Temperatures and dew points both over 80 degrees at showtime made for a sweltering night at the Great Jones County Fair, but somehow Carrie Underwood's show was even hotter.

Anyone who thought the crowd might be held down by hot weather doesn't know a thing about country music fans here in KHAK Country. You turned out in force and in full throat, much like the headliner always does.

It's been more than five years since Lauren Alaina graced the stage of American Idol at age 15. She certainly hasn't come anywhere near the success level of her tour mate in Monticello last night, but Lauren was every bit the star on stage. The fans all enjoyed her set and the wonderful energy she brought to the stage and when she pulled "Chandler" on stage to dance, the crowd loved it even more. What you have to respect most of all about Lauren is her honesty of the struggles she's dealt with. She spoke of her past battles with bulimia, her parents' divorce, and that her dad is an alcoholic, three years sober. She told the Great Jones County Fair crowd they were the loudest she played for this year, and the exuberance in her voice told you she meant every word.

When Carrie Underwood appeared at the top of the stage to begin her set, Monticello seemed to shake for a few seconds. Carrie appeared in a long-sleeved shirt over a tee with cowboy boots and blue jean shorts, showing off those finely-tuned legs. A couple of songs in, she literally had to peel the long-sleeved shirt off. Everyone in the crowd could identify with the "sticky" of the night.

Carrie Underwood has been a force in country music for eleven years now and she's also amazingly consistent with vocals so good you almost can't believe they're real. As the years have gone by she's become more and more comfortable on stage. She owned it in Monticello, under the brightest of lights.

I was told the stage crew spent all of Friday morning building the most elaborate lighting system to ever illuminate a show at the fairgrounds in Monticello. I don't doubt it. The person that told me that also said it was worth every penny. I'd have to agree.

Carrie Underwood brought the heat and Saturday night, look for Florida Georgia Line to bring the fire.

 

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