• Nov.11. 2010



Fans are used to checking out Gwyneth Paltrow as a red-carpet regular, Oscar-winning screen vet, Jay-Z and Beyonc+é pal and aficionado. But down-home, country crooner? Not so much.

With her turn as a Nashville great overcoming drug addiction opposite Tim McGraw in "Country Strong," which slated to hit theaters next year, Paltrow is using the upcoming months to prove she's got serious vocal chops. So Wednesday night (November 10) the "Iron Man" actress chose one of the biggest nights in Country music, the CMA Awards, to demonstrate her mic skills.

Joined by country veteran Vince Gill, Paltrow made her live singing debut with the track "Country Strong," from the movie's soundtrack. With her wavy blonde locks and a dark clingy minidress, Paltrow looked ready to rock another red carpet appearance. But she boldly hit the song's high notes with a steady, even voice like a country pro. Paltrow became visibly more comfortable as she knocked down the second verse, belting, "I may lose, but I'll always keep my faith, 'cause I'm country strong!" With images of clouds moving through the monitors and Gill looking on with a smile, Paltrow received a standing ovation