Miranda Lambert Clarifies 2010 Bar Altercation with Chad Kroeger
Country music star Miranda Lambert cleared up a 15-year-old rumor during an appearance on The New York Times’ Popcast, confirming that she threw moonshine in Nickelback frontman Chad Kroeger’s face during a 2010 bar altercation. Lambert told the hosts she felt “nervous” and “anxious” while discussing the “ridiculous” and “magical” moment.
When asked by co-host Jon Caramanica about the condition of Kroeger’s hair at the time, Lambert admitted she “wrecked it” and noted that “it was just a late night, and no one was in their best state.” Yahoo News Canada noted that Lambert added with a smirk regarding their current relationship status, “I don’t know if we’re fine now—but I don’t care.”
Blake Shelton Referenced the Bar Incident in 2014
The long-rumored incident first gained public attention when Lambert’s ex-husband, Blake Shelton, referenced the event during a 2014 Rolling Stone cover story. Shelton described how people frequently tried to test Lambert at bars, noting an encounter with the lead singer of a popular rock band whose initials were C.K., though he declined to name him at the time. Kroeger has not publicly addressed the incident.
Yahoo News Canada reported that Lambert has since connected with Kroeger’s ex-wife, Avril Lavigne, with whom they were married from 2013 to 2015. Lambert noted that she and Lavigne are on good terms following a recent collaboration. The revelation surrounding the 2010 altercation coincides with the release of Lambert’s 11th studio album, Crisco, which blends country and disco influences following her recent CMA Award nominations and a string of chart successes.
Lambert is currently married to former NYPD officer Brendan McLoughlin, whom she described to Cowgirl Magazine in 2025 as a “grounding spot” and said, “I’m so lucky to have him as my husband.” Shelton married Gwen Stefani in 2021.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2010 Incident
Did Miranda Lambert punch Chad Kroeger?
No, Lambert disputed rumors of a physical punch during her appearance on The New York Times’ Popcast, clarifying that she threw moonshine in his face rather than hitting him.
When did the altercation with the Nickelback frontman take place?
The incident occurred during a late-night bar outing in 2010, though details of the encounter were not widely discussed publicly until Blake Shelton mentioned them in a 2014 interview.
How has Chad Kroeger responded to the claims?
Kroeger has not publicly addressed the incident.
Are Miranda Lambert and Avril Lavigne on good terms?
Yes, Yahoo News Canada reported that Lambert confirmed she and Lavigne—who was married to Kroeger from 2013 to 2015—are on good terms after recently working together on a collaboration.
Did you know? Miranda Lambert’s recent career milestones include co-writing the track “Choosin’ Texas” sung by Ella Langley, which spent 23 weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot 100. This performance broke previous records of 22 weeks at No.1 held by Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You” and Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You.”
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