Carrie Underwood, the 8-time Grammy winner, made history with her first-ever concert appearances in Hawaii, performing two sold-out shows at Honolulu’s Blaisdell Arena on July 19 and 20. These performances marked a milestone, making Hawaii the 50th state Underwood has performed in. The demand for tickets was so extraordinary that a second show was added back in March after the first one sold out in under an hour. This achievement places Underwood alongside Garth Brooks as the only country artists to sell out the venue that quickly.
The excitement began even before the concerts, with the Honorable Rick Blangiardi, Mayor of the City and County of Honolulu, and Governor Josh Green proclaiming July 18 as “Carrie Underwood Day.” Underwood was honored with ceremonial proclamations recognizing her incredible career achievements and her first-ever performances in Hawaii. This dual honor from both the State of Hawaii and the City and County of Honolulu is a historic first for an entertainer of any genre.
Underwood captivated the standing-room-only crowds at both Blaisdell Arena shows with her powerful vocals and high-energy performances. Her setlist spanned her impressive catalog, with fans singing along to hits like “Jesus, Take The Wheel,” “Before He Cheats,” and “Blown Away,” as well as tracks from her latest album, Denim & Rhinestones. The concerts also featured covers of rock classics like Joan Jett’