After a productive morning watching the BBC Radio 2 acts in the indigo2 (check that out here), it was time to head into the Main Arena for the evening show. In comparison to my last experience at C2C Netherlands at Rotterdam’s Ahoy Arena, the O2 seemed incomparably large – I just hoped that the atmosphere would be as pleasant as it had been in Rotterdam.
Kicking off the Main Stage festivities was the "Introducing Nashville" segment, featuring a songwriters' style round with Lauren Watkins, Karley Scott Collins, and Conner Smith. Each artist brought their own unique style and flair to the stage, taking it in turns to share some storytelling and heartfelt performances with the audience.
Lauren Watkins started us off with her soulful rendition of Mama, I Made It, the ‘sweet and simple’ Shirley Temple and heartfelt ballad Anyone But You. She was a name I was unfamiliar with before, but following her Kacey Musgraves-like vocals and storytelling, I’ll certainly be listening to more! Karley Scott Collins followed with the poignant ode to her grandmother Marlboro Reds, the achingly beautiful Quit You, and deep and emotive Heavy Metal, about the stigma around getting a divorce, even if you’re unhappy. With a raspy voice and deep lyrics, she reminded me of Morgan Wade. Conner Smith rounded out the trio with his Take It Slow, I Hate Alabama and one that the crowd absolutely loved – Creek Will Rise. Fans of Sam Hunt, he’s your man!
The Arena also had the smaller Spotlight Stage, where up-and-coming artists were given the chance to shine. Fancy Hagood brought a burst of energy to this stage with soulful vocals and infectious charisma. With songs like What A Life and Can’t Put Me Down, he had powerful stage presence that left a lasting impression.
You know it's always going to be a good time when Lauren Alaina is on the lineup. She bounded onto the Main Stage with a cheerful "Hello, London! How are y'all doing tonight?" I’d been long awaiting her return to the UK since her last performance at C2C in 2016. And yes, she didn’t disappoint!
From the moment she launched into her set, Lauren showcased her immense talent and infectious energy. Opening with the spirited Georgia Peaches and a stunning cover of Queen's Fat Bottom Girls, her vocal prowess and versatility were clear for all to see. From older tracks like Next Boyfriend and One Beer to newer numbers like Taking My Bar Back and Small Town, Bigger Heartbreak, it was evident that Lauren's microphone was well and truly on, each note resonating with clarity and emotion.
One of the highlights of the evening was Lauren's heartfelt interactions with the audience and her genuine warmth onstage. She took the time to introduce her band, engage in playful banter, and joke around with fans. It's this authenticity and connection with her audience that I think really sets Lauren apart as a performer and leaves a lasting impression on all who have the pleasure of seeing her live. As the set continued, Lauren treated the crowd to a mix of fan favourites and personal faves, including the infectious mashup of Ladies in the '90s and Whitney Houston’s I Wanna Dance with Somebody before ending on the anthemic Road Less Traveled. Talk about a fun night! Let’s finally give Lauren the credit she deserves.
Keeping the girl power going, over on the Spotlight Stage, rising stars Chapel Hart took center stage with their unique blend of country and gospel music. As the winners of America's Got Talent's Golden Buzzer, they truly captivated the audience with their infectious energy and soulful harmonies. Highlight? Without a doubt their acapella rendition of Dolly Parton's Jolene mashed up with their own track You Can Have Him Jolene. A real treat!
If you’d asked me who the crowd were most looking forward to seeing at C2C, I would’ve said there were too many options to choose from. If you asked me now, I’d without a doubt say Carly Pearce. From the moment she stepped onto the Main stage, it was clear that Carly was a crowd favorite, with fans singing along to every word of her hit songs.
Kicking off her set with the upbeat Next Girl, Carly wasted no time in captivating the audience with powerhouse vocals and magnetic stage presence. Hits like Easy Going and Should've Known Better had the crowd swaying along to the music, while her cover of Faith Hill's Let's Go to Vegas brought a touch of nostalgia to the evening. Commanding the stage, it was clear that she was in her element with the crowd handing onto every word. And with a new album on the horizon, including the heartfelt ballad My Place, Carly Pearce proved that she well and truly deserved her place on the Main Stage that night.
Almost at the end of the night, it was time for our final act on the Spotlight Stage, Restless Road (check out my thoughts on their indigo2 performance here!). This time, we heard Bar Friends, Growing Old With You, and Last Rodeo. With a show-stopping performance that left the crowd cheering for more, I honestly wouldn’t be surprised if these guys are up on the Main Stage next year.
The anticipation reached its zenith as the controversial yet undeniably charismatic Kane Brown took the Main Stage. Known for his fusion of country with elements of rock and hip-hop, Kane kicked off his set with an extravagant two-minute countdown, setting the stage for a spectacle that would challenge traditional genre boundaries. The ensuing pyrotechnics and flames illuminated the arena as Kane burst into the energetic Lose It.
Critics may question Kane Brown's alignment with traditional country, but his prowess as a showman is indisputable. The production values were nothing short of extravagant, with heavy pyrotechnics and elaborate visuals accompanying each song. The setlist, a diverse blend of country, rock, and rap-infused tracks, mirrored Kane's eclectic musical identity. Songs like Like I Love Country and Famous Friends showcased his country roots, while tracks such as Be Like That ventured into hip-hop territory, complete with a confetti cannon.
Kane also used his set as a chance to bring many of his own famous friends back on stage, including Lauren Alaina for What Ifs (yes!), Carly Pierce for Thank God, and Restless Road and Dylan Schneider took the stage for One Mississippi. I also enjoyed the karaoke style Short Skirt Weather that helped those of us who don’t know every Kane song still get involved. The night concluded with the anthemic Good For You, culminating in a confetti-filled finale. Does Kane need to be this extra? No. But was it an entertaining show? Undoubtedly.
From the rising stars on the Spotlight Stage to the chart-topping headliners on the Main Stage, each artist had delivered a performance to remember. Until tomorrow, C2C!
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