Country superstar Wynonna Judd made her return to the CMT Music Awards in 2022 and she used the stage as a platform to support others who are struggling with mental health issues. However, this year’s appearance was bittersweet for her as it marked the first time she performed alone without her mother, Naomi Judd, who passed away by suicide only weeks after their TV performance at last year’s CMTs.
The Legacy of Naomi Judd
Naomi was a passionate advocate for country music and believed in its potential to bring families and cultures together during difficult times like those we have experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic or job losses. After winding down from touring, Naomi’s mental illness became severe, and she struggled to cope with depression.
Honoring Her Mother’s Memory
Wynonna is still grieving over her mother’s death but hopes to honor her memory by using her experiences and struggles to help others. She reveals that performing at the CMTs this year is a part of her grieving process. In an interview with People Magazine, she said, “I’m not healed yet. But I know my purpose now is firsthand experience,” adding that it feels like her mother is with her on this journey of healing.
Rehearsing for the Performance
Wynonna rehearsed for the performance alongside Ashley McBryde in Austin Texas ahead of the CMTs ceremony. The two singers had been preparing diligently for their upcoming debut television performance while working on hand choreography during “Love Can Build A Bridge.” Wynonna wore a simple black top and flowing lightweight cardigan while Ashley donned a one-sleeve black bodysuit that revealed several tattoos. Their performance included the use of a smoke machine coupled with raising hands up together as they sang.
An Update on Her Life after Naomi’s Death
Wynonna revealed in an Instagram post that she said goodbye to her mother at the hospital before she closed her eyes forever. Ashley Judd, who served as a spokesperson for their family, has been fighting to have some of the death investigation records sealed from the public. Most of them include sensitive information about the case, including handwritten notes by the detective on what happened during that fateful day, body camera photos of the scene and the weapon used, and photographs of texts between Ashley Judd and the Judd family psychologist. The sealed files also contain the pair of 911 calls made on that day, an audio recording of Naomi Judd, and dozens of photos from inside their family home.
The CMTs Performance
The Judds were nominated for CMT Performance of the Year for their performance of “Love Can Build a Bridge.” It was considered a bittersweet performance because it marked their last TV performance together before Naomi’s passing. For Wynonna, it was a moment to honor her mother’s memory and help others who are struggling with mental health just like her mom did.
Moving Forward
Wynonna is moving forward with her life after her mother’s death while still keeping Naomi’s memory alive through her music. She continues to tour and has been seeing fans singing along with her songs during her performances while paying tribute to her late mother through the joy of a concert.
In Conclusion
Wynonna Judd made her return to the CMT Music Awards as a platform to support others who are struggling with mental health issues. She rehearsed for an upcoming performance alongside Ashley McBryde ahead of the ceremony, worked on hand choreography, and was honored with a nomination for CMT Performance of the Year for “Love Can Build a Bridge.” While still healing from her mother’s death, she continues to tour and perform, paying tribute to her mother through the joy of a concert. She hopes to use the experiences and struggles from her life to help others cope with similar challenges.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
