When Kelly Clarkson and Reba McEntire took the stage at the 2007 ACM Awards to perform Because of You, they didn’t just sing.

— they delivered a raw and heartbreaking moment that left the audience frozen in awe and earned them a Grammy nomination for Best Vocal Country Collaboration.

That unforgettable night, Kelly Clarkson and Reba McEntire gave one of the most iconic performances in ACM Awards history. The two superstars joined forces in an emotional duet of Because of You, Clarkson’s 2004 hit from her album Breakaway. The song, known for its honest lyrics about loss and regret, had already resonated with fans — but the live performance deepened that emotional connection even further.

Clarkson’s pop-rock vocals blended seamlessly with McEntire’s deep, narrative tone, creating a duet that transcended musical genres. Since meeting in 2002, McEntire had followed Clarkson’s artistic journey with admiration, which made the collaboration even more meaningful.

Their ACM Awards performance not only showcased their vocal abilities but also highlighted their emotional depth and artistic synergy. Following the event, their duet version of Because of You soared to number two on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart and earned a Grammy nomination for Best Vocal Country Collaboration.

Both artists have expressed great respect for one another. Clarkson has openly said she learned a lot from McEntire throughout her career, while McEntire has expressed pride in Clarkson’s artistic evolution.

This performance became a defining moment in both of their careers — a powerful example of how music can convey deep emotion and how collaboration between artists can leave a lasting legacy.