After a weekend that flew by, we’d already arrived at Day 3 of C2C Country 2 Country. But as the sun peeked through the clouds over London, there was still plenty of excitement in store, with a lineup that promised to showcase the diverse and vibrant tapestry of country music. Making my way back to the indigo2, I eagerly awaited the final acts on the BBC Radio 2 stage.
First up was Jordan Harvey, an Edinburgh native currently based in Nashville. Dressed in skinny jeans (which gave away his true nationality), he captivated the audience with his unique blend of Scottish charm and American twang. From the true-story song he’d written for his girlfriend, Alabama Girl to the infectious energy of his breakout hit Along for the Ride, Jordan's performance highlighted the universal appeal of country music. Claiming that there was one song he could sing better than any American out there, his cover of the Proclaimers' classic I Would Walk 500 Miles was a fitting finale, leaving the crowd cheering for more.
Following Jordan's show, the stage was set for Tanner Adell to showcase her own brand of country with a twist. Hailing from Star Valley, Wyoming, Tanner brought a fresh perspective to the genre, blending elements of R&B and pop into her sultry, seductive sound. Songs like See You at Church and Throw It Back showcased Tanner's playful spirit and dynamic vocal range, while her infectious energy and humour had the crowd on her side within minutes. I appreciated how much time she took to get us engaged, explaining that her style of country was ‘sexy and hot’ and she preferred to call it ‘funtry – fun country’. But it wasn’t all spicy songs that Tanner shared with us. My favourite? Luke Combs, a cutesy track about if she could be the girl in any country song, she’d want to be in a Luke Combs song. Well worth a listen.
Leaving the indigo2 behind for a moment, I made my way to the Icon Stage to catch Halle Kearns, a rising star in country music and former Ciara’s Country interviewee. From the moment she stepped onto the stage, Halle's pure voice and magnetic presence captivated the audience, drawing us into her world of heartfelt storytelling and soul-stirring melodies. Songs like God Only Knows and Before He Could showcased Halle's raw emotion and vulnerability, while her cover of Maroon 5's Sunday Morning was a delightful surprise and very fitting for the drizzly Sunday morning we were all currently sharing. Closing out her set with the gorgeous ode to her husband Settling Down and the infectious Homemade Margaritas, I can only hope that this set has shown the C2C organisers that she more than deserved a place on a bigger stage next year.
Back at the indigo2, we got some new flavours of country with the next act, Redferrin. A former dirt bike rider turned country singer-songwriter, he took the audience on a wild ride with his electrifying set. From the moment he stepped onto the stage, it was clear that Redferrin was not your average country singer. With an unusual voice and undeniable charisma, he commanded the stage with ease, delivering a performance that was equal parts gritty and heartfelt. Songs like Stuck and She's Like Whiskey showcased his versatility as an artist, reminding me of the likes of Morgan Wallen and Florida Georgia Line (two artists whose music I grew up loving). But it was tracks like Midsummer and Champagne in the Morning that truly set him apart, offering a glimpse into his unique perspective and unapologetic attitude. This is a man to be reckoned with.
Switching gears from deep country to feel-good vibes, Annie Bosko was next on stage. With an infectious energy that lit up the room, her music was filled with uplifting melodies and catchy hooks, the perfect antidote to a rainy Sunday afternoon. From the breezy optimism of Life is Good to the heartfelt homage to Johnny Cash in Cash, Annie's performance was a celebration of all things country. Her cover of Patsy Cline's Crazy was a standout moment, with her voice soaring effortlessly over the timeless melody; and Dandelion, a hauntingly beautiful tribute to the victims of the Nashville school shooting, truly showcased her depth as an artist. It’s clear that Annie singing country is exactly where Annie should be, and she clearly loves it so much. Hard not to feel good after a set like that.
C2C isn’t all about
new, up-and-coming artists, and sometimes we get a look at some ‘legends’ too.
Having been around for many a year, Rita Wilson (also known as Mrs Tom Hanks),
is more than a seasoned performer and well-known figure in Hollywood circles.
Despite some vocal struggles, Rita's performance was full of charm and
sincerity as she delivered a selection of heartfelt ballads and catchy tunes.
From the energetic LBD to the poignant tribute to frontline workers in Where's
My Country Song?, Rita showcased versatility and a love of the arts. While
her songs reminded me more as those that would fit better in the background of
a movie soundtrack than on a festival stage, I can see how uplifting songs like
Throw Me A Party and Laugh Before I'm Gone could appeal to many.
Following Rita's performance, we had a very different style of music with Lily Rose. From the sassy swagger of Know My Way Around (just check out the way she says ‘single’) to the introspective honesty of I Don't Smoke, Lily was an artist with dynamic vocals and relatable lyrics. Her cover of Shania Twain's classic hit Man! I Feel Like a Woman! brought a nostalgic energy to the stage, while tracks like the unreleased Parking Lot offered a glimpse into Lily's own experiences and observations. Offering a mix of classic country and contemporary, she really reminded me of Ashley McBryde, and if Ashley’s career is any indication of how far Lily can go, I’ll be interested to watch.
A more than varied day
on the indigo2 stage! And we still had one more night of Main Stage acts… curious
to know what I thought of Elle King, Brothers Osborne, and Old Dominion? Review
coming soon!
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