The artist is the second recipient of the honor, following Toby Keith in 2023
It takes decades of hits and likability to become the People’s Choice, and Miranda Lambert‘s hard work will be rewarded at the People’s Choice Country Awards where she will accept “The Country Icon” award. The ceremony, which Shania Twain is hosting, takes place at Nashville’s Opry House and air on NBC and Peacock at 8 p.m. ET on Sept. 26.
Although the People didn’t get to choose Lambert specifically (voting for the other categories is still open through Friday), hits like “The House That Built Me,” “Heart Like Mine,” and “Mama’s Broken Heart” made her an executive choice. “A tour de force in country music for more than 20 years, Miranda Lambert’s groundbreaking albums continue to capture the hearts of fans around the world,” Jen Neal, executive vice president, live events and specials for NBCUniversal Entertainment, said in a statement. “We’re so excited to celebrate her career, fierce individualism, and innovation in the industry with the Country Icon Award.”
The honor, which Lambert acknowledged in her Instagram story with three blue hearts, arrives two weeks after the release of her ninth album, Postcards From Texas. Her previous record, 2022’s Palomino, earned her a Grammy nomination for Best Country Album. (Lambert is also the winningest artist in the history of the ACM Awards.)
The previous recipient for People’s Choice Country Icon Award was Toby Keith, who was diagnosed with stomach cancer in 2021. He nevertheless made the People’s Choice Country Awards his first televised appearance since the diagnosis, performing “Don’t Let the Old Man In” at the ceremony. He died after battling the illness in February.