Full Breakdown
Kacey Musgraves and Miranda Lambert: From Feud to Collaboration
3/13/2026, 3:25:12 AM
Background of the Feud
Kacey Musgraves and Miranda Lambert's longstanding tension traces back to the song "Mama's Broken Heart," which Musgraves co-wrote with Shane McAnally and Brandy Clark. Initially intended as Musgraves' debut single, the song was pitched to Lambert without Musgraves' consent, leading to its inclusion on Lambert's 2011 album, *Four the Record*. Musgraves described the situation as "tricky," noting that Lambert was a more established artist at the time, which complicated her decision to let the song go. Reflecting on the experience, Musgraves stated, "It forced me to write 'Merry Go Round,' which ended up making way more sense for me."
Reconnecting Through Common Ground
Years later, the two artists had lost touch and did not consider each other friends. However, Musgraves found inspiration to reach out after seeing Lambert riding horses on Instagram. She humorously noted, "We ain't friends, but I guess we have two things in common, horses and divorces." This prompted Musgraves to propose a collaboration on a new song titled "Horses and Divorces." In her outreach, she emphasized, "I know we've had our s* over the years, but listen, we've at least got two things in common. I'm not trying to be your friend. You got your life, I have mine. But I think this would be a pretty f*ing funny song."
The Collaboration Process
Lambert responded positively to Musgraves' proposal, leading to a "very full circle" moment for both artists. They collaborated with Shane McAnally to write the song, which Musgraves described as a cathartic experience where they "aired out any of the old laundry" and shared some laughs. The songwriting session lasted just a few hours, and Musgraves expressed satisfaction with how the collaboration turned out, stating, "So in the end, everyone won because I was able to let go of something."
Official Statements & Responses
Musgraves has publicly acknowledged the speculation surrounding their feud, clarifying that they have moved past their differences. She remarked, "It could be also a micro representation of what I wish that the world would do sometimes, just f***ing sit down and poke fun at each other, have a beer and call it a day." The collaboration is set to be featured on Musgraves' upcoming album, *Middle of Nowhere*, which is scheduled for release on May 1.
Criticism & Opposition
While Musgraves and Lambert have reconciled, some fans and critics have expressed skepticism about the authenticity of their newfound camaraderie, questioning whether the collaboration is merely a publicity stunt. However, both artists have emphasized the importance of their shared experiences and the humor that emerged from their past conflicts.
What's Next
The song "Horses and Divorces" will be part of Musgraves' sixth studio album, *Middle of Nowhere*, which will also feature collaborations with other notable artists, including Willie Nelson and Billy Strings. The album is described as a "sonic love letter to the musical borders of country," reflecting Musgraves' personal growth during her time of solitude following her divorce from Ruston Kelly in 2020.
Verbatim Quotes
- “ "It was gonna be my first single and I loved the song so much.” — Kacey Musgraves
- “We aired out any of the old laundry.” — Kacey Musgraves
- “that could be a really funny song.” — Kacey Musgraves
- “So in the end, everyone won because I was able to let go of something.” — Kacey Musgraves
The upcoming release of *Middle of Nowhere* marks a significant moment for Musgraves and Lambert, showcasing their ability to turn past conflicts into creative collaboration.
