“If I Had Only Known…” — A Star-Studded Night of Song and Sorrow Honors Texas Flood Victims at Q2 Stadium
Austin, Texas – July 11, 2025
Under the heavy Texas sky, where grief still hangs over the landscape and floodwaters have only just begun to recede, music rose like a heartfelt prayer.
A Moving Tribute Beneath the Lone Star
On the evening of July 11, Q2 Stadium in Austin became the setting for a special benefit concert to remember the victims of the devastating Hill Country floods. Those relentless storms have claimed at least 93 lives, left more than 180 people missing, and forced thousands from their homes across communities such as Kerrville, Hunt, Comfort, and Ingram.
Presented by the Grand Ole Opry in collaboration with local charities and first responders, the event united country music icons Reba McEntire, Kelly Clarkson, and Blake Shelton in a once-in-a-lifetime performance that brought thousands to tears.
A Performance That Stilled a Crowd
As images of ruined houses, submerged schools, and rescue helicopters flickered on a giant LED screen, the three artists emerged into soft, golden stage lights. With nothing but a few piano chords to guide them, they began to sing “If I Had Only Known”—a ballad steeped in regret, loss, and enduring love.
Midway through their performance, Reba McEntire, overcome by emotion, turned to Kelly Clarkson and embraced her. Tears streamed down both of their faces. The packed stadium of over 25,000 fell into reverent silence—an atmosphere more akin to a collective moment of mourning than a typical concert.
Nearby, Blake Shelton stood motionless, his hand pressed to his chest, gazing up at the screen as footage of families wading through chest-high waters played behind him. A single tear escaped his eye as he delivered the final, haunting verse.
“It wasn’t just a tribute,” one volunteer later reflected. “It felt like a funeral for a state still trying to catch its breath.”
The Human Cost
The floods began on July 4, when unprecedented rainstorms swelled the Guadalupe River and its tributaries beyond capacity. Entire neighborhoods vanished in minutes. Cell towers collapsed. Bridges gave way. Among the most heart-wrenching losses were dozens of children at summer camps, many separated from their counselors in the sudden rush of water.
“We didn’t just lose houses,” said Julia Morales of Comfort. “We lost our stories, our memories—and some of our brightest young souls.”
An Outpouring of Hope
Despite the pain, the disaster has inspired an extraordinary wave of compassion. Over 10,000 volunteers have answered the call, providing food, cleanup assistance, and grief counseling. Faith communities of all backgrounds have opened their doors as shelters and distribution centers. To date, more than $35 million has been raised in just one week to rebuild homes, schools, and mental-health programs.
Country stars including Willie Nelson, Kacey Musgraves, and George Strait are already planning follow-up benefit concerts to keep the momentum of support alive.
“A Song for the Ones Who Didn’t Come Back”
As the final notes faded, Reba stepped forward, her voice trembling: “This song was for the ones who didn’t come back… and for all of us trying to carry on.” Thousands in the stadium joined hands, many wiping away tears, as the giant screen went dark and then illuminated the names of every confirmed victim.
The list scrolled for nearly three minutes, a stark reminder of lives cut short. In the stillness that followed—broken only by a gentle breeze—an entire community stood together, reaffirming that even in the darkest floods, music and love will always find a way to rise.