Carrie Underwood Rocks CMA Summer Jam with Dwight Yoakam
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Last night was the first evening in an epic Country showdown. At Music City’s Ascend Amphitheater, nine of Country music’s biggest stars took the stage at CMA Summer Jam. Grammy winner Carrie Underwood shared an epic on stage moment with OG Country star Dwight Yoakam. Newlyweds Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani were also present to deliver a romantic performance for the crowd.
Carrie Underwood at CMA Summer Jam
Carrie Underwood brought a new level of showmanship to the CMA Summer Jam Stage. She closed the show in an epic way that left the audience wanting more. Underwood opened her set with “Cowboy Casanova” as she gracefully strutted down a staircase. She acknowledged the male performers who had taken the stage earlier that night before adding:
“I think everyone knew that closing this thing down was a woman’s work.”
Underwood then performed with Country music trailblazer, Dwight Yoakam on stage in an epic duet. The two joined forces for a performance of Yoakam’s 1993 hit, “A Thousand Miles from Nowhere,” during the first night of star-studded performances.
“Never in a million years would I have thought I would get to share the stage with someone this cool,” Underwood shared in a cute Instagram post. “@dwightyoakam you are a LEGEND and, now, a friend as well! Thank you! #CMASummerJam Guitars…Cadillacs…And Cowboy Hats.”
Carrie Underwood rocked a fabulous sequin cowboy hat along with a silver-fringed western-style jacket. Yoakam allowed her to shine as he sported a simple denim on denim look while singing his hit beside her.
Who Else Rocked the House Last Night?
Along with Carrie Underwood, Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani made an appearance on stage. The newlyweds graced the audience with a romantic and heartfelt performance. The duo sang their hit duet “Anywhere With You” as he introduced her as “Gwen Stefani-Shelton.”
As the first act of the night, they received a warm welcome from the 6,000-plus crowd members in attendance.
“Welcome back to Nashville, everybody…I know this isn’t our normal venue down the street there. I know this isn’t our normal CMA fest, but damn it, it’s a step in the right direction. I’m happy to be here,” Blake Shelton said on stage.
Along with Stefani and Shelton, Luke Bryan also rocked his set that evening. In the midst of battling some unwelcome allergies, the former American Idol judge rebounded to perform all his hits. He began with his latest single, “Waves,” before delivering his classic hits like “Country Girl” and “One Margarita.”
Nine additional Country superstars will be hitting the stage tomorrow evening. Luckily, The CMA Summer Jam concert is being filmed for a primetime ABC special airing later this summer. A portion of all ticket sales for the show will also benefit the CMA foundation.The organization is committed to improving and sustaining music programs across the U.S. With this donation, students will also have equitable opportunity to participate in high-quality music education.
