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Gwyneth Paltrow Proves She's 'Country Strong'

Frederick Breedon, FilmMagic

In what was arguably the most talked-about and widely scrutinized live-performance debut of a country singer ever, Gwyneth Paltrow proved her country chops at the 44th annual CMA Awards. The Oscar-winning actress belted the title track to her new movie, 'Country Strong,' in what was an impressive performance for a sold-out arena full of music industry insiders and fans, plus a TV viewing audience of millions.

Strumming a Gibson acoustic guitar, as Vince Gill joined on rhythm guitar and harmony, the blond beauty battled obvious nerves (and some discernible technical issues with audio equipment). Still, she triumphed, gaining better vocal ground -- and managing to appear a lot more confident -- by mid-song.

Does Gwyneth have a future in country music? Time will tell. But for now, she's got the brutal audition process out of the way and passed with flying colors.

Watch Gwyneth Perform 'Country Strong'


In the movie, 'Country Strong,' Gwyneth plays the role of Kelly Canter, a living legend in the music biz who is sidelined by alcoholism. Tim McGraw plays her manager/husband who pulls her out of rehab in an attempt to resurrect her career with a comeback tour. Leighton Meester and Garrett Hedlund play opening acts on the tour -- both budding singers who look up to Kelly.

Ironically, Tim is the only main cast member who doesn't sing in the movie. He does, however, have a duet with his on-screen leading lady on the soundtrack, which also features a song by his off-screen wife, Faith Hill, along with tracks by Trace Adkins, Ronnie Dunn, Sara Evans, Patty Loveless, Hank Williams, Jr., Lee Ann Womack and Chris Young. Tim served as executive producer of the CD, which also features four songs recorded by Gwyneth, one by Leighton and one by Garrett. See the full track listing here.

'Country Strong' hits theaters in limited release on December 22 and nationwide in January. Watch a preview of the movie here.






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Nudiecowboys

She did good. No range in her vocals.

November 16 2010 at 3:42 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
bill wallace

She stinks, so does Swift.....man, these so-called good looking blonds are just that....all legs and good looking nothing more....I know that sells records, but her song has no great tone or anything its like another country song made by a good looking women.....

November 11 2010 at 1:36 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
allpromaterials

isn't it amazing how smoothly an event can go when you don't have morons like kanye west around??

November 11 2010 at 1:30 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
kathy

When did cma awards become pop country?? If paltrow was on any other show she would of been booted! You could hear ever gasp she took! Cma is a circus now, where were toby,willie, those are the true country singers!

November 11 2010 at 1:30 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
powermonkee

She did a great job!

November 11 2010 at 12:49 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Lindsy

Regardless of how Taylor Swift did (agree not her best performance at all!), Gweneth did good. However, she did NOT steal the show! There were so many other amazing performances all night long and if she had sung at the beginning of the night her performance would not have been remembered so strongly. She got lucky that it was at the end of the night and is still fresh in everyone's minds.
Yes, she is one of the rare Hollywood people who can do both, act and sing, but I don't see her winning song, album or artist of the year any time soon.

November 11 2010 at 11:40 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to Lindsy's comment
Lindsy

typo Gwyeth!

November 11 2010 at 11:40 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Tracey L. McNeel

She started singing (if not secretly sooner) in a movie called Duets...as several people were traveling to various locations and entering karoke contests to win money...Huey Lewis was in it, and two other popular actors were in that movie as well.

November 11 2010 at 11:36 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Siriscnetn

This is classic traditional country at its best. Sorta' reminds me of when Randy Travis made it big time. Country music had left its roots and was leaning towards rock n' roll and he brought that honesty and simplicity back. Country music on the radio today is sadly lacking. Everybody wants to be a Jimmy Buffett wanta' be and sings stupid good time party songs. Redneck Riviera crap. Vince Gill, George Strait, Alison Krauss, and others keeping it true. Ms. Paltrow should duet with one of these. Nice performance!

November 11 2010 at 11:34 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
nitro276

I give Gwyneth a lot of credit for getting up front ot that crowd and pulling that off. That was no easy feat. She is an actress by trade, not a singer. And, she was stepping out of her element and into theirs. Think of being in her shoes, accomplished actress or not, her first live performance, and she was looking out at Reba, Kenny Chesney, LeAnn Rimes, Keith Urban, Miranda Lambert, Kid Rock, Martina McBride, and on and on---very tough. I think Vince Gill beside her was a big boost. Great job Gywenth!

November 11 2010 at 11:33 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Mona

WHY can't people just be nice??!

November 11 2010 at 11:33 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply