Miranda Lambert kicked off the 2026 NASCAR season in style as the headliner for the Daytona 500 pre-race concert at Daytona International Speedway, performing in front of more than 100,000 fans. Despite admitting she felt the pressure of such a massive stage, Lambert said the race-day crowd made her feel right at home, already buzzing with excitement like a concert audience. Once she took the stage, any nerves disappeared as she confidently delivered a standout performance.
Her set was described as “short and sweet,” featuring fan favorites like “Fastest Girl in Town” and “Little Red Wagon.” The biggest surprise of the night came when Lambert performed a cover of “Choosin’ Texas,” a chart-topping hit by Ella Langley that Lambert co-wrote. The song was inspired by a humorous real-life story Lambert once shared about being pulled over with a baby kangaroo in her car. The unexpected cover highlighted her personal connection to the track and her longtime passion for animal advocacy.
“Choosin’ Texas” has recently reached No. 1 on multiple charts, marking Lambert’s first time topping the Billboard Hot 100. Her performance of the song at the Daytona 500 further cemented its significance, giving fans a rare glimpse into the story behind the hit and her role in its creation.
Beyond her success as a performer, Lambert has solidified her reputation as one of country music’s most influential artists and songwriters. In addition to her own string of award-winning albums and singles, she has written for several major stars, including “Thought You Should Know” for Morgan Wallen and “Outrunnin’ Your Memory” for Luke Combs, on which she also appears as a featured artist.
Her collaborative work extends to artists such as Chris Stapleton, Jelly Roll, and Brothers Osborne, reflecting her versatility and creative range within the industry.
With her commanding performance at the Daytona 500 and her continued success as both a singer and songwriter, Miranda Lambert once again proved why she remains the leading female country artist of her generation—capable of owning any stage, from sold-out arenas to one of racing’s biggest events.
@torreestory Miranda Lambert singing Choosin’ Texas at at Daytona 500 #mirandalambert #daytona500 #nascar ♬ original sound – Torree
