Blake Shelton’s performance of “Famous in a Small Town” at the ACM’s Girls’ Night Out: Superstar Women of Country event on April 22, 2011, was a notable tribute to his fiancée at the time, Miranda Lambert.

The event, which aired on CBS, celebrated leading female artists in country music and included one-of-a-kind performances honoring legends such as Reba McEntire, Carrie Underwood, and Martina McBride.

Shelton added a touch of humor and personal flair when introducing the honorees, especially in his dedication to Lambert’s hit song, a choice that brought attention to the small-town pride woven into her music and identity.

“She has captured the heart of millions of Americans,” Blake Shelton started as he walked onto the stage at tonight’s ‘ACM Girls Night Out’ event, before diving into Miranda Lambert’s hit song, ‘Famous in a Small Town.’ “And I am proud to say that I’m one of them.”

Lambert was honored at tonight’s all-girls event as the only female artist in the history of the academy to win Album of the Year twice. The ‘White Liar’ hitmaker sat in a chair at the side of the stage, smiling nervously as her soon-to-be husband poked fun and praised her.

Shelton showed video clips of Lambert’s family and friends in Lindale, Texas, who swear the 27-year-old bumpkin is quiet and reserved — not hair swinging and gun slinging like the country starlet we see on stage. After such a presentation, it was only fitting that Shelton deliver a rendition of her 2007 Top hit single, ‘Famous in a Small Town.’

Lambert held back tears during her lover’s performance, and and at the end, said simply, “That was really awesome.” She seemed relieved to say that she was proud of Shelton for singing the right words — and not the dirty version — and joked that he’s her biggest fan, truly the whole package, if you catch her drift.

Throughout the evening, Shelton’s light-hearted approach balanced well with the powerful performances that paid homage to the honorees, reflecting both admiration and camaraderie.

As he sang “Famous in a Small Town,” Shelton acknowledged the unique charm of Lambert’s small-town roots, drawing laughs and applause from the audience.

Lambert also used the platform to introduce her new group, Pistol Annies, giving fans a taste of her latest musical venture and showcasing her continued influence on country music alongside Shelton’s supportive tribute​.