- During a performance, country music icon Wynonna Judd looked unsteady and unlike her former self, sparking concern among fans and followers.
- Her recent performances have been marked by an apparent struggle, leading to speculation about her health.
- This transformation in Judd's life can be traced back to a personal tragedy and challenges she has faced over the years.
Wynonna Judd performs at "A Night of HOPE" on November 21, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada | Source: Getty Images
Wynonna Ellen Judd, the celebrated country music vocalist, recently took the stage at the Grand Ole Opry's live broadcast on November 14, 2023. The 59-year-old singer is known for her powerful voice and commanding stage presence; fans eagerly anticipate and enjoy her performances. However, her appearance during the performance raised eyebrows and sparked concern among her fans.
Wynonna Judd at the 2008 ALMA Awards on August 17, 2008 in Pasadena, California | Source: Getty Images
As she performed her hit song "No One Else On Earth," it became apparent that something was amiss. Observant fans and audience members noted that Judd seemed to be reading parts of her lyrics, an unusual occurrence for the seasoned performer. Her demeanor and appearance were markedly different from the Judd that fans had come to know and love.
Wynonna Judd performs at the 2008 "Stagecoach: California's Country Music Festival" - Day 2 on May 3, 2008 in Indio, California | Source: Getty Images
Comments on Instagram reflected this concern, with one fan noting, "Something is up with her," and another asking, "What's wrong with her face?" Another fan added, "She doesn't look like herself." Fans also pointed out that Judd didn't seem to know the lyrics to her own song, which was surprising and worrying. One fan commented, "She doesn't know the words to her own song? I even know the words to this song. I think everyone does."
Another echoed this sentiment, "That wasn't good, and she kept looking at the prompter for a song she's been singing for probably 8 years." Judd's performance at the CMA Awards had also raised concerns earlier in the same month. She had joined country newcomer Jelly Roll for a duet of his hit "Need a Favor." However, her unsteady gait and apparent reliance on Jelly Roll for support had fans on X voicing their worries.
One fan hypothesized, "Wondering if she's having another severe bout of Vertigo. Looking down, holding on for dear life, and barely moving…makes sense." Another one asked, "Why is Wynonna Judd gripping Jelly like that…and why is she screaming the words? It looks like she doesn't even know the words!" Another viewer echoed, "I'm worried about Wynonna Judd on this opening song from the CMA Awards. She looked like she could barely walk, grabbed Jelly Roll's jacket, and didn't MOVE."
Jelly Roll and Wynonna Judd perform during the 57th Annual CMA Awards on November 08, 2023 in Nashville, Tennessee | Source: Getty Images
One fan asked, "Is Wynonna Judd okay?" while another expressed hope for her well-being, saying, "Right. The way she had ahold of him for dear life. Hope she's ok." Another fan noted, "I noticed that. She looks frail. God bless her." After her performances, Judd addressed the concerns on social media.
She confessed, "I read the comments. And I'm just going to come clean with you all. I was so freaking nervous." She attributed her nervousness to her aspiration to deliver a stellar performance for Jelly Roll, an artist she greatly admires. Judd reassured her fans, "All is well!" and announced that she was heading to Texas to continue her "Back to Wy Tour."
Judd has faced personal challenges and tragedies that have profoundly impacted her. One of the most significant was the loss of her mother, her former performance partner, on April 30, 2022, due to mental illness. This tragic event left Judd and her sister navigating through deep grief and uncharted territory.
Wynonna Judd and Naomi Judd sing during the Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial celebration on November 13, 2006 in Washington, DC | Source: Getty Images
Five months after her mother's demise, Judd reflected on the heartbreaking loss. She discussed the perplexing nature of mental illness and the struggle to find answers. She remembered her mother as a resilient woman who never surrendered despite facing numerous challenges. Judd noted that this resilience extended even to her mother's decision to take her own life.
Wynonna Judd and Naomi Judd attend the 5th Annual TV Land Awards in Santa Monica, California | Source: Getty Images
In response to her grief, Judd chose to keep moving forward. She returned to the music she and her mother cherished, proceeding with "The Judds: The Final Tour." However, the period leading up to her mother's death was characterized by a painful disconnection. Judd had been on tour with her husband, drummer Cactus Moser, often leaving her mother alone. Judd expressed regret for being so preoccupied during this time.
