Underwood plays up small town, big-time -- chicagotribune.com
Underwood plays up small town, big-time
By Andy Downing | SPECIAL TO THE TRIBUNE October 6, 2008
Midway through
Carrie Underwood's concert at a sold-out Sears Centre in
Hoffman Estates Friday, the country singer listed her anxieties as she performs. She's concerned about falling (off a riser or down the stairs of a two-tiered stage) and wardrobe malfunctions ("Are my pants zipped?"). Despite huge success—the 2005 "
American Idol" champ has sold more than 10 million records in her two-album career—she tries to show she's like her fans.
As such, the 95-minute, 18-song concert played up the singer's small-town roots ("I Ain't in Checotah Anymore" was a nod to her
Oklahoma upbringing) and good ol' Southern charm: a trait whipped to the forefront when Underwood engaged in a brief duet with a 3-year-old audience member on "All-American Girl." But even as Underwood played Girl Next Door, she looked more like a Charlie's Angel, with four costume changes that saw her dress as everything from a would-be rebel (leather jacket and low-slung black fedora) to a princess set for a final spin around the ballroom. "I'm wondering about the
Prince Charming factor in Illinois," she announced introducing "The More Boys I Meet," sounding like a Disney character sprung to life.
At times the show veered too saccharine. "Crazy Dreams" sounded like an inspirational poster ("There's a lot of wonder ... inside me and you") while "Jesus, Take the Wheel," a syrupy power ballad, stretched the power of prayer to laughable levels. Better was "Last Name," the eight-piece backing band locking into a thundering groove as Underwood railed about a regretful, booze-soaked night. And "Before He Cheats" saw the jilted singer taking a Louisville Slugger to a devious ex-boyfriend's car. She also shone on some tear-stained ballads, especially "I Told You So," where, backed by a lonesome wisp of slide guitar, she revealed that often the best revenge is moving on.
