Carrie Underwood concert
In recapping the Carrie Underwood concert to a co-worker this morning, three words kept popping up in my mind.
Classy. Talented. Genuine.
Of all the concerts I’ve seen in Sioux City, Carrie Underwood gets the nod for best pure vocals. She belted out every note where she needed it. When the situation called for it, she also displayed an innocent tenderness like in “I Know You” which began the encore.
Before the event, I made a wish list as to what I wanted to see last night. Let’s see how she did:
1) a cute kid on stage with her – nope. However, she did do a great job with the youngsters backstage. I believe every one of them was treated like a rock star by Carrie.
2) a Hunter / Carrie duet – YES Great moment in the concert
3) $3 beers (I can dream) – No, however very little lines all night. This was so NOT a beer drinking concert compared to Eric Church and Luke Bryan. The fact that the event was held on a Monday may have had some effect too.
4) 5 costume changes (one with a Muskies jersey) – I counted 5. No, Muskies jersey though.
5) 3 references to Sioux City and not one to Sioux Falls - I believe 2 or 3 Sioux City references and Sioux Falls was shut out.
6) Blown Away fans - a strong fan made an appearance in her 5th song…and of course, we had a twister in the end!
7) one unplugged (voice only) performance – She displayed her voice all throughout the night, but no unplugged..
Other observations:
• Hunter Hayes could be Gary Allan’s son. He had the same kind of mannerisms and passion on stage!
• I liked the deejay before and after Hunter Hayes I thought it was a good way to keep the momentum going – very diverse playlist from Journey to Tone Loc to Maroon 5 to Alabama I can’t remember the last time I heard Tone Loc – probably a mix tape in 6th grade?
• Saw A LOT of mother / daughter combos at the TEC Too bad Carrie didn’t do “Mama’s Song” It would have fit the demographics of the show and VERY timely on the day after Mother’s Day
• Hunter Hayes is a star. At times, he got a bigger cheer than Carrie – especially during “Wanted” He should definitely come to back to Sioux City to headline.
• Man, that was some light show. Most lights ever at the TEC?
• This show was so much better than her last show in 2009 She seemed more confident, more seasoned and obviously had much more production and sizzle in this offering
Partly Personal #1 – I LOVE the fact the last few country shows have been so well attended and had completely different vibes. Country music has such a diverse spectrum of sound and personalities. The demographics on this show SO much different than Eric Church or Luke Bryan.
Partly Personal #2 – After my failed backstage opportunity 4 years ago (I thought it went well – my loving co-workers and friends said it was just nervous laughter by Carrie), I took the advice of Facebook nation and Candice Nash. I told her how I really appreciated the fact she really cuts music that are compelling and genuine to me and KSUX listeners. No nervous laughter. It just felt like I was talking to a friend in the frozen foods aisle at Hy Vee. She seemed like a friend. That’s the glory of the country music format, right?
Tony Michaels
KSUX Program Director
TNC Morning Show
Sioux City, IA
KSUXTonyM on Twitter
