24 as the Artists' Mega Mentor and will be the host of  NBC's  Christmas at the Opry .

With nearly four decades of musical prowess behind her, Wyonna is bound to be a thrilling addition to  The Voice . Ahead of the country icon's appearance, look back on Wynonna's mythic career in the music industry and beyond. 

Wynonna's Career with The Judds

Wynonna soared to fame in 1984 as part of the country duo The Judds, which was made up of Wynonna and her mother, Naomi Judd. (Naomi Judd passed away in April 2022.) Growing up in Ashland, Kentucky, Naomi noticed her daughter's voice was exceptional at a young age, taking her to Nashville to see where their combined talents could go, getting signed by RCA Nashville within 2 hours. 

RELATED:  Listen to Blake Shelton & Gwen Stefani's Beautiful Duet of The Judds' "Love Is Alive"

"I was used to singing; I wasn’t used to being in a boardroom full of men. Joe remembers me taking my guitar out of its case just like it was a gun in a holster," Wynonna revealed, via  PBS . "I could sing in front of 10,000 people, as long as I had my guitar. I was like “Xena” with a guitar. It was my protection; it was my weapon. It was my best friend. It was my purpose for anything and anybody."

The Judds' EP  Wynonna & Naomi

Through their debut EP,  Wynonna & Naomi , The Judds were instantly celebrated for their ethereal harmonies and classic country charm. The same year, the pair started making a full album.

The Judds' Debut Album  Why Not Me

The Judds then earned widespread success with the release of their debut studio album,  Why Not Me . The record included the smash hits "Had a Dream (For the Heart)," "Mama He's Crazy," and "Love Is Alive."

The Judds' Second Album, Rockin' with the Rhythm

Wynonna and Naomi's country act was a smash, leading their sophomore album,  Rockin' with the Rhythm . The country album boasts some of The Judd's most cherished hits, such as "Rockin' with the Rhythm of the Rain," "Grandpa (Tell Me 'Bout the Good Old Days)," and "Have Mercy." The album had four No. 1. singles on Billboard's Hot Country charts and was  certified platinum .

The Judd's Third Album,  Heartland

The Judds were incredibly prolific throughout the late 1980s, releasing their third album,  Heartland,  in 1987. The album featured several rock-n-roll influences and energizing singles "Cow Cow Boogie" and "Maybe Your Baby's Got the Blues." The record also included a cover of Elvis Presley's "Don't Be Cruel."

The Judds' Holiday Album Christmas Time with The Judds

The Judds' fourth studio release was a 1987 holiday album,  Christmas Time with the Judds . Country music and the Christmas spirit are a match made in heaven, leading the recordt to become cherished delights once the holiday rolls around. The album invites listeners into the charming Judd household as they relish every reason for the season, delivering delicious country-fried renditions of beloved Christmas carols.

The Judd's Fifth Album, River of Time

In 1989, The Judds continued to rock the radio waves with their fifth album,  River of Time . The infectious singles "Young Love (Strong Love)" and "Let Me Tell You About Love" were both chart-toppers. Like the many country classics released before it,  River of Time  was a sonic delight, marking a turn toward a country-jazz fusion.

The Judd's Final Studio Album, Love Can Build A Bridge

At the turn of the decade in 1990, The Judds released their sixth and final studio album to date,  Love Can Build a Bridge . 

The Judds split up

The Judds discontinued their beloved country partnership in 1991, with Wynonna exploring a solo career as her mother addressed health concerns. The Judds said goodbye to their frenzied fanbase with a farewell tour, and their final show was televised for the world to watch. 

"We had one of the greatest goodbyes in the history of Country Music. We went out with a bang," Wynonna revealed via  PBS . "And the next day, I woke up and, “Oh, my gosh. What do I do now?” It was devastating. I didn’t know how I was going to make it. But my mom and my manager were both in my ear constantly saying, 'You’ve got this.'"

RELATED:  Everything to Know About The Voice Season 24

In addition to their studio albums, The Judds released many compilation albums, starting with 1988's Greatest Hits and ending with 2022's  Love Can Build a Bridge: Best of the Judds . They also released three live albums: Hampton, Virginia 1985 ; In Concert (1995), based on previous performances; and The Judds Reunion (1999), taped at their reunion show.

Ultimately, The Judds took home five  Grammy Awards ,  8 Academy of Country Music awards, and 9 Country Music Association Awards . They recorded 14 No. 1 hits on the  Billboard Country Music chart . In 2022, Wynonna and Naomi (posthumously) were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Wynonna's Solo Career

For years, Wynonna had been compared to country legends such as Patsy Cline. With her solo career, she was able to evolve as an artist by embracing new genres, such as pop and blues, further cementing herself as an exceptional talent.

In 1994, Wynonna took home an  Academy of Country Music Award  for Top Female Vocalist as a solo artist, and has since racked up a slew of Grammy nominations. Three of Wynonna's solo albums have also gone  platinum  by selling over a million copies.

She received her star on Nashville's Music City Walk of Fame in 2007.

Wynonna's First Solo Album

Wynonna's self-titled solo debut album was met with widespread acclaim upon its release in 1992.

It produced several No. 1 hits on Billboard's Hot Country Songs charts, with the romantic bop "I Saw the Light" and the blues-rock track "No One Else on Earth" becoming some of Wynonna's most timeless singles. The album's lyricism addressed Wynonna's newfound independence within the industry, making for a vulnerable yet energizing listen.

Wynonna's Second Solo Album,  Tell Me Why

Wynonna kept the solo ball rolling in 1993 with the release of her sophomore album,  Tell Me Why.  Gifting fans the delightful tracks "Tell Me Why," "Girls with Guitars," and "Is It Over Yet," the album was an instant favorite and dominated the country music charts. Unlike her debut album,  Tell Me Why  found Wynonna on more confident footing, with many songs ditching the separation anxiety as she continued to stretch her wings. Wynonna earned a  Grammy nomination  for the album's smash hit "Only Love."

