Fans at CMA Fest got a beautiful surprise on June 7 when Lainey Wilson joined country legend Wynonna Judd onstage to sing the classic Judds hit, “Mama He’s Crazy.” The unforgettable moment happened during the third day of the festival in Nashville and quickly became one of the night’s most talked-about highlights.
A Timeless Song That Still Hits Home
“Mama He’s Crazy” isn’t just a hit—it’s one of country music’s most iconic love songs. Released back in 1984 by The Judds (Wynonna and her mom, Naomi), the song struck a chord with fans, reaching #1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and becoming the third-biggest country song of that year.
In the song, Wynonna sings to her mama about a man who completely swept her off her feet. He tells her she’s “hung the moon and stars”—and she’s never felt so loved before.
Even 40+ years later, this heartfelt tune still resonates with listeners. It was even re-recorded for A Tribute to The Judds in 2023—with none other than Lainey Wilson and Dolly Parton teaming up to bring it back to life.
“When I got the call to be part of the tribute album, I didn’t hesitate,” Lainey said on The Bobby Bones Show. “The Judds are part of the soundtrack of my childhood. And when they said Dolly might be involved, I about passed out!”
Lainey and Wynonna: A Country Sisterhood
Lainey and Wynonna have been building a strong bond in recent years. They previously teamed up on a cover of Tom Petty’s “Refugee” for a tribute album in 2024—a collaboration that Lainey called “a career highlight.” She added, “I truly cherish our lifelong friendship. Wynonna is the real deal, y’all.”
Their connection was on full display during Wynonna’s “Girls Night Out” show at the Ascend Amphitheater during CMA Fest. The event featured a stellar lineup including Sara Evans, Little Big Town, The War and Treaty, and Noah Cyrus—but it was the surprise duet with Lainey that stole the show.
Lainey started the song solo, sweetly wrapping an arm around Wynonna as the crowd watched in awe. Wynonna joined in halfway through with her signature powerhouse vocals, and the two finished the song side by side, full of joy and mutual admiration.
At the end of the performance, Wynonna looked at Lainey and said, “I love you.” Lainey smiled back and replied, “Love you too, my red-headed sister.”
A Moment to Remember
The duet wasn’t just a tribute to a classic—it was a celebration of legacy, love, and friendship between two generations of country queens. And for fans lucky enough to be there, it was a magical moment they won’t soon forget.
You can watch the touching performance below—it’s a must-see for any country music fan!
