Taylor Swift’s 2013 CMA Awards Performance<\/h3>\n
On Nov. 6, 2013, Swift took the CMA stage with an unlikely band.<\/p>\n
Alison Krauss<\/a> was seated to her right, and Sam Bush and Vince Gill <\/a>took chairs to her left. Edgar Myer and Eric Darken fill out the ensemble. Together they performed a hushed, acoustic version of “Red.<\/a>“<\/p>\n Taste of Country described the performance as “breathtaking and beautiful.” Swift led and harmonized with both Krauss and Gill at times, but the best part was the second verse, when the three vocalists traded lyrics.<\/p>\n It was a one-of-a-kind performance and a fine way to send Swift into the pop world with an invitation to return as she pleases. Watch the full performance \u2014 introduced by then-host Brad Paisley<\/a> \u2014 here:<\/p>\n That night, Swift also earned the Pinnacle Award.<\/p>\n Her nomination for Single of the Year is her 26th lifetime nomination. She became the youngest person to win Entertainer of the Year in 2009, and that record has held.<\/p>\n Fans had begun to suspect she would play the CMAs in recent weeks, as she’s signaled a return to country in some capacity.<\/p>\n In October of 2026, Swift was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, and during her speech she spoke fondly of her time in Nashville and in country music.<\/p>\n50 Greatest CMA Awards Moments of All Time<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n