When Sunday finally arrived what a bittersweet night it was at LP Field! It was the night I had been waiting for and the night I was dreading all at the same time. The line up was filled with many of my favorites, but this was it... the end of CMA Fest 2007!
For some reason or another I had managed to be late for every other night and almost missed the opening act each time. I swore I would not be late for Rodney Atkins and I am so glad I stuck to that! He was fantastic and full of energy. As much as I wished the ACM award for top new male vocalist had of gone to Craig Morgan, I can understand why Rodney snatched it away. He is going to be a big star, and he's well on his way already. I don't think there's a parent in the crowd that can't relate somehow to "Watching You." And Rodney's big hit "If You're Going Through Hell" had everyone singing along! Just before Rodney left the stage a little bundle of energy came running out and jumped into his arms. Rodney's son was absolutely adorable and I'm sure he would have stole the show if Daddy gave him a chance!
Miranda Lambert hit the stage next. I remember way back when she was on Nashville Star and I though, "aww, what a sweet and innocent little Texas gal..." Well that sweet and innocent girl is now a feisty and fiery woman! If you need any proof of that just check out the lyrics to "Crazy Ex-Girlfriend" or "Kerosene." Miranda lit up the stage and rocked it out for an amazing four song set. All I kept thinking was that Blake Shelton better walk the line!!
Okay, I'm going to be completely honest here, when I looked over the line up before hand I had decided that if I need a washroom break I would likely go during Billy Currington's performance. Well fortunately for me I didn't need a restroom break and I now realize how disappointing it would have been to miss Billy's set! I sang along the entire time, and he was actually pretty darn captivating! I think everyone was anticipating Billy's latest No. 1 single "Good Directions" and it was the perfect way to end his performance. Only in country music can a song that ends with "thank God for good directions... and turnip greens" be No. 1 for 3 weeks!
A couple of young and adorable blondes were up next. First was American Idol finalist Kellie Pickler, who makes me cry each time I hear her perform "I Wonder." It doesn't get to me when I hear it on the radio, but to listen to Kellie talk about the song and then sing it live, with such passion, is just so touching. When I see the tears in her eyes, I can't help but tear up as well. The other blonde cutie was Taylor Swift, who impresses me more every time I see her. She is 17 years old but on stage she seems like a seasoned pro. Her performance is always flawless, and her interaction with the crowd is perfect. She sang three songs which included her hit "Tim McGraw." Before singing the song she let the audience know that she was going to cue us and if we had cell phones to hold them up. So part way through the song she asked for cell phones and it was such a cool thing to see! It looked like stars lighting up the sky, it was absolutely beautiful! I think both of these girls have a bright future. Kudos to Brad Paisley for snatching the two of them up for his summer tour.
When I discovered this next duo was playing at LP Field this year I was thrilled! In my opinion, Big and Rich may be the most underrated act in country music. It blew me away when I discovered that their current single "Lost In This Moment" is their only top ten single. Hopefully country radio will be more responsive to their brand new album Between Raising Hell and Amazing Grace, which was released the Tuesday before CMA Fest began. We were treated to a few songs from the new CD including one of my personal favorites, simply titled "Radio." Proving their loyalty to fellow Muzik Mafia members the guys let Cowboy Troy join them on stage to sing his new single "Hick Chick." With only a short amount of time to show us what they've got, it was very gracious of John and Kenny to allow Troy to perform. I don't think there was a person in that stadium sitting down during their set. With blaring guitars and the duo's energy the atmosphere of LP Field was transformed to a vibe that could rival any rock concert out there. I really hope that this performance allowed Big and Rich to get their music out to an audience that may not have had any desire to hear them live before. Because once you've experienced a Big and Rich concert you gain an appreciation for what these guys do. They love to entertain, and that came across in spades!