Wynonna's Third Album,  Revelations

Wynonna released her third solo studio album,  Revelations , in 1996. The lead single from the record, "To Be Loved by You," was a beloved track, earning her a Grammy nomination for Best Female Country Vocal Performance. The track "Heaven Help My Heart" was also a fan favorite, making its way to many radio replays.  Revelations  also included Wynonna's mesmerizing cover of the classic rock ballad "Free Bird" by Lynyrd Skynyrd.

Wynonna's The Other Side

Wynonna's fourth studio album was  The Other Side , released in 1997. Featuring the sensational singles "Come Some Rainy Day," "When Love Starts Talkin,'" and "Always Will," the record received positive acclaim and led to the fabulous duet of "We Can't Unmake Love" with country icon John Berry, later featured on his greatest hits compilation album.

Wynonna's New Day Dawning  and The Judds'  Big Bang Boogie

At the turn of the millennium, Wynonna graced fans with the 2000 album  New Day Dawning . The songs that were the most hailed were the powerful tracks "Can't Nobody Love You (Like I Do)" and "Going Nowhere." Wynonna also flexed her vocal talent by covering the Fabulous Thunderbirds' song "Tuff Enuff" and "Help Me" by Joni Mitchell. 

The album included a bonus, 4-track The Judds EP titled  Big Bang Boogie,  which created a stir for it being a reunion between Wynonna and her mother, Naomi. The single "Stuck in Love" put The Judds back on the country music charts after a decade-long hiatus. 

Wynonna's  What the World Needs Now Is Love

In 2003, Wynonna signed with Curb / Asylum Records for her sixth solo album,  What the World Needs Now Is Love.  The titular track was an instant hit as Wynonna's stunning vocals encouraged listeners to stay open-minded. "Heaven Help Me" was also a chart-climber, but her duet with her mother on Lari White's "Flies on the Butter" was a cherished single as a nod to her time in The Judds. The album included several exciting covers, including as her  Lilo & Stitch  soundtrack recording of Elvis Presley's "Burning Love" and "I Want to Know What Love Is" by Foreigner. 

Wynonna's Holiday Album, A Classic Christmas

In 2006, Wynonna made the holiday season a little extra special with her holiday release,  A Classic Christmas.  Like  Christmas Time with the Judds,  Wynonna's Christmas album included several classic holiday anthems. The record also included the original track, "It's the Messiah," a country gospel fusion that instantly summons visions of sugar plums and figgy pudding.

Wynonna's Seventh Album,  Sing: Chapter 1

Wynonna's seventh studio album was developed as a celebration of the country icon's 25th anniversary in the music industry. The 2009 karaoke album,  Sing: Chapter 1,  featured the titular original single and an 11-track lineup of cover songs that included Wynonna's most cherished hits from childhood and beyond. Boasting every genre under the sun, the record was a testament to Wynonna's chameleonic vocal talent and the various lives she's lived within her sprawling career. 

Wynonna & the Big Noise

Seven years after celebrating her landmark achievements in the music business with her holiday album and her anniversary record, Wynonna released her eighth studio album, 2016's  Wynonna & the Big Noise.  Unlike the two albums prior,  Big Noise  featured all original material, including the smash single "Cool Ya."

Wynonna's Recollections  EP

In 2020, Wynonna dropped her pandemic-bred EP,  Recollections , under a new label ANTI-Records. The five-track extended play includes more cover songs, including Wynonna's twist on the Grateful Dead's “Ramble on Rose,” Nina Simone's “Feeling Good,” and John Prine's “Angel From Montgomery."

“I’m in this beautiful moment where I’m on the outside looking in on my life and going, ‘What do I want the next chapter to be?’” Wynonna told  Rolling Stone  upon the EP's release. “I want it to be music that comes from the deepest part of me. I’ve been famous since I was 18 and it got me distracted from being an artist. I think I’m discovering my artistry again like it’s brand new.”

Wynonna Judd's Screen Credits:  The Judds  to  The Voice

Wynonna has been featured on several soundtracks and made many guest appearances on admired television programs, often as a dynamite songstress. 

In 1997, Wynonna voiced rock star Molly Cule in an episode of  The Magic School Bus.  In 2000, she guest starred as herself on the animated comedy  King of the Hill.  In 1999, she also guest starred as herself in  Blues Clues  in the episode "Blue's Big Holiday." Wynonna appeared in three episodes of  Touched by an Angel  between 1998 and 2003 as Audrey Carmichael. 

In 2002, her cover of Elvis' "Burning Love" was featured on the soundtrack of Lilo & Stitch .

In 2005, Wynonna guest starred as Cynthia Melville in two episodes of  Hope & Faith.  That same year, Wynonna appeared in the  VegggieTales  episode "Lord of the Beans," singing the tune "It's About Love." In 2006, Wynonna appeared as the Season 4 host of USA's  Nashville Star.  In 2007, Wynonna starred in NBC's television event,  Wynonna: A Tribute on Ice,  a 23rd-anniversary celebration of her extraordinary feats in the industry, boasting skating champions Brian Boitano and Kimmie Meissner.

In 2020, Wynonna made her film debut in the befitting television movie  A Nashville Christmas Carol  as Marilyn Jinway. Wynonna flexed her film talents yet again in 2022 in the legal drama  Black and White.

The Judds docuseries

In 2011, Wynonna and her mother starred in the docuseries  The Judds , shining a spotlight on the daily happenings and relationship between the country icons. The six-episode series chronicled their rehearsal process as they prepared for what was then their final concert tour. Providing a fascinating deep dive into the inner workings of the endlessly brilliant Judd family, the series was devoured by fans of Wynonna and her mother.

