On a recent episode of American Idol (Season 23, during the Top 10 “Iconic Women’s Songs” night in May 2025), the multi-platinum star served double duty: first as a guest mentor to the aspiring contestants, then lighting up the stage with a scorching live performance of her breakthrough 2005 hit “Kerosene”.
As the opening chords blasted through the speakers, the energy in the room shifted instantly. The audience erupted—the judges’ panel of Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood, and Luke Bryan locked in from the first note. Luke Bryan, a fellow country heavyweight, couldn’t contain his grin, nodding and beaming like the ultimate proud fanboy. Carrie Underwood, no stranger to powerhouse vocals herself, looked visibly impressed by Lambert’s raw fire and precision.
Lambert delivered the track with the same fierce, unapologetic edge that made it her debut single and first Top 20 hit on the Billboard Hot Country chart two decades ago. Celebrating the 20th anniversary of her iconic album Kerosene, she proved the song hasn’t aged a day—still packed with sass, revenge-fueled attitude, and that signature twang that defines modern country grit.
The performance was pure electricity: confident struts, killer vocals, and an effortless command of the stage that left no doubt about her status as one of the greatest live acts in the genre. If anyone needed a reminder that Miranda Lambert can torch a stage and own every second, this was it.
Judges and viewers alike were left breathless. Social media lit up with praise, calling it “fire and sass from the Country Queen” and a masterclass in performance. As one outlet put it, she didn’t just perform—she set the stage ablaze.
Miranda Lambert: still the queen. Still untouchable. And “Kerosene” still burns bright. 🔥👑
