1997 Power Ballad, Written for a Cult-Classic Action Film, Became One of Country Music's Biggest Controversies
It was in May of 1997 when Trisha Yearwood and LeAnn Rimes released competing versions of the same song, resulting in a moment that would go down in history as one of country music's biggest controversies.
That song was Diane Warren's "How Do I Live," and it was written for consideration for the blockbuster film Con Air, starring Nicolas Cage, John Cusack, and John Malkovich.
Rimes first recorded the tune at the tender age of 14, at the request of Walt Disney Pictures, and it was sent to their Touchstone Pictures label, where it was passed on as executives felt the version was too pop-leaning and that Rimes' youthful vocals weren't mature enough for the subject matter.
The production company, then, turned to Yearwood, who agreed to cut a vocal track. At the time, according to American Songwriter, Yearwood was also unaware that Rimes had already recorded the song, which made things even more confusing going forward.
While Yearwood's take on "How Do I Live" ended up being the one selected for the movie, both versions were serviced to radio on the same day (May 23, 1997), prompting radio stations to choose between the two.
Adding to the awkwardness, the competing versions of "How Do I Live" went head-to-head during the Grammy Awards in 1998, with Rimes and Yearwood earning a nomination for Best Female Country Vocal Performance. Ultimately, that triumph went to Yearwood, who also won over fellow nominees Deana Carter, Patty Loveless, and Pam Tillis.
Despite having two interpretations of the song out into the world, both renditions ended up having their own moment in the spotlight. Rimes's became a massive pop crossover hit, spending a record-breaking 69 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at No. 2.
Meanwhile, Yearwood's version was embraced by the country music genre, peaking at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. The song also became a crossover hit for Yearwood, landing at No. 23 on the Billboard all-genre Hot 100.
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This story was originally published May 26, 2026 at 9:43 PM.