How old is Wynonna Judd? 

Wynonna was born on May 30, 1964 in Ashland, Kentucky and has been rocking the radio waves since she was 19 years old. 

Her given name is Christina Claire Ciminella but, when she started touring with The Judds, she adopted the moniker Wynonna. The stage name was inspired by Ray Benson's "(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66," with lyrics highlighting the town of Winona, Arizona, according to  Taste of Country .

Does Wynonna have children?

Wynonna is the proud mother of two children: Elijah Judd, born in 1994; and Grace Pauline Kelley, born in 1997. She shares both children with her first husband, Arch Kelley III, from whom she divorced in 1998.  

In 1997, Wynonna told the  Tampa Bay Times  that becoming a mother provided a brand-new perspective on life. “I don't really give a rat's butt about what the world thinks. I used to do anything for acceptance," Wynonna revealed. "Now as a mother, I stand there and say, ‘Here's who I am; take me as I am.' Lots of singers, their identity is focused on the stage. Now I have a separate identity from that stage. I come home, and I'm a mama." 

Does Wynonna Judd have grandchildren? 

Wynonna became a grandmother in April 2022 when her daughter Grace gave birth to a daughter, Kaliyah. Wynonna took to  Instagram  to announce the birth of her grandchild, sharing touching thoughts on family and finding joy within the chaos.

In an October 2022 interview with  TODAY , Wynonna explained her granddaughter became her "rock" in the wake of Naomi's Judd's death on April 30, 2022. 

“She's 6 months old, and she doesn't speak yet, but she looks right through me. She gives me hope,"  Wynonna revealed.  “[Kids] give you hope; they give you something to think about other than yourself." 

Wynonna Judd is the Mega Mentor on  The Voice  Season 24

As if Season 24 of  The Voice  wasn't thrilling enough, the competition upped the ante with Wynonna joining as the season's Mega Mentor , guiding the Artists as they prepare for the grueling Battles and Knockout Rounds. 

RELATED:  Kelly Clarkson Reveals Why She Thinks This Coach Will Win The Voice Season 24

Coaches  Gwen Stefani ,  John Legend ,  Niall Horan , and fellow country legend  Reba McEntire  will be keen to leverage Wynonna's invaluable experience in the industry to set their respective teams up for success. As one of the most gilded singers within the country genre, Wynonna is bound to be a game-changer for  Team Gwen ,  Team Legend ,  Team Niall , and  Team Reba .

Wynonna Judd will be the inaugural host of NBC's  Christmas at the Opry

The 2023 holiday season got an extra dose of Christmas cheer with the announcement of a thrilling new country music event,  Christmas at the Opry . The two-hour musical special will include "Christmas favorites, holiday classics, and today's biggest hits" in front of a live audience, with country music goddess Wynonna leading the show as the Grand Ole Opry House's host. Fellow vocal powerhouse  Kelly Clarkson  and  This Is Us  star  Chrissy Metz  are among the many  performers set to appear.

The special airs just a few months after Wynonna received the first Country Champion award at the inaugural  People's Choice Country Awards .

RELATED:  Elvis' Granddaughter Riley Keough is Executive Producing a Graceland Christmas Special

“Wynonna is one of the most recognized and lauded performers in country music,” Cassandra Tryon, senior vice president of live events at NBCUniversal Entertainment, gushed. “Not only is she incredibly talented, her selflessness and passion for putting the needs of others in the spotlight is unmatched. We can’t think of a better person to honor as our inaugural ‘Country Champion’ and to celebrate the holidays with across these two major country music events.”

Originally published Oct 31, 2023.

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Wynonna Judd Announced as National Anthem Singer for 150th Kentucky Derby

It’s about to be a country takeover at the historic running of the 150 th Kentucky Derby! Today, Churchill Downs Racetrack announced that 5x Grammy Award-winning country music icon Wynonna Judd and emerging artist Lana Scott are set to perform during Derby weekend.   

Wynonna Judd is fresh off her nationwide tour called “Back to Wy” and set to represent her home state of Kentucky by singing the national anthem at the 150 th Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 4, 2024.  

Wynonna is the fourteenth major artist to perform the “Star Spangled Banner” at the historic event which will take place just after 5:00pm EDT and be broadcast live as part of NBC’s Kentucky Derby coverage.  

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Wynonna Judd Concludes The Judds Final Tour with Tribute to Mother Naomi Judd—“It’s Done, Mama”

by Cillea Houghton March 1, 2023, 2:52 pm

Wynonna Judd is paying tribute to her late mother, Naomi Judd, following the conclusion of The Judds: The Final Tour .

Videos by American Songwriter

After the final night of the tour in Hollywood, Florida, Judd took to Twitter on Tuesday (Feb. 28) to not only honor her mother but also tribute to every person who was a part of the production.

“It’s done, Mama,” Judd writes with a heart emoji. “Thank you to the fans for lifting me up each night, to every single artist that showed up and offered their voice, to the best band I’ve ever toured with, & to the crew who worked around the clock to make all of this happen. I will never ever forget this tour!”

Stella Parton was among the many people who shared encouraging words in the comment section. “Bless you, honey,” Parton says . “I’m so proud of you, your grace and resilience. I love you! Yes, you are a phenomenal human being!”

“I will say, bye…for now,” Judd added. “‘It’s been one heck of a ride.'”

In April 2022, the mother-daughter duo announced dates for the tour just days before Naomi took her own life with a self-inflicted gunshot wound on April 30 at the age of 76. The Judds were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame on May 1. The younger Judd decided to carry forth with the tour, inviting special guests Kelsea Ballerini, Faith Hill, Ashley McBryde, Brandi Carlile, Martina McBride, Little Big Town, and Tanya Tucker to perform with her. The tour launched in September 2022 and extended into early 2023.

