Carrie Underwood Brings Entertainer of the Year-Worthy Show to Nashville
Carrie Underwood brought her much-buzzed-about Storyteller Tour to Nashville's Bridgestone Arena on Thursday, and she did not disappoint.
Superstar Carrie Underwood brought her much-buzzed-about Storyteller Tour to Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Thursday, and the current four-time CMA Awards nominee and co-host did not disappoint.
Taking the stage around 8:40 pm singing “Renegade Runaway,” Underwood was welcomed by a roar of applause from the sold-out Music City crowd. Donning her signature smile and heels only she could pull off performing in, Underwood commanded her one-of-a-kind 360° stage for the next 90+ minutes, proving she’s more than deserving of that CMA Entertainer of the Year nod.
Her set included five costume changes and a 22-song set list that took fans through her impressive catalogue, from “Jesus Take the Wheel,” to her current single, “Dirty Laundry.”
While Underwood’s vocals are flawless no matter what she’s singing, her pipes always seem to stand out on ballads, and last night was no different. One of the most memorable moments of the evening was her tribute to the one and only Dolly Parton.
“As a woman in country music, there are so many women to look up to,” Underwood told the audience. “One of those women is Dolly Parton. I feel it’s only fitting to pay tribute to the queen in Nashville, Tennessee.”
She went on to sing a stunning a cappella version of “I Will Always Love You” that had jaws dropping all around the arena.
Another highlight was her emotional performance of “What I Never Knew I Always Wanted,” a song she co-wrote for her 18-month-old son, Isaiah.
“I’d like to dedicate this song to all the moms in this room and their families,” she said. “I want to say a special thanks to the support systems that moms have in their lives.”
Although she confessed, “there’s no way I’m going to make it through this next song,” she didn’t even miss a note (despite the tears rolling down her face).
The Storyteller Tour gives fans a taste of quite a bit of material from the Oklahoma native’s latest album of the same name, including “Clock Don’t Stop” and the chart-toppers “Church Bells,” “Heartbeat,” and “Smoke Break.”
Underwood closed the show with a breathtaking performance of her Grammy Award-winning hit “Something in the Water.” It was one of several performances of the night that solidified what I’ve known for years: Underwood is the best female vocalist in the format. Period.
After the show, Underwood hosted a private party for friends and members of the music industry. Guests were treated to light snacks, Storyteller-themed drinks, and cupcakes made by her friend Ivey Childers of Ivey Cake.
After another quick outfit change, Underwood attended the party to mix and mingle with guests. Among the attendees were several young female acts, including Kelsea Ballerini, Mickey Guyton, and Courtney Cole.
Underwood graciously thanked everyone for coming out to the show, but we were the ones who were thankful…Thankful for a night of great music and to have such a talented and humble artist represent country music.
