Vince Gill has sung with many of the top stars in country music, but one of his most unexpected collaborations was with Oscar-winning actress Gwyneth Paltrow.

Paltrow starred alongside Tim McGraw in the 2010 feature film Country Strong, in which she played Kelly Canter, a country superstar who is trying to mount a comeback after a stint in rehab. McGraw plays her controlling husband/manager, and Paltrow worked hard to prepare for the role, taking vocal lessons and even learning to play guitar.

One of the climactic scenes in the film is a triumphant performance of the title song, "Country Strong," and Paltrow debuted the song in a much-touted live performance at the CMA Awards that year, accompanied by Gill, who played guitar and sang harmony vocals. Though she started off a bit hesitant, Paltrow gained her footing by mid-song and ended up turning in a performance that earned her a burst of applause from one of the most critical, seen-it-all audiences in the business, with Gill beaming at her as she delivered the winning performance.

Paltrow became a country music fan while filming in Nashville.

“I never expected that it would become a part of who I am,” she told the Boot. “It was a completely unexpected side-effect of doing the movie … I’m completely converted."

That's due in no small part to the unique spirit of Music City.

“There’s a real love and respect between people in the industry here, which is palpable and sets the stage for creativity and that kind of freedom when you feel supported and respected by other musicians,” she added. “It sets you up to win, and the whole town is brimming with creativity.”

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