“I’m looking out into an audience where I see three and four generations and I see a man weeping,” Judd shared in an interview with American Songwriter for the March 2023 print issue. “Music is the healer, I believe that now more than I ever have believed in anything in my life. I think that this tour allowed me to see the best and the worst of life, so I’m going to have to write about it. I stay in the songwriting because it gives me something to hope for.”

It's done, Mama.❤️ Thank you to the fans for lifting me up each night, to every single artist that showed up and offered their voice, to the best band I've ever toured with, & to the crew who worked around the clock to make all of this happen. I will never ever forget this tour! pic.twitter.com/u3MDsC7spg — Wynonna (@Wynonna) February 28, 2023

Photo by Katie Kauss/Getty Images for CMT

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Jonathan Levine c/o Wasserman Music Agency 124 12th Ave. S. #410 Nashville, TN 37203

Wynonna Judd’s publicist is:

Scott Adkins c/o Adkins Public Relations 1618 16th Ave. S. Nashville, TN 37212

Wynonna Judd got her start in the music industry as part of the country music duo, The Judds, which she formed with her mother, Naomi Judd. The Judds signed their first record deal in 1983 and released their debut album in 1984. The album was a commercial success, with several singles reaching the top of the country music charts. Over the next decade, The Judds continued to release successful albums and singles, earning multiple Grammy Awards and other accolades. In the 1990s, Wynonna began a solo career and has since released several successful albums as a solo artist.

Wynonna Judd and Brandi Carlile first met through mutual friends in the music industry. They were introduced by producer Dave Cobb, who has worked with both artists on their albums. The two women hit it off and began collaborating on music together. In 2018, they released a duet version of the song “I Can’t Make You Love Me” and performed it live on several occasions, including at the 2019 CMA Fest in Nashville . They have since continued to work together and have expressed mutual respect and admiration for each other’s music.

It is unclear how Wynonna Judd first met Dolly Parton , but the two country music stars have known each other for many years and collaborated on several occasions. One of their most notable collaborations was the 2002 duet “Stairway to Heaven” for the tribute album “Livin’, Lovin’, Losin’: Songs of the Louvin Brothers.” In interviews, Wynonna has expressed her admiration for Dolly Parton and credited her as a musical influence.

Wynonna Judd and Jelly Roll performed together at the CMA Awards, as reported by Entertainment Tonight. It is common for artists to meet during rehearsals and planning stages of live events. ( ET )

Wynonna Judd and Kenny Rogers first met when they recorded a duet version of the song “Mary, Did You Know?” for Rogers’ 1996 Christmas album “The Gift.” The two country music stars hit it off and developed a friendship based on their mutual love of music and shared industry experiences. They performed the song live on several occasions, including at the Grand Ole Opry , and remained friends until Rogers’ passing in 2020. In interviews, Wynonna has spoken about her admiration for Kenny Rogers’ talent and his impact on the country music industry.

Wynonna Judd and Miley Cyrus first met when Miley was just a child and was starring on the Disney Channel series “ Hannah Montana .” Wynonna appeared on the show in 2007 as herself, playing a mentor and role model to Miley’s character, Hannah Montana. After filming the episode, the two women hit it off and remained friends. They later collaborated on a song called “I Want My Mullet Back” for Miley’s 2009 album “Hannah Montana: The Movie.” In interviews, Wynonna has spoken about her admiration for Miley’s talent and work ethic and has praised her for using her platform to advocate for important causes.

Wynonna Judd has appeared on “ The Oprah Winfrey Show ” several times throughout her career. It is not clear how they first met. Still, Wynonna’s appearances on the show were likely facilitated by her status as a successful country music star and her popularity with Oprah’s audience . The two women have a friendly relationship, and Oprah has praised Wynonna’s music and talent on multiple occasions. In one interview, Wynonna credited Oprah with helping her overcome her weight and body image struggles and thanked her for positively influencing her life.

Wynonna Judd and Reba McEntire first met when they were both starting in the music industry and performing at small venues and honky-tonks in Oklahoma. They later became friends when they both achieved success as country music stars. In the 1990s, they performed together on the song “Does He Love You,” which became a hit and won the Grammy Award for Best Country Vocal Collaboration. Since then, they have continued collaborating and toured together on multiple occasions. They remain close friends and have spoken about their admiration and respect for each other’s talent and achievements.

Wynonna Judd and Taylor Swift first met at an industry event in Nashville, Tennessee, when Taylor started as a young country music artist. According to Wynonna, she was impressed by Taylor’s talent and drive, and the two women quickly hit it off. In 2009, they performed together at the Country Music Association Awards , singing a duet version of Wynonna’s hit song “Love Is Alive.” They have since remained friends and have admired and respected each other’s music and careers.

Wynonna Judd and Trisha Yearwood first met in the 1990s when they were both rising stars in the country music industry. They became friends and have since collaborated on several occasions. In 1994, they recorded a duet version of the song “Love Can Build a Bridge” with Naomi Judd, a tribute to the Judds’ music and legacy. They have also performed together at various events and concerts, including the 2019 CMA Awards , where they paid tribute to the women of country music . They remain friends and have spoken about their mutual respect and admiration for each other’s music.

Wynonna Judd and Willie Nelson first met when they collaborated on a song called “Staring Each Other Down” for Wynonna’s self-titled debut solo album in 1992. The two country music legends hit it off and developed a friendship based on their mutual love of music and shared industry experiences. They have collaborated on several occasions and performed together at concerts and events. In interviews, Wynonna has spoken about her admiration for Willie Nelson’s songwriting and musical talent and has credited him as a mentor and inspiration in her career.

