CMA Rehearsals Turn Chaotic As Country’s Leading Ladies Clash

What was supposed to be a polished rehearsal ahead of country music’s biggest night turned into a backstage disaster as Carrie Underwood and Miranda Lambert allegedly got into a heated shouting match that stunned crew members and left organizers scrambling to keep things under control.

Multiple backstage insiders at the CMA Awards rehearsals have come forward to describe the dramatic altercation between the two country superstars — an incident said to be years in the making, fueled by jealousy, creative differences, and an undercurrent of personal resentment that finally exploded in front of stunned onlookers.

“It Was Like a Bomb Went Off Backstage”

According to an eyewitness who spoke to Country Star Confidential under the condition of anonymity, the fight began as a “tense exchange of words” over set timing and stage space. But things escalated within minutes.

“Carrie was already frustrated because her rehearsal was running late, and when Miranda came in to do her soundcheck early, it was like throwing gasoline on a fire,” the source claimed. “They locked eyes, and the tension was unbearable. Then suddenly they were both shouting.”

Stagehands and production crew were reportedly told to clear the area while senior producers stepped in to diffuse the situation, but not before both stars were heard raising their voices about past grievances — including award wins, spotlight stealing, and even rumored personal jabs from previous years.

A Feud Years in the Making?

While Carrie Underwood and Miranda Lambert have always maintained a public image of mutual respect, insiders say the truth behind the scenes has been anything but harmonious.

“Carrie’s team has always viewed Miranda as unpredictable and difficult,” said a Nashville industry veteran. “And Miranda’s team thinks Carrie plays too perfect — too polished, too manufactured. There’s been a quiet rivalry between them for years.”

Speculation around a growing feud intensified last year when Underwood reportedly refused a joint performance pitch involving the two artists at the ACM Awards. At the time, the decision was chalked up to “creative differences,” but those close to both camps say it was deeply personal.

Heated Accusations and Bitter Words

Backstage sources say the most explosive moment came when Miranda accused Carrie of “stealing the spotlight” and only collaborating with artists who “make her look better.”

“You only duet with people you can outshine!” Miranda allegedly shouted.

Carrie, usually poised and composed, was reportedly furious and fired back with a jab of her own:

“At least I don’t need a tabloid scandal every six months to stay relevant.”

The line reportedly drew gasps from staffers nearby and was described as the moment when “all hell broke loose.”

Crew Members Forced to Separate Them

According to three separate eyewitnesses, security and production managers had to step between the two singers as the argument intensified. While no physical contact occurred, the confrontation became so disruptive that both rehearsals were temporarily suspended.

One producer later described it as “the worst backstage meltdown in CMA history.”

Organizers are now reportedly re-evaluating the show’s performance schedule, with concerns that putting both artists in close proximity again could lead to further drama — especially during live broadcast moments.

PR Teams Go Into Damage Control

In the hours following the incident, both Carrie Underwood and Miranda Lambert’s representatives issued vague and carefully worded statements to the media, downplaying the fight as a “minor disagreement blown out of proportion.”

But insiders tell a different story.

“They’re working overtime to spin this,” said one staff member. “But everyone who was there knows what happened. The tension was real. The anger was real. And neither of them is backing down anytime soon.”

What Happens Now?

Despite the chaos, both artists are still expected to attend and perform at the CMA Awards. But plans for any joint appearances have been scrapped, and rehearsal scheduling has reportedly been staggered to avoid further run-ins.

Some fans have taken to social media to express their shock and disappointment, while others are calling for the two to “squash the drama” and remember their role as leading women in country music.

Others are speculating this clash could finally push one or both artists away from the CMAs altogether, especially if tensions remain unresolved.

A CMA Night to Remember — For the Wrong Reasons?

The 2025 CMA Awards may go down in history not for the music, but for the feud that exploded backstage and shocked the industry. As one longtime CMA staffer put it:

“We’ve had egos before. We’ve had diva moments. But never anything like this. This was different. This was personal.”

Whether the country queens will bury the hatchet or let this feud continue to simmer remains to be seen. But one thing is clear — the drama has taken center stage before the curtain even rises.