Carrie Underwood & Hunter Hayes Bring Country to the East Coast
Over the past year, country music has grown on me as a genre. While I was at home in Arizona, it was great because we had plenty of country music; but after moving out to Philadelphia, there was only a limited amount. Seeing that Carrie Underwood would be coming to town in late November accompanied by another favorite, Hunter Hayes, I finally had some country to look forward to. The Blown Away tour would showcase two great artists and was bound
to be a perfect show. Clad in boots, jeans, and flannel, a few friends and I showed up to Wells Fargo center on a cool November night ready for some country music.
At 7:30pm, screams could be heard from the thousands of girls as Hunter took to the stage. Playing a 40 minute set that showcased songs from his debut album out earlier this year along with a few covers, Hunter commanded the stage and made sure each audience member was having a good time. The set also included a cover of Andy Grammer’s “Keep Your Head Up.” The stage was covered in equipment that had lyrics to “Wanted” written all over it which made for a cool look. Each band member had a smile on their face though none were as bright as Hunter’s. His genuine love of music was visible as he powered through the set. While singing his hit “Storm Warning” to close out the set, the girls screamed louder and many were wishing that the set would continue on longer.
At 8:40, it was time for Carrie. After a detailed and visually interesting opening filled with music and visuals on the multiple screens, a door opened and Carrie was on stage ready to play for the next hour and forty minutes. Opening with edgy song “Good Girl,” Carrie’s strong and powerful voice filled the arena. After a few songs in her first dress, it was time for the first of five seamless transitions. As Carrie left the stage to change into the next outfit, the band continued to play music and video screens kept the crowd entertained. Time flew by and before you could think twice, Carrie was back on stage in her second but equally gorgeous dress. Hits like “Last Name” and “All American
Girl” filled the arena as fans sang along with Carrie. She made sure to take a second to say a sincere thank you to everyone who has supported her along the way and took time to talk about her passion for not only singing, but also songwriting. A few more songs and she was back under the stage changing into jean shorts and a t-shirt for the next segment of the show. While she was changing, the crew was putting the floating stage together so that once Carrie returned, she could fly over the center of the crowd and sing a few songs. With confetti and leis, “One Way Ticket” took everyone on a trip to the beach for a little bit. After another outfit change, this time into a bit of an edgy rock look, Hunter joined Carrie for “Leave Love Alone” and Carrie continued on for the last few songs of the night including a cover of Aerosmith’s “Sweet Emotion.” Ending with “Before He Cheats,” Carrie left the stage. Fans knowing the typical way a concert works cheered loudly in anticipation of the encore. With her 5th and final outfit, a grey and black dress similar to the one on her album cover, Carrie came back to sing “I Know You Won’t,” and “Blown Away.”
It was a great show from start to finish, filled with emotion, fun times, and great music. Carrie will be continuing the tour into the spring of 2013; so if you have a chance to catch the show, it’s one you don’t want to miss! Photos of both artists are below.
