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Home > Austin Music Source > Archives > 2008 > November > 02 > Entry
Review: Carrie Underwood at the Erwin Center
Elvis and Priscilla were there. Betty Boop and Marilyn Monroe, too. I even saw a few dozen Tony Romos. Carrie Underwood’s Halloween night concert at the Frank Erwin Center brought out more characters than an “American Idol” audition.
There may have been more costumes than cowboy hats in the audience, but “Idol’s” country queen stayed true to form. Her powerhouse pipes were spectacular and her dazzling stage presence could be felt all the way up to the top row of the mezzanine.
The newest Grand Ole Opry inductee must have had her Vitamin Water, because she was tirelessly energetic throughout the 19-song set. She brought the house down with numbers like “Last Name,” “Get Out of This Town,” and her opener “Flat on the Floor.” Before Underwood performed her current hit “Just a Dream,” opening band Little Big Town came out and joined her in a rocking rendition of Fleetwood Mac’s “Go Your Own Way.”
The confetti-filled encore was the icing on the cake. Underwood gave Axl Rose a run for his money with her cover of “Paradise City” and pleased the crowd with her smash hit “Before He Cheats.”
Underwood may not have worn a Halloween costume, but some of her outfits were a little gaudy. The iridescent lavender ball gown that transformed into a mini-dress was a bit over the top. And the what-was-she-thinking strapless denim shorts-jumpsuit and matching stiletto boots were just tacky.
But what she lacked in style she certainly made up for in personality. Underwood’s sweet, soft-spoken demeanor was charming and her banter with the crowd seemed genuine.
Opening act Little Big Town certainly got the job done. With their southern rock attitude, they got the crowd on their feet with songs like “Bones” and their biggest hit “Boondocks.” The talent is all there, as they show with their remarkable four-part harmonies, so with a little more exposure they could easily headline their own tour.
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By Travis
November 2, 2008 2:45 PM | Link to this
Great review until you got to the part of her attire for the evening. This wasnt a fashion show in NYC it was a concert. Having been to many many many Carrie concerts, she looks like a complete Goddess in that so called gaudy evening gown. Nothing was over the top about this evening to say the least.
By Jenny
November 2, 2008 8:38 PM | Link to this
Now that was a right on review! I don’t really like the denim romper suit either. It looks like something a toddler would wear. I have to give it to Carrie though, she wears what she likes and what is comfortable. Carrie leaves you longing for more every concert. You just don’t want it to ever end.
By PigMundt
November 3, 2008 8:08 AM | Link to this
Dude, seriously… were you at the same concert as me? If you think she gave Axl a run for his money with that hatchet job, you are in the wrong business. My ears are STILL bleeding.
However, Little Big Town KILLED IT! :)
By Adrian
November 4, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this
Sounds like a killer rock concert! Too bad these tw*ts are labelled as country. Tragedy.
By DenzelWOr
November 2, 2009 9:08 AM | Link to this
Good night, Happy Happy hallowen!!!