Naomi Judd performs during day 2 of "Stagecoach," California's Country Music Festival on May 3, 2008 in Indio, California | Source: Getty Images
Wynonna Judd and Naomi Judd attend the 2022 CMT Music Awards on April 11, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee | Source: Getty Images
The last encounter between Judd and her mother occurred at the April 11 CMT Awards, where they performed their hit song "Love Can Build a Bridge." Judd expressed gratitude that the last words she shared with her mother were, "I love you." Judd has been striving to accept her mother's unexpected demise at the age of 76. She said she was going through the stages of acceptance, surrender, and the subsequent quest for purpose.
Wynonna Judd cries at the memory of her mother Naomi Judd from a video dated May 16, 2022 | Source: youtube.com/@EntertainmentTonight
Wynonna Judd cries at the memory of her mother Naomi Judd from a video dated May 16, 2022 | Source: youtube.com/@EntertainmentTonight
In 2023, Judd shared on Instagram that she was suffering from a severe bout of Vertigo, which prevented her from performing in Nashville as planned. She shared, "I am on the bus struggling with an extreme bout of vertigo and am unable to perform." Her struggles elicited sympathy from her fans, who commented on the difficulty of dealing with Vertigo.
Wynonna Judd at the PEAK Antifreeze Indy 300 on September 9, 2007 in Joliet, Illinois | Source: Getty Images
Wynonna Judd cries at the memory of her mother Naomi Judd from a video dated May 16, 2022 | Source: youtube.com/@People
One fan, who seemed to have personal experience with the condition, commented, "I know people who have had Vertigo had to crawl on the floor to be able to move around. Great job!” Another fan echoed this sentiment, saying, "I read that she has Vertigo. You could see how it was affecting her, and she still gave it 100%." Another fan remarked, "Vertigo is hell! You always feel like you're going to fall or pass out! BLESS HER HEART!"
Wynonna Judd performs live on November 26, 2007 in Hollywood, Florida | Source: Getty Images
On December 8, 2023, Judd shared a picture of herself with the caption, "It's almost time for Christmas at the Opry!" Fans noticed that she seemed to have lost weight, with comments like "You look so good and skinny!" and "Amazing weight loss!" making rounds. Others complimented her, with one fan pointing out that Judd "looked absolutely stunning and gorgeous," while others chimed in, saying she looked "Beautiful and amazing as always."
Wynonna Judd attends the 2006 CMT Music Awards in Nashville, Tennessee | Source: Getty Images
Wynonna Judd attends the 2006 Billboard Music Awards in Las Vegas, Nevada | Source: Getty Images
Judd's battle with weight began in her childhood, following her parents' divorce. She found herself turning to food for comfort during these lonely years. Her career took off at 18 with a No. 1 record and a country-wide tour, but the loneliness persisted, and she turned to food for solace. Her weight issues intensified further after her divorce from her husband. In an interview with Oprah Winfrey, Judd confessed that this was when she was at her heaviest.
Wynonna Judd attends the 2023 CMT Music Awards on April 02, 2023 in Austin, Texas | Source: Getty Images
Wynonna Judd during the 39th Annual CMA Awards in New York City | Source: Getty Images
Wynonna Judd during CMT Giants Honoring Reba McEntire in Hollywood, California | Source: Getty Images
In 2010, Judd managed to lose 55 pounds. She described the feeling as being "more alive." This newfound vitality was something she cherished, especially after experiencing two health scares in the same year. In March 2010, she had surgery to repair damage to her stomach muscles, which led to the discovery of blood clots in her lungs. A few months later, she was involved in a head-on collision in Salt Lake City.
As part of her healthier lifestyle, Judd underwent brain state conditioning. This treatment is designed to help patients resist the urge to turn to food during stressful situations. In an interview with People, Wynonna Judd shared her realization that her weight was a symptom, not the problem. She admitted using food to soothe and reward herself, a habit she no longer indulges in.
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