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On Monday night, April 6, 2009, the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas transformed into the heart of country music as the industry’s most celebrated artists gathered to honor George Strait, the undisputed King of Country.
The ACM Artist of the Decade concert paid tribute to Strait’s legendary career with a star-studded lineup that included Blake Shelton, Lee Ann Womack, Alan Jackson, Faith Hill, Brooks & Dunn, and Toby Keith. It was a night filled with admiration, music, and reflection on the immense influence Strait has had on the genre.

Among the evening’s standout moments was a performance by a then-19-year-old Taylor Swift, already a rising star in country music and just on the verge of crossing into global pop superstardom. Swift took the stage and shared a personal memory from when she was only 16 years old and had the opportunity to open for George Strait on tour.

She described feeling overwhelmed by the size of the arenas and turning to Strait for guidance. “I’d never been on a big stage before or sung in an arena, so I asked him if he had any advice about performing in the round,” she recalled. Strait, known for his calm wisdom, answered, “Yes, I do.” Taylor continued, “I sensed I needed to ask a follow-up question, so I said, ‘How do you do that?’” Strait’s reply was classic: “Just do it for about 25 years and it’ll feel real natural.”

Following the anecdote, Swift performed what she described as her “absolute favorite” George Strait song—the 2001 hit “Run.” Dressed in a shimmering sequined outfit, she delivered a touching and vocally rich rendition that resonated deeply with the audience. Her performance quickly made waves on social media, where fans praised it as one of the finest covers of the beloved classic.

The highlight of the moment came when Swift shared the stage with George Strait himself, their warm smiles and chemistry creating an unforgettable duet. The emotional energy in the room was palpable as the two generations of country music artists bridged the gap through a shared love of timeless music.

The entire night was a testament to George Strait’s enduring legacy and to the power of storytelling through song, leaving the crowd in awe and the country music community deeply moved.