September 3, 2024 – Country superstar Wynonna returned to the Austin City Limits stage Tuesday evening for the first time since her episode in 1997 for Season 22. “If you’re here for the first time, it’s about freakin’ time,” joked Wynonna to the exuberant studio audience. Bringing her vivacious showmanship and flair for onstage glam with her, Wynonna took the stage in a bejeweled velvet suit, with her unmistakable mane of perfectly coiffed red hair. Her career-spanning hour included classic chart-toppers from her legendary solo career, as well deeply personal new material, and tried-and-true hits from The Judds catalog.
Wynonna kicked the hour off with “What It Takes” and “I Saw The Light,” from her 1992 self-titled solo debut. Pausing between songs to tell stories and check in with the audience, it was clear the intimate studio setting offered a place where Wynonna’s humility and care for her fanbase could shine. “I have a fan who’s been with me since 1984. She’s been to 47 states. In country music, we stick with one another,” said the singer/songwriter.
“I’ve sung a lot of songs about love,” said Wynonna ahead of “Cry Myself To Sleep” from 1984 album Wynonna & Naomi. “This isn’t one of them. I’d like to dedicate this to my first ex-husband,” she continued to the cheering crowd.
She then gave a raw and heartfelt account of personal hardships she’s endured over the last two years, including the loss of her mother and second half of The Judds.“I thought I would die of a broken heart, but instead I went on tour,” said Wynonna, describing the healing power of music and the unyielding support of her fans. She went on to introduce “It’s All Downhill From Ashland,” and “Broken And Blessed,” written alongside husband and drummer Cactus Moser, and never before performed live. Though candid with the audience about being nervous to perform them, she delivered the two new songs beautifully to an enraptured audience, people standing from their seats after each song in two impassioned standing ovations. Wynonna bowed, taking in the love from the audience, visibly moved.
The second half of the hour was an electric joyride through some of the greatest hits from The Judds and Wynonna’s solo careers, including “Tell Me Why,” “Grandpa,” Why Not Me,” and, to close out the set, “No One Else on Earth.” By the end of the night, the studio audience was on their feet yet again giving the country legend standing ovation after standing ovation. You can catch Wynonna’s Austin City Limits episode when it airs on PBS later this year as part of our anniversary Season 50.
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Wynonna performs on Austin City Limits, September 3, 2024. Photos by Scott Newton.
Listen to the full set list from the Austin City Limits taping below:
BAND CREDITS:
Wynonna Judd – Lead Vocals, Guitar
Cactus Moser – Drums, BV
Dow Tomlin – Bass
Justin Weaver – Guitar, BV
Aaron Currie – Guitar
KC Martin – Keys, Organ
Josh Shilling – Keys, Organ, Accordion, BV
Jay Carlile – BV, Percussion
Matt Combs – Fiddle
Carlos Sosa – Sax
Fernando Castillo – Trumpet
Raul Vallejo – Trombone