Keith & Carrie Concert Recap
April 27, 2008 by Jule Johnson
“What the Hell are They Drinking in Hazard?” as Said by Keith Urban, of Course.
So I have to admit, I am not really a country music fan. But after watching the Carrie Underwood/Keith Urban show tonight, I can no longer say that. I liked both acts so much that I will be buying their CDs.
The night started out with Carrie Underwood. The fans were screaming so incredibly loud as she made her way up through the floor, even if I tried to speak, I wouldn’t be able to hear myself. She was dressed in all black except for the coolest looking belt that was made of some kind of rhinestones. The way they had the stage positioned allowed her to kind of “walk through” the crowd and let everyone see her up close. I had attended a 3 Doors Down concert a couple years back and they just had the one stage up front. So there would be no way, unless you had one of the first rows that you would actually get to see what the band looked like. That’s why at tonight’s show, almost everyone on the floor and all around the bottom of the arena gave you an up close and personal view. Not only did they have the cool stage, but they had two big hanging projection screens. So if you were unable to see Carrie as she moved around, you could always watch her on the bigger-than-life screens.
Carrie’s song set included most of her hits songs from her two CDs. I think the song that I like most from her was “I Ain’t In Checotah Anymore.” She told the audience that on the big screen behind her were pictures she took herself in her hometown of Checotah, Oklahoma. It’s so easy to forget that she actually is a real person, who has a life outside of performing. I really enjoyed seeing pictures of where she was from and knowing that she took them herself. Her set tonight was really amazing; there is definitely a reason she won season four of American Idol!
I do have to say though, my main motive for wanting to come to this concert tonight was to just see Carrie Underwood. I knew who Keith Urban was, and had heard of a few of his songs here and there, but never have been a real big fan. All I can say after watching him perform live tonight is, WOW! He is an awesome performer, and not to mention one of the best guitarists I have heard. I could have just sit there and listen to him play guitar all night. He wasn’t all that bad to look at either… 
Right up front, Keith let everyone know that they were filming tonight’s show for an upcoming DVD. Therefore, the show was going to be extra long and that we are all to be on our “worst behavior.” And trust me, some of the people in the crowd definitely were. There was one girl behind us that was just dying to get backstage and was doing everything in her willpower to do just that, if you know what I mean. How cool is it that they picked Lexington to be the place to film their DVD?? The crew had all of these handheld cameras in the crowd taping everyone. I am sure there will be a lot of people who watch the DVD that will recognize at least one person.
One of the coolest things that happened during the show though was someone from the crowd got to come up and play guitar with Keith as he sang! Evidentially a few people in the crowd all had the same sign. “Let her play your guitar” and were all pointing to this teenage girl. After Keith was done playing one of his songs, he said okay, if you want to play my guitar, then come up here. So this young girl comes up on stage and says her name was Leslie from Hazard. Keith asked her what she wanted to play and she said she knew the solo of one of his songs. So she played the lead guitar and he played backup guitar and sang. How cool is that???? I was amazed that he asked her to come up on stage and even more amazed that she was so freaking good! As she was walking off stage, Keith asked the crowd, “What the hell are they drinking in Hazard?” He was really amazed that she was so good; I am sure like the rest of us were too! All I can say is that I am glad I stayed to listen to Keith Urban; otherwise I definitely would have missed out. I can guarantee that even non-country fans would have liked tonight’s show!
Editor’s Note: The above recap was written by Julie Johnson for use on the Rupp Arena Blog. All photos shown were taken by house photographer Michael Wright. More photos will be posted up here in the next week.
The concert was amazing. I would see them again if they came and performed again.
So far, I have converted several people into Keith Urban fans just by taking them to his concerts
Glad you enjoyed it!
I loved the Concert! First major artist concert I had seen since I saw the Beatles at the Indiana State Fair when I was 5. So here I am 49 and screaming like a girl! I loved the concert and how easily it looks like Carrie can sing with that powerful voice of hers and from a very skinny tiny body too! I thought her rocker “Take me Down to Paradise City” was the best…that girl can wow with that voice.! Keith..well, I’m like you..I know some songs but not all the songs. But when he appeared with that big, clear screen behind him and his face was so close…well, those eyes….I think you heard a collective dreamy “sigh” from every female in the place!
Keith Ruptured the Rupp!!! I drove 61/2 hours to the show from Michigan. This is my 10th time seeing him. He gets better each time. I loved when he brought Leslie on Stage to play his guitar. That is my favorite song!!! Can’t wait for the New DVD!!!
Can’t wait for the DVD! Keith is so amazing I want the whole world to know how incredible he is and the talents that he posseses! He has won me over and he deserves every bit of fame and fortune for the joys that he gives us! Thanks, keith. You are a blessing!
I had been to a Carrie Underwood concert before but I hadn’t been to a Keith Urban concert. It was an awesome concert. Can’t wait for the CD!
wow- great review and pix! I agree– keith and carrie together were on FIRE!
I saw them in nyc and they rocked!
AWESOME CONCERT!!! Wife and I went to see Carrie primarily and didn’t know much about Keith Urban … While Carrie was amazing - loved the “Paradise City” rendition she did, KEITH ROCKED THE HOUSE!!!!
Loved every minute of it.
Hands down the best concert I’ve ever been to. Better than Aerosmith, Van Halen. Carrie and Keith beat them all!!!!
Originally, I thought the tix prices were a bit high, but not now. WORTH EVERY LAST PENNY!!!
This was definitely a night to remember! It was my 13th time seeing Keith, 8th show of this tour and I’m so glad I got to be there for the end of it. It was a rockin show as they all are, but this one packed in even more emotion than I’m used to seeing from Keith. When he shed tears during everybody I thought that was the most beautiful moment and I feel blessed that I got to have that experience with him!
Carrie was incredible!! What a great performer she is becoming.
Keith not so great. Never saw him before but did not care for his music. The thing with his actress wife was over the top. Sounded silly.
This show was fantastic! I had not seen Carrie before, she was amazing, but the real deal for me, is Keith Urban, He connects with is fans on a personal level & you can just feel the excitement in the house when he comes out on stage. There is a reason fans bring all the signs & gifts for him & he never disappoints us. Keith Urban is always my entertainer of the year, hands down.
Carrie is simply amazing. I have seen this show when it came to the mississipi gulf coast. I will see Carrie once again when she is inducted into the Grand Ole Opry. Then two more times in Jun when she returns to Alabama. You can NEVER get enough of her. She is as real and genuine as any Mega Super Star could ever be. I didnt become a fan of Keith like I did with Brad Paisley when I saw Carrie open for him. Carrie in my humble opinion should have been the closing act in this Co Headliner Tour
The show was great, but the letdown of the night for me was that Mr. Urban did not play “your everything”.
I was a lucky Chicago gal! Me and my daughter were in town for the Rolex and found out from my mom that Carrie Underwood was playing. Since the arena was across the street from my hotel I asked my mom to find out who else was playing. When I found out it was KU I was like, sure I’ll go see them. I like both of them, not a huge fan but love all genres of music. Big AM. Idol fan. So I went by myself and let me tell you KEITH URBAN ROCKS!!!!!!!!! He’s a true talent and damn can he play guitar. HOT! I’ve seen hundreds of concerts from rock to pop and this was by far the best I’ve seen. He was such a performer who appreciated all his fans. I also got to see Nicole Kidman on screen and walk by so that was cool. But what touched me the most is Keith tearing up on his last song. It was his last show of the tour and the song was dedicated to Nicole. The Lexington crowd was great, friendly and I didn’t want to leave.
Kentucky Rocked!
Jammin