At the 2013 American Country Awards, LeAnn Rimes delivered one of the most emotionally charged performances of her career — a heartfelt homage to the legendary Patsy Cline.
Tasked with singing a medley of Cline’s iconic songs, Rimes took the stage with a deep sense of reverence and admiration. She performed timeless classics like “Leavin’ On Your Mind,” “Sweet Dreams,” “Walkin’ After Midnight,” and the unforgettable “Crazy.”
Though “Crazy” is forever associated with Patsy Cline, it surprisingly never reached the top spot on the charts. During her illustrious but tragically short career, Cline had only two number-one hits:
- “I Fall to Pieces”
- “She’s Got You” (released shortly after “Crazy”)
A Personal and Profound Connection
LeAnn Rimes wasn’t just another singer asked to perform this tribute — she has long had a deep personal connection to Cline’s legacy.
Rimes has spoken often about how much she admired Cline growing up and how the legend’s emotional delivery and timeless voice influenced her own musical journey. Over the years, Rimes has consistently cited Cline as a major inspiration in her career.
An intriguing rumor has circulated that Rimes’ debut hit, “Blue,” was originally written with Patsy Cline in mind. Although songwriter Bill Mack has denied this, the speculation highlights the artistic and spiritual connection fans often see between the two.
Bringing Vintage Elegance to the Stage
To visually honor Cline’s legacy, Rimes performed the tribute in black and white, capturing the essence of the 1950s and early ’60s. She wore a sophisticated white gown, her hair styled in a classic updo, and held a vintage microphone — every detail carefully chosen to pay homage to Cline’s era.
As Rimes sang, the emotion was undeniable. By the end of the performance, she had tears streaming down her face, completely overwhelmed by the moment.
This wasn’t just a performance; it was a deeply personal tribute to an artist who reshaped the country music landscape.
“We are certain that Patsy Cline would be proud of how beautifully LeAnn honored her legacy.”
Watch the full tribute performance below and relive this unforgettable moment.
