Saturday night is always a good time at C2C Country 2 Country, so I was excited to see what the evening’s events had in store for us after an incredible day at the smaller stages (read about them here!).
First up on the Main Stage was Priscilla Block, and let me tell you, she blew me away. Despite her relatively short time in the country music scene, Priscilla commanded the stage with the presence of a seasoned veteran. Dressed like a country Barbie, she exuded confidence as she belted out hits like My Bar and new song Hey Jack, instantly turning the arena into a rowdy dive bar. What impressed me most was her authenticity; Priscilla's genuine charm shone through as she shared personal stories behind songs like Me Part 2 – about discovering her ex’s new girlfriend looked just like her - and delivered a soulful rendition of Keith Urban's You'll Think of Me that rivalled even the original itself. But it wasn't all introspection; Priscilla brought the fun with tracks like Fake Names and the feisty empowering anthem Thick Thighs. A true force to be reckoned with in the country music scene.
Up next on the Spotlight stage, sister duo Tigirlily certainly knew what to do to get the audience engaged. From the playful Shoot Tequila to their heartfelt cover of Leona Lewis' Bleeding Love, they were commanding attention from the get-go with their infectious energy and irresistible harmonies. Ending with a performance of I Tried A Ring On, about how hard it is when you find out the one you thought was the one isn’t, struck a chord with many. Not bad for a first shot at the Spotlight stage!
Then came Brian Kelly, known to many as the ‘Florida’ behind Florida Georgia Line. Stepping into the spotlight solo, Brian showcased his own brand of country rock that had the audience on their feet from start to finish. Dressed in double denim and backed by visuals of the countryside, Brian transported us to the heart of country living with songs like Loving How We're Living and King Ranch (about a truck, of course). The biggest surprise of the night? His performance of Burning It Down, a song he penned for Jason Aldean, which showcased his songwriting prowess and undeniable charisma. As lovely as it was to have Brian in the O2 Arena, it’s clear his wheelhouse is definitely the beach, and he certainly took us all their, with songs like Party on the Beach and Beach Cowboy that truly captured the essence of summertime fun. I really didn’t know Brian’s music outside of FGL, but with this set he proved that he's more than just a member of a duo; he's a standout artist in his own right.
Next up on the Spotlight, Colbie Caillat, bringing her signature blend of breezy melodies and heartfelt lyrics to the eager crowd. Starting with the timeless hit Bubbly, Colbie's angelic vocals filled the arena with warmth and nostalgia. Her performance of I'll Be Here, a poignant duet she recorded with Sheryl Crow, was a much nicer look at the end of a relationship, whilst the uplifting Brighter Than the Sun left us feeling uplifted and inspired. From Brian’s beach party to the ray of sunshine that is Colbie Caillat, we were already all on a high, and the night was only half through!
Oh boy, talk about excitement building for the next act. Jake Owen, a familiar face from previous C2Cs, once again proved why he's a crowd favorite. From the moment he stepped onto the stage, Jake had the audience hooked with his infectious energy and catchy tunes. Sporting a fringe shirt and bold yellow trousers, Jake exuded confidence and charisma from the get-go, setting the tone for an unforgettable evening. Opening with the irresistible The One That Got Away, Jake wasted no time in getting the audience on their feet.
Songs like Anywhere
with You and Homemade showcased his ability to seamlessly blend
country, pop, and rock into a captivating performance. With undeniable charisma,
he took us on a musical journey from the laid-back vibes of Beachin' to
the party anthem Down to the Honky Tonk (Jake, after that, we would go
Anywhere With You!). As his set came to a close with hits like American
Country Love Song and Barefoot Blue Jean Night, Jake left us all
longing for more. Full of boundless energy and undeniable talent, Jake proved
once again why he's one of the most beloved artists in country music today. A
performance to remember!
Next up on the Spotlight Stage, young sensation Mason Ramsey. With his soulful voice way beyond his years, Mason captivated the audience with songs like Blue Over You and a crowd-pleasing rendition of Old Town Road. While he may have some room to grow, Mason Ramsey undoubtedly left a lasting impression, hinting at a bright future ahead in the world of country music.
And then, the moment we'd all been waiting for arrived: Brad Paisley. You know when people say ‘the atmosphere was electric’? They’re talking about the moment right before Brad Paisley comes on stage. Arriving in signature cowboy hat, guitar slung across his chest, the arena erupted in excitement, and we were immediately transported back through the many eras in which Brad has been country music’s king. From classics like Ticks and Perfect Storm to heartwarming ballads like Waitin' on a Woman, Brad's performance was a masterclass in country music excellence, in terms of vocals, showmanship, and of course, legendary guitar skills.
As the night progressed, Brad treated us to
a journey through his illustrious career, from early hits like Online to
more recent favorites like The Mona Lisa. Each song was accompanied by
stunning visuals that enhanced the storytelling, whether it was Brad swimming
with sharks (Water), being the worst celebrity alive (Celebrity),
or embarking on a whimsical adventure with a water-skiing squirrel (Riverbank
- where did he even find this video?!) Finishing up with I’m Gonna Miss
Her and Alcohol – queue the arena-wide singalong – there’s a reason
why the UK and the world keep clamouring for Mr Paisley to come back time and
time again.
So there you have it -
from up-and-coming talents to seasoned veterans, each artist brought something
special to the stage on night 2 of C2C. Curious to see what happened on Day 3?
Stay tuned for that, coming soon!
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