Singer Miranda Lambert paid tribute to country legend Loretta Lynn at the ACM Honors on Tuesday (01Sep15) by belting out the veteran's divorce song Rated X, just weeks after ending her marriage to Blake Shelton.

The Mama's Broken Heart hitmaker, who officially became single again in July (15), was all smiles as she took the stage at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee to perform the 1972 track.

The tune features lyrics like, "Well, if you've been a married woman and things didn't seem to work out/Divorce is the key to bein' loose and free so you're gonna be talked about".

The song caused controversy upon its release because of its frank content, which details the stigma women face after a divorce.

After the performance, Lambert presented Lynn with the Crystal Milestone Award to celebrate her 50-year career and told the crowd, "I'm so thankful for women empowerment."

The Academy of Country Music event also feted Eric Church, Alabama, and Luke Bryan, who picked up the Gene Weed Special Achievement Award in recognition of his chart success.

Jason Aldean, Kacey Musgraves and Hank Williams, Jr.'s daughter Holly also performed at the bash, which was hosted by singer Jake Owen.