Wynonna Judd, born on May 30, falls under the astrological sign of Gemini, the third sign of the zodiac. Individuals born between May 21 and June 20 are typically classified as Geminis. Geminis are often described as adaptable, outgoing, and intelligent, with a penchant for communication and a natural curiosity about the world. These traits are sometimes reflected in the versatility and expressiveness of a Gemini like Wynonna in her musical performances and public persona.

Wynonna Judd has lived in various places throughout her career, including Nashville, Tennessee, and Leiper’s Fork, Tennessee.

Wynonna Judd is a renowned American country music singer , born Christina Claire Ciminella on May 30, 1964, in Ashland, Kentucky. She gained fame in the 1980s as part of the country music duo The Judds, alongside her mother, Naomi Judd. After the duo disbanded, Wynonna pursued a successful solo career, releasing several albums and singles that earned her numerous awards and accolades. Her music is characterized by her powerful voice, emotive storytelling , and a blend of country, rock, blues, and soul influences. Wynonna’s contributions to music solidified her as a prominent figure in the country music genre .

Wynonna Judd’s family includes her mother, Naomi Judd, and her music partner in the duo, The Judds. Wynonna’s father is Michael Ciminella, but she was raised by her mother and stepfather, Larry Strickland, a drummer in The Judds’ band. Wynonna has a younger half-sister, Ashley Judd , who is an actress. Additionally, Wynonna has been married three times and has two children, Elijah and Grace.

Wynonna Judd was born in Ashland, Kentucky. She grew up in Kentucky and later moved to Nashville, Tennessee, the “Music City” hub for the country music industry .

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Home > News > Derby Lifestyle > Five-Time Grammy® Award-Winning Singer and Kentucky Native Wynonna Judd to Perform National Anthem At Milestone 150th Kentucky Derby®

Five-Time Grammy® Award-Winning Singer and Kentucky Native Wynonna Judd to Perform National Anthem At Milestone 150th Kentucky Derby®

Apr 12, 2024 hayley armstrong.

Churchill Downs Racetrack today announced that five-time GRAMMY® award-winner and country music icon Wynonna Judd will perform the National Anthem at this year’s Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve on Saturday, May 4.

The Kentucky native will help kick off the historic 150th Run for the Roses® at Churchill Downs. The performance will take place just after 5 p.m. EDT and will be broadcast live as part of NBC ’s Kentucky Derby coverage, expected to reach millions of viewers worldwide.

“Wynonna Judd is a multigenerational talent who has helped shape country music over the years, and a Kentucky native, making her the perfect artist to set the stage for this once-in-a-lifetime Kentucky Derby,” said Mike Anderson , President of Churchill Downs Racetrack. “We’re excited for Wynonna to bring her powerful voice back to Louisville to convey the wide range of emotion for which this landmark occasion calls.”

Wynonna rose to fame as one-half of “ The Judds ” with her mother Naomi, and the two are recognized as one of the greatest duos in country music history. As part of The Judds, Wynonna earned five GRAMMY® awards for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal. The Kentucky crooner has continued her success as a solo artist, releasing eight studio albums over the years, and recently embarked on a nationwide tour called “Back to Wy” to pay tribute to her first two solo albums.

“I am so proud to represent my home state, taking part in one of the most storied and iconic traditions,” Wynonna Judd said. “The Kentucky Derby is something I look forward to every year and being able to perform this year makes the momentous event even more special.”

Wynonna joins a roster of accomplished artists to perform The Star-Spangled Banner at the Run for the Roses®. Past artists who have performed include Carly Pearce (2023), Brittney Spencer (2022), Tori Kelly (2021), Jennifer Nettles (2019), Pentatonix (2018), Harry Connick, Jr. (2017), Lady A (2016), Josh Groban (2015), Jo Dee Messina (2014), Martina McBride (2013), Mary J. Blige (2012), Jordin Sparks (2011), Rascal Flatts (2010) and Leann Rimes (2009).

This year’s Riders Up announcer will be lifestyle innovator and entrepreneur Martha Stewart . Martha will command all jockeys to mount their horses for the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby.

Longines Kentucky Oaks

Ahead of the milestone 150th Kentucky Derby, Churchill Downs Racetrack will host the Longines Kentucky Oaks on Friday, May 3. At 5 p.m. EDT, emerging country star Lana Scott will perform the National Anthem. A top eight finalist on Season 21 of NBC’s The Voice and was chosen by Opry Entertainment as one of the “Top 10 Emerging Artists” in country music in 2023, prior to her National Anthem rendition, Lana will perform two special original songs live during the Kentucky Oaks Survivors Parade at 3:15 p.m. EDT on Friday, May 3. The parade is a moving tradition that celebrates breast and ovarian cancer survivors and encourages those still fighting their cancer battle with a march on Churchill Downs’ historic racetrack prior to the running of the Longines Kentucky Oaks. The 16th Kentucky Oaks Survivors Parade will honor the 150 survivors and fighters who have been selected.

Additionally, shortly after the National Anthem, Riders Up for the Kentucky Oaks will be called by powerhouse female athlete Sonny Choi , a breakdancing star and the first American woman to qualify for breakdancing at the 2024 Olympics, which will be the first Olympics to have the sport.

Wynonna Judd

With the release of her 1992 self-titled solo debut, Wynonna emerged as a singular force in American music. Beyond the five Grammy Awards, the multi-platinum albums and sold-out tours, the country/soul vocalist built on the Appalachian traditionalism that defined The Judds to create a world where Top 5 dance/club hits were as possible as being inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Having practically grown up as America’s favorite musical daughter, Wynonna matured into a woman who embraced how life is filled with peaks and valleys, great thrills, and heavy disappointment. Those realities influenced her 5-times platinum Wynonna and nearing 3-times platinum Tell Me Why, the albums that gave voice to every human being emerging into their own adulthood with joy in their heart.

Beyond the groundbreaking music she and her mother created as The Judds, Wynonna has grown into her once-in-a-generation vocal prowess with an ease that made people drawn to her. “No One Else On Earth,” “Tell Me Why,” “She Is His Only Need,” “Girls With Guitars,” and “I Saw The Light” set the next chapter in motion for the girl from Ashland, Kentucky who became a global superstar.

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Wynonna Judd’s Daughter Arrested For Indecent Exposure After Reportedly Flashing Drivers On The Highway

In a cell with Morgan Wallen? Just kidding…

According to WSMV , Grace Kelley, the daughter of country music legend Wynonna Judd, was arrested in Millbrook, Alabama, and sent to Elmore County jail for indecent exposure. She was also charged with obstructing governmental operations.

Police say she “exposed her breasts and lower body” at the intersection of I-65 and Highway 14, and when confronted by officers, sat on the side of the road and refused to comply. It’s unclear if she was on foot or in a vehicle.

The 27-year-old has been in and out of prison on drug-related charges. She was arrested in 2016 for making, selling, and distributing methamphetamine. She was sentenced to 8 years in prison, however she plead guilty in exchange for a suspended sentence and court mandated rehab. She left treatment early and was then sent to prison in 2018. She was paroled and released in 2019, and then arrested again for violating parole in 2021.

She was arrested once more in May of 2023 for violating the terms of her parole, and subsequently released from Putnam County Jail five months later, in October 2023.

Kelley is the daughter of Wynonna Judd and her first husband, Arch Kelley, and the granddaughter of the late country music star, Naomi Judd.

Wynonna Judd On Touring After The Loss Of Her Mother

Since the tragic loss of her mother and musical duo partner, Naomi Judd, Wynonna Judd has been on tour consistently. She turned The Judds: The Final Tour into a killer girl’s night out experience, bringing out some heavy-hitting names to join her on the road. With that success, Wynonna kicked off another tour, the  Back To Wy Tour, which highlights some of the greatest aspects of her solo career.

While she has been filled her time with touring, filling her heart being able to spend time with fans, she acknowledged backstage after her CMA Awards performance with Jelly Roll some days are more complex than others. While there was speculation that Wynonna could have been having a low moment as she clung to Jelly Roll throughout the performance, she took to social media afterward, telling fans it was a case of nerves .

However, she told Entertainment Tonight that during a recent show, she had to take a break while on stage because of the sudden wave of emotions, feeling as though her mom was on stage.

When asked how she does it all, she says:

“I don’t know how I’m doing it. I’ll let you know in December. No seriously, I think it’s like your wedding. You just keep hugging the next person, and taking the picture, and doing what you’re supposed to do, then you sleep later.” 

She then says that she loves being on the road, though, and it makes her happy and healthy. But just like anyone dealing with a significant loss, she acknowledges that sometimes she has her highs and lows.

“You know I have my ups and my downs, and that’s life. I’m just telling my fans… like the other night, I got really emotional. I felt mom, and I felt a bit overcome. I just said, ‘I need some water, and I need someone to hold onto me for a second while I take a deep breath and cry.’

And I just do it because that’s the way life is.”

She says how thankful she is to have such a great community in country music that supports her through the hard times. It makes her want to be there for them in the same way- just like she made it to perform with Jelly Roll during the CMA Awards, with his help getting her a plane so she’d make it.

Wynonna made a quick turnaround from the awards ceremony to make it to her next Back To Wy Tour  stop. Not many folks could go through what she has, all while showing up for her fans across the nation.

Jelly Roll Got Wynonna A Private Plane

The rapper-turned-country superstar opened up the 57th Annual CMA Awards this week with a performance of his powerful hit, “Need A Favor.” But he surprised everybody when he brought out the legendary Wynonna Judd to join him during the song.

Talking about how it came together backstage, Wynonna revealed that she was initially forced to say no to Jelly Roll’s request.

“He literally phoned me and said, ‘So, can you sing on the CMA Awards?’ I went, ‘No, I can’t, because I have to be in Texas Wednesday night.’”

But it was important for Jelly Roll to have Wynonna there. So he did what he could to make it happen:

“He said, ‘What if I can get you there on a private plane?’ I said, ‘I’m in.’ So he got me a private plane and here I am.”

Wynonna revealed that she’s formed quite the bond with not only the “Son of A Sinner” singer, who took home the award for Best New Artist, but also with his bombshell wife  Bunnie Xo :

“The CMT Awards was when I first met him, and I went up to him and I said, ‘I need to know you. I don’t know you. What’s the deal?’ And he’s real. And his wife Bunnie and I connected, and here we are.

So I just kind of threw myself in front of them. I literally did. And I don’t do that very often, I’m very shy believe it or not when it comes to meeting people like that. Something happened, I don’t know, we connected on a very deep level.”

And it sounds like the powerful CMA Awards performance isn’t the last we’ll be hearing from the duo:

“It’s a little bit of a story, and we’ll get there. We’re going to write some songs and talk about what it’s like to be in the prison system and life afterwards.”

Here’s Wynonna talking about how the CMA Awards performance came together:

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Wynonna Judd's Daughter Arrested After 'Exposing' Her Chest At Busy Intersection

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Wynonna Judd 's  27-year-old daughter, Grace Pauline Kelley, has been charged with indecent exposure and obstructing government operations, both of which are misdemeanor crimes.

This is not the first time Kelley has been arrested. On August 28, 2021, she was placed behind bars for a probation violation connected to a 2016 possession of meth arrest.

She was also arrested on May 1, 2023, for violating an order of protection and restraining order, in addition to violation of parole.

Grace Pauline Kelley Arrested Over The Weekend

According to AL News , Kelley "exposed her chest and lower body at the busy intersection of Interstate 65 and Highway 14 in Millbrook" on Friday, April 5.

