Home / Arts and Entertainment / Grammy Night Drama: Teen Star's Heartbreak
Grammy Night Drama: Teen Star's Heartbreak
1 Feb
Summary
- Two versions of "How Do I Love" were released simultaneously.
- A teen singer performed before losing to another artist.
- Industry politics were blamed for the perceived snub.
In 1997, Diane Warren penned the hit song "How Do I Love," famously associated with the film Con Air. Initially, 14-year-old LeAnn Rimes recorded the track for the Walt Disney Pictures movie. Executives deemed her youthful vocals too pop-oriented, prompting a re-recording by Trisha Yearwood, whose version was chosen for the film.
Despite initial hesitations from LeAnn's label, Diane Warren convinced its founder to release her version, leading to both artists releasing their songs on May 23, 1997. LeAnn's version targeted pop radio, while Trisha's was sent to country stations, with both reaching number two on their respective charts.
The following year, the Grammy Awards made history by nominating both artists for Best Female Country Vocal Performance. At 15, LeAnn Rimes performed the song, only for Trisha Yearwood to win the award moments later. This event became a significant talking point, with critics deeming it insensitive to ask a teenager to perform before losing to the artist who had seemingly "replaced" her.
LeAnn Rimes later expressed her feelings of betrayal by industry politics. Trisha Yearwood, though unaware of LeAnn's version being considered for radio, expressed surprise at the situation and the subsequent competition. Both artists have maintained professional respect, though they have not publicly performed the song together.
