At the Country Music Association (CMA) awards on November 4, singer Miranda Lambert was recognized for the sixth consecutive year, winning the award for Female Vocalist of the Year, which allowed her to use her acceptance speech to briefly address a very prominent component of her personal life.
Lambert and her now ex-husband, fellow country singer Blake Shelton, were divorced earlier this year, which is why in giving thanks for the award, she made a reference to needing “a bright spot this year.” That was considered a clear reference to the toll the divorce has taken on her.
At the ceremonies, Lambert also performed her song, “Bathroom Sink,” which is about a woman preparing to go out while dealing with a difficult stretch in her life. That choice served as reinforcement for media and fans who speculated how she would otherwise address her current situation. Some reports had Lambert dissolving into tears backstage after performing the song, but there was no official confirmation.
The selection of that song was also considered poignant, since earlier that day, Shelton confirmed speculation that he was dating singer Gwen Stefani, who shares judging duties with him on the NBC’s music reality series, “The Voice.”
Shelton gained a higher profile away from country music while serving as a judge on the show, but the demands of that job, which included spending seven to eight months a year in Los Angeles was given as a key reason for the breakup of the Lambert-Shelton marriage. In addition, conflicting schedules for the two performers was also offered, with Lambert’s own recording and touring schedules factoring into the issue.
The dress that Lambert wore was also seen as something of a statement by the singer, with some calling it a “revenge” dress. The Versace outfit was a black form-fitting dress.
The 31-year-old Lambert and 39-year-old Shelton first met in 2006 at the 100 Greatest Duets Concert held by the CMT). Then, after five years of dating, the two were married in Texas on May 14, 2011 at the Don Strange Ranch. The wedding marked Shelton’s second marriage while Lambert was beginning her first.
The couple had signed a prenuptial agreement, which allowed for a quick disposition of the case when Shelton officially filed for divorce in Oklahoma on July 6, where the couple had a ranch. Shelton kept that home, while Lambert took possession of the duo’s home in Nashville.