Grace Kelley is reportedly still in jail and has a $1,000 bond.

She was also arrested in 2017 on several charges, including making, selling, and distributing methamphetamine and then leaving a court-mandated drug recovery program early.

Grace Kelley's Troubling Past

According to The Sun , she was granted parole in April 2021 but was arrested once again in August of that same year for violating her probation. She was released from prison in December 2022.

Then, in 2023, Grace served a five-month sentence following a May 2023 arrest for violating parole and an order of protection, according to The U.S. Sun.

According to fellow inmate Florence Fort, Grace Kelley was pregnant in 2022 while behind bars. "Grace got pregnant when she was out on parole," Fort told The Sun . "When I was at the jail with her, she was pregnant. She had her baby's name picked out. She was excited."

She reportedly tried to keep her mom in the picture for the baby's sake. "She would call Wynonna all the time," Fort added. "She talked to her mom a lot. We even gave her a baby shower in jail, and her mom called in the middle of it."

Wynonna Judd On Being A Mom

In 1997, shortly after giving birth to her two children, Wynonna Judd spoke out on what it was like to be a new mother.

"I don't really give a rat's butt about what the world thinks. I used to do anything for acceptance. Now as a mother, I stand there and say, 'Here's who I am; take me as I am'," she told the Tampa Bay Times . "Lots of singers, their identity is focused on the stage. Now I have a separate identity from that stage. I come home and I'm a mama."

She went on to say, "There's a confidence that a lot of people have commented on lately. You can lose 50 pounds or buy a great car and still be the same desperate person. It comes from inside. The spirit doesn't get fed enough in this business. I'll find it through my babies and God, not on the charts."

Wynonna Judd Says Her Daughter 'Is The Strongest Judd Woman'

In 2022, Judd spoke highly of her daughter. "I will tell you this. My daughter is the strongest Judd woman in our 'herstory,'" Wynonna said on Fox Nation's "The Pursuit! with John Rich."

She added, "She's healthier than I was at 23. How she got there — I would not go that way, but I was also sequestered. I was on a bus with my mother. Kind of hard to get in trouble. So that could have been me, John, if I didn't have music."

Wynonna Judd Says Goodbye To Her Mother, Naomi Judd

Wynonna Judd lost her mother, Naomi Judd , at the age of 57. Her tragic death came just three weeks after she and Wynonna announced their come-back tour.

Naomi took her own life at her home in Leiper's Fork, Tennessee. According to her autopsy, her cause of death was a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

"Today we sisters experienced a tragedy," Wynonna and her sister, Ashley Judd, said in a statement. "We lost our beautiful mother to the disease of mental illness. We are shattered. We are navigating profound grief and know that as we loved her, she was loved by her public. We are in unknown territory."

At her mother's ceremony, Wynonna spoke out. "I'm gonna make this fast because my heart's broken and I feel so blessed," she said through tears. "It's a very strange dynamic, to be this broken and blessed. Though my heart's broken, I will continue to sing because that's what we do."

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Wynonna Judd To Sing National Anthem At Kentucky Derby

C hurchill Downs Racetrack today announced that five-time Grammy Award winner and country music icon Wynonna Judd will perform the National Anthem at this year’s Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve on Saturday, May 4.

The Kentucky native will help kick off the historic 150 th Run for the Roses at Churchill Downs. The performance will take place just after 5 p.m. ET and will be broadcast live as part of NBC’s Kentucky Derby coverage, expected to reach millions of viewers worldwide.

“Wynonna Judd is a multigenerational talent who has helped shape country music over the years, and a Kentucky native, making her the perfect artist to set the stage for this once-in-a-lifetime Kentucky Derby,” said Mike Anderson, President of Churchill Downs Racetrack. “We’re excited for Wynonna to bring her powerful voice back to Louisville to convey the wide range of emotion for which this landmark occasion calls.”

Wynonna rose to fame as one-half of “The Judds” with her mother Naomi, and the two are recognized as one of the greatest duos in country music history. As part of The Judds, Wynonna earned five Grammy Awards for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal. The Kentucky crooner has continued her success as a solo artist, releasing eight studio albums over the years, and recently embarked on a nationwide tour called “Back to Wy” to pay tribute to her first two solo albums.

“I am so proud to represent my home state, taking part in one of the most storied and iconic traditions,” Wynonna Judd said. “The Kentucky Derby is something I look forward to every year and being able to perform this year makes the momentous event even more special.”

Wynonna joins a roster of accomplished artists to perform The Star-Spangled Banner at the Run for the Roses. Past artists who have performed include Carly Pearce (2023), Brittney Spencer (2022), Tori Kelly (2021), Jennifer Nettles (2019), Pentatonix (2018), Harry Connick, Jr. (2017), Lady A (2016), Josh Groban(2015), Jo Dee Messina (2014), Martina McBride (2013), Mary J. Blige (2012), Jordin Sparks (2011), Rascal Flatts (2010) and Leann Rimes (2009).

This year’s Riders Up announcer will be lifestyle innovator and entrepreneur Martha Stewart. Martha will command all jockeys to mount their horses for the 150 th running of the Kentucky Derby.

Longines Kentucky Oaks

Ahead of the milestone 150 th Kentucky Derby, Churchill Downs Racetrack will host the Longines Kentucky Oaks on Friday, May 3. At 5 p.m. ET, emerging country star Lana Scott will perform the National Anthem. A top eight finalist on Season 21 of NBC’s The Voice and was chosen by Opry Entertainment as one of the “Top 10 Emerging Artists” in country music in 2023, prior to her National Anthem rendition, Lana will perform two special original songs live during the Kentucky Oaks Survivors Parade at 3:15 p.m. EDT on Friday, May 3. The parade is a moving tradition that celebrates breast and ovarian cancer survivors and encourages those still fighting their cancer battle with a march on Churchill Downs’ historic racetrack prior to the running of the Longines Kentucky Oaks. The 16 th Kentucky Oaks Survivors Parade will honor the 150 survivors and fighters who have been selected.

Additionally, shortly after the National Anthem, Riders Up for the Kentucky Oaks will be called by powerhouse female athlete Sonny Choi, a breakdancing star and the first American woman to qualify for breakdancing at the 2024 Olympics, which will be the first Olympics to have the sport.

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Aerosmith announces rescheduled 2024-25 farewell tour dates. get tickets.

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No need to “Dream On” much longer.

Aerosmith has finally announced the rescheduled dates of their ‘Peace Out’ farewell tour with special guests The Black Crowes and Teddy Swims on select dates.

The 40-concert jaunt will take the Rock and Roll Hall of Famers to arenas all over North America from September 2024 up until February 2025.

Notable shows include stops at Newark, NJ’s Prudential Center on Saturday, Dec. 28 and New York’s Madison Square Garden on Feb. 23, 2025.

Their last gig is scheduled for Feb. 26, 2025 at Buffalo’s KeyBank Center .

This upcoming trek will be the second attempt at rescheduling the tour; Steven Tyler sustained vocal cord damage at a Sept. 9, 2023 concert in Long Island — just three shows into their run — and the band had to postpone indefinitely.

“All previously purchased tickets will be honored for the rescheduled shows,” Aerosmith shared on Instagram .

If you haven’t gotten tickets yet and want to sing along to “Sweet Emotion,” “Walk This Way,” “Don’t Want To Miss A Thing” and so many more hits one last time, tickets can be scooped up for all ‘Peace Out’ concerts as soon as today.

Although inventory isn’t available on Ticketmaster until Friday, April 12, fans who want to ensure they have tickets ahead of time can purchase on sites like Vivid Seats before tickets are officially on sale.

Vivid Seats is a secondary market ticketing platform, and prices may be higher or lower than face value, depending on demand.

They have a 100% buyer guarantee that states your transaction will be safe and secure and will be delivered before the event.

Aerosmith tickets 2024-25

A complete calendar including all rescheduled ‘Peace Out’ tour dates, venues, and links to buy tickets can be found below.

Aerosmith band members

The original Aerosmtih lineup won’t be fully intact on this run of concerts.

Yes, lead singer Steven Tyler, guitarist Joe Perry, bassist Tom Hamilton and rhythm guitarist Brad Whitford are slated to perform at all shows.

However, drummer Joey Kramer will be sitting this run of shows out to “focus his attention on his family and health” according to  AP News .

Kramer, 72, will be replaced by John Douglas who has drummed with the band since 2019.

Aerosmith set list

Aerosmith got three shows deep into their ‘Peace Out’ Farewell Tour before postponing.

For a closer look, here’s what they played at a recent live show courtesy of  Set List FM :

01.) “Back in the Saddle” 02.) “Same Old Song and Dance” 03.) “Rag Doll” 04.) “Livin’ on the Edge” 05.) “Janie’s Got a Gun” 06.) “No More No More” 07.) “Cryin’” 08.) “Adam’s Apple” 09.) “Hangman Jury” 10.) “Seasons of Wither” 11.) “Movin’ Out” 12.) “Love in an Elevator” 13.) “Stop Messin’ Around” (Fleetwood Mac cover) 14.) “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” 15.) “Rats in the Cellar” 16.) “Sweet Emotion” 17.) “Toys in the Attic”

18.) “Dream On” 19.) “Walk This Way”

The Black Crowes

On all dates except their opener when they’ll perform with Teddy Swims, Aerosmith will be joined by  The Black Crowes aka Rolling Stone’s “best new band of 1990.”

The band, known for mega hits “Hard To Handle” and “She Talks To Angels,” is also conducting a solo tour of their own this year including a show at New York’s Radio City Music Hall on April 27.

If you want to see them live, click here to see The Black Crowes’ complete 2024 tour calendar.

Steven Tyler controversy

In 1973, the 25-year-old Tyler was given guardianship of 16-year-old Julia Holcomb so the two could live together.

After a tumultuous three-year relationship, the two broke up.

Nearly 50 years later, Holcomb — who now goes by Julia Misley — filed a lawsuit in December 2022. In the suit, she claimed Tyler sexually assaulted her, forced her to abort their child, and convinced her to drink and take drugs after he promised to serve as her guardian.

In the trial, Tyler alleged the relationship was consensual and had immunity because of his guardian status.

Legal experts have since said “caregiver immunity” does not exist if you sexually abuse the person you’ve taken in.

“The lawsuit came in the final days of California’s Child Victims Act, which temporarily lifted the statute of limitations for survivors of childhood sexual abuse to come forward with their allegations,” Consequence of Sound reported.

Jeanne Bellino, another minor that was sexually abused by Tyler in the 1970s, also filed a lawsuit against him; US District Judge Lewis Kaplan threw the case out this February because she “had waited too long to sue Tyler under a New York City law protecting victims of gender-motivated violence,” Reuters wrote.

“(Kaplan) said Bellino did not qualify for a two-year window to pursue claims that would otherwise extend beyond statutes of limitations, because she did not allege that Tyler’s conduct posed a “serious risk of physical injury.”

Classic rockers on tour in 2024

Many of the biggest acts that defined the sound of the ’70s and ’80s are back on the road this year for another spin.

Here are just five of our favorite classic rockers you won’t want to miss live these next few months.

•  Rolling Stones

•  Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band

•  Neil Young

•  Bob Dylan with Willie Nelson and Robert Plant

•  Electric Light Orchestra

Need more classic rock in your life? Check out our list of the  52 biggest classic rockers on tour in 2024 to find the show for you.

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