Miranda Lambert Ignites Debate with Fiery “Kerosene” Performance on American Idol

The video captures 41-year-old country superstar Miranda Lambert setting the stage ablaze as she belts out her breakout 2005 hit “Kerosene” during her May 4, 2025 appearance on American Idol. But while the performance lit up the stage, it was the firestorm online that truly stole the spotlight.

Stepping out in a striking black outfit adorned with shimmering silver accents, flared pants, and a western-style belt, Lambert embodied the boldness of her signature sound. Her long blonde hair flowed effortlessly under the glow of a neon-lit sign spelling out her name, while a star-speckled backdrop provided a dramatic country-rock ambiance. From the moment she took the mic, Lambert exuded confidence, commanding the stage with the seasoned poise of a veteran performer.

Backed by a tight live band, Lambert delivered a powerful and faithful rendition of “Kerosene,” the smoldering anthem that catapulted her into country music stardom two decades ago. Her vocals remained solid and controlled, and the arrangement stayed true to the original — a nod to longtime fans who cherish the early days of her career.

However, while her voice remained steady, reactions online were anything but. Social media platforms lit up with commentary, and the response was sharply divided.

Some viewers criticized her stage presence, suggesting it lacked the dynamism expected of a star of her caliber. One user quipped, “She was giving us bare minimum stage presence and I love that for her 🤣.” Another was more blunt, writing, “Plugged my ears the entire performance! I can't stand her! Especially after the whole selfie situation. I’ll never pay to see her.”

The reference was to a previous incident involving Lambert halting a concert to scold fans for taking selfies mid-show — a moment that sparked its own wave of controversy last year and clearly left a lasting impression on some.

On the flip side, many fans leapt to her defense, praising both her appearance and vocal performance. Compliments ranged from admiration of her physical transformation — “She looks awesome, lost a lot of weight 😻” — to heartfelt support: “Miranda, you're absolutely amazing! 🔥 I love you.”

As polarizing as the performance may have been, it undeniably kept people talking — a testament to Lambert’s enduring ability to spark conversation and command attention nearly 20 years after her big break. Whether celebrated or critiqued, she continues to be a lightning rod in the world of country music, and her American Idol appearance proved that she's still as impactful as ever.