Nearly 30 years after her barefoot celebration at the CMA Awards, Deana Carter returned to “Strawberry Wine” at the Grand Ole Opry, where footage of her 1997 win was shown during a special anniversary event.
Carter performed the song on November 8, 2026, as the Opry marked the 60th anniversary of the Country Music Association Awards. The gathering brought together artists linked to memorable CMA moments, ahead of the awards’ official ceremony on November 18.
For Carter, the occasion connected a present-day performance with the moment that helped define her career. In 1997, “Strawberry Wine” earned her the CMA Award for Single of the Year. The song, released in 1996, was also recognized as Song of the Year, an award presented to its writers, Matraca Berg and Gary Harrison.
The 1997 moment
Carter had performed with Ricky Skaggs earlier in the evening and was backstage when the Single of the Year winner was announced. Skaggs presented the award, and Carter rushed onto the stage after hearing her name. She jumped repeatedly, her bare feet visible, then leapt into Skaggs’ arms before accepting the trophy.
The category also included George Strait’s “Carried Away” and “One Night At A Time,” Pam Tillis’ “All The Good Ones Are Gone,” and “It’s Your Love,” the duet by Tim McGraw and Faith Hill. Carter acknowledged the other nominees in her acceptance remarks, crediting them with making her happy and inspiring her songwriting.
The CMA Awards were held at the Grand Ole Opry from 1974 through 2004. The venue’s 2026 celebration looked back at that history, with Carter’s win among the episodes recalled on the Opry’s screens before she took the stage.
A reunion without Skaggs
Skaggs had been expected at the November event but was reportedly unable to attend because he was sick. As a result, the pair did not recreate their famous embrace. Carter’s performance instead brought the focus back to the song behind the 1997 award and the anniversary tribute.
The Opry event was held ahead of the 60th CMA Awards ceremony, scheduled for November 18, 2026.
