The 2022 CMT Music Awards stage definitely went down as a historic moment in country television. That is, The Judds composed of mother-daughter vocal duo Naomi and Wynonna Judd, finally reunited on stage, which marked their first nationally televised performance in two decades. Tragically and unexpectedly, it was also the duo’s final performance. Naomi Judd passed away last Saturday (April 30). She was 76.
The Grammy-winning duo started performing together in the ‘80s – creating a string of hits, including “Mama He’s Crazy,” “Girls’ Night Out,” “Rockin’ with the Rhythm of the Rain,” and “Grandpa (Tell Me ‘Bout the Good Old Days)” to name a few – until they disbanded in 1991. Despite disbanding, they still did reunite a few times, including their last big reunion in 2017 at the ‘All in for the Gambler’ tribute concert for Kenny Rogers.
And for their historic TV comeback stage (taped prior the April 11 broadcast), The Judds performed a rendition of their 1990 Top 5 hit “Love Can Build A Bridge” off their 1990 album of the same name. Their stage was set outdoors in front of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum – the very institution that would induct them as members – with the support of a full gospel choir. As the Rolling Stone described their performance, it was ‘majestic, dramatic, and emotional’. Wynonna sang the verses with strength and certainty while her mother Naomi delivered the gentle harmonies, and the choir boosted it to the heavens with their angelic voices.
The performance drew lots of praises from fans and viewers.
Additionally, a day after the duo’s CMT Awards reunion, fans were treated with the announcement of an arena tour performing the classic The Judds songs slated to kick off on September 30 with a month-long run ending in Nashville. It was set to be their official farewell.
Watch The Judds’ final performance in the video below.
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The Judds