Country music just had its moment, and it was absolutely fierce.
CMA Fest 2026 held its first-ever official drag event this weekend — the Miranda Lambert Crisco Disco Drag Brunch — on a Nashville rooftop packed with fans. Though Lambert herself didn't appear, her presence was everywhere: three local queens performed her greatest hits in full drag regalia, rhinestones, and attitude.
Drag legend Vidalia Anne Gentry opened in a show-stopping red wig, performing an exclusive first play of Lambert's brand-new song "Crisco." Alexia Noelle followed in hot pink satin with "Heads Carolina, Tails California," while Heather Sapphire closed in black leather and fringe for "Little Red Wagon." The room responded enthusiastically.
Katie Atkin, host of the U.K. country podcast Girls in Low Places, hosted the brunch. Though sponsored by Lambert's label MCA rather than part of CMA's official lineup, it drew significant attention. When Atkin polled the crowd, a handful admitted they'd never been to a drag show before. They left dancing and educated on proper etiquette. "When I looked out into the crowd, you could see that it meant so much to the people who were watching," Atkin said.
The context matters: only three openly queer artists — Ty Herndon, Angie K, and Morgxn — played official CMA Fest showcases this year. GLAAD hosted panel conversations, while the Cowgays (Brooke Eden, Chris Housman, Adam Mac) led a separate discussion at Music City Center.
This all occurred in Tennessee, where drag is heavily restricted under the Adult Entertainment Act. The brunch was 21+ only to comply with state law. Queer country artists are pushing for inclusion, and fans are responding.
Country music's queer moment just got louder.
