Carrie Underwood and Kelsea Ballerini’s Unforgettable Duet of “Walkaway Joe” Still Stirs Hearts

More than five years ago, Carrie Underwood and The Voice coach Kelsea Ballerini teamed up for a breathtaking country cover that remains one of the most moving performances in recent memory. On April 16, 2019, in Nashville, during Ballerini’s induction into the Grand Ole Opry, the two powerhouse vocalists graced the stage with an emotional rendition of Trisha Yearwood’s 1992 hit “Walkaway Joe”—a performance that is still a must-hear for country fans of all ages.

The duet marked the first time music lovers had the chance to see Underwood and Ballerini share the stage together, and the result was nothing short of magical. Their harmonies blended seamlessly, with soft, understated notes that paid homage to Yearwood’s original while allowing each singer’s unique vocal style to shine through. Their voices seemed made for this song, creating a perfect musical partnership that fans won’t soon forget.

A Perfect Blend of Emotion and Power

The heartbreaking narrative of “Walkaway Joe”—a tale of a young woman crushed by unrequited love—has long been a staple of country music, but Underwood and Ballerini brought a fresh intensity to it. The performance was both a tribute to Yearwood’s classic and a testament to the two women’s vocal prowess, delivering the song’s message with raw, undeniable emotion.

Throughout the performance, Ballerini’s energy captivated the audience. From her playful grooving during the mid-song instrumental solo to the sweet, tender moments when she mouthed the words Underwood was singing, Ballerini’s presence was magnetic. It’s easy to see why fans were drawn to her—and why the world is eagerly awaiting her coaching debut on The Voice in 2025!

“Walkaway Joe”: A Timeless Country Classic

Originally released by Trisha Yearwood in 1992, “Walkaway Joe” was the second single from her album Hearts in Armor and became a commercial success, reaching #2 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart in early 1993. The song was also nominated for a Grammy in the Best Country Vocal Performance — Female category, though it ultimately lost out to Mary Chapin Carpenter’s “Passionate Kisses.”

“Walkaway Joe” is also famous for its iconic background vocals by Don Henley, of “The Boys of Summer” fame. And who could forget the music video? Featuring a young Matthew McConaughey as the song’s romantic lead, the video is just as charming as you’d imagine, and it introduced McConaughey to the world well before his breakout role in the 1993 film Dazed and Confused.