Netizens have a lot to say about Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood’s tribute performance at a music event. While some swooned over their duet, others felt different, especially where Brooks was concerned.
On March 19, 2025, the Opry 100: A Live Celebration at Grand Ole Opry took place in Nashville, Tennessee. Some of country music’s biggest stars stepped out to attend the lively affair. Amid the musicians, country icons Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood collaborated to give a powerful tribute performance to fellow legends George Jones and Tammy Wynette.
Netizen comment about Garth Brooks’ performance, posted on March 20, 2025. | Source: Facebook/Country Rebel
Under the golden glow of the Grand Ole Opry stage, Yearwood stood poised and elegant beside her husband, her presence commanding yet effortlessly graceful. Dressed in a floor-length black gown that flowed with every movement, she radiated classic country glamour.
Draped over her shoulders was a rich, patterned shawl that added a regal touch, its intricate designs catching the stage lights as she sang.
Her blonde locks cascaded in soft waves, framing a face filled with warmth and expression, every note she delivered reflecting the passion she poured into the performance.
Dressed in classic Brooks fashion — denim jeans, a cowboy hat, and a dark button-up shirt — the country icon stood beside his wife, guitar in hand, embodying the spirit of traditional country music.
Trisha Yearwood singing while Garth Brooks strums his guitar. | Source: Getty Images
Together, Brooks and Trisha Yearwood took on “Golden Ring,” a song deeply embedded in country music history as a timeless duet by Jones and Wynette. Their voices intertwined seamlessly — Yearwood’s slightly higher pitch soaring over Brooks’ deep, steady alto tones, creating a harmony that felt both powerful and intimate.
The chemistry between them was undeniable, their shared love for the music and each other evident in every glance and lyric exchanged.
As the final chords rang out, Brooks removed his hat in a gesture of deep respect, and the audience erupted into applause.
Cheers filled the venue as attendees rose to their feet, giving the couple a well-earned standing ovation. It was a moment of pure country magic, cementing the night as one of the Grand Ole Opry’’ most unforgettable milestones.
At a different point during the affair, Brooks took the stage solo for a deeply personal tribute to Jones, delivering a performance that was as raw as it was powerful.
As he strummed his acoustic guitar, his voice carried the weight of the song’s meaning, thick with emotion. His deep, resonant vocals filled the venue, each note dripping with heartfelt sincerity. The audience sat captivated, some visibly moved, their expressions reflecting the sheer intensity of the moment.
At times, Brooks closed his eyes, letting the music guide him as he leaned into the depth of the lyrics. Passion radiated from him with every chord, his voice swelling with might as he honored Jones’ enduring legacy.
The intimate, soul-stirring moment was captured by a fan on TikTok, who recorded a snippet of the performance on their TV.
Following their tribute performances, Brooks and Yearwood found themselves at the center of online discourse, with netizens quick to share their thoughts on both the duet and Brooks’ solo. While some heaped praise on the couple’s rendition of “Golden Ring,” others were less than impressed — particularly where Brooks was concerned.
Several critics expressed disappointment in Brooks’ vocal delivery, with one person lamenting, “I love Garth but he’s loosing [sic] his voice.”
Another went further, bluntly stating, “Ruined a classic.” Harsh words continued to pour in, with a fellow spectator declaring, “Barf butchered the best country song ever.”
Others took issue with Brooks’ stylistic choices, with one individual remarking, “Wish Garth would have just sang [sic] the song instead of trying to impersonate George.” Another pointed out what they perceived as an unpolished execution, noting, “He had to read the words to the song.. very obviously I might add. Trisha was great!”
Some viewers were more concerned about Brooks’ appearance and demeanor, questioning whether something was amiss. “Garth looks in very poor health. Needs to seek medical care,” one commenter observed. Another questioned his overall stage presence while complimenting Yearwood.
However, not all feedback was negative. Many fans lauded Yearwood for her vocal prowess, with one gushing, “Trisha, you singing with Garth was absolutely amazing. Best [sic] part of the show tonight!!”
Trisha Yearwood and Garth Brooks. | Source: Getty Images
Another echoed the sentiment, exclaiming, “This show is amazing! Duet with Garth so [sic] wonderful.” The mixed reactions underscored just how passionately fans felt about the tribute — whether in praise or criticism, the performance certainly left an impact.
The couple’s widely-discussed tribute performance is not the first instance that Brooks received flak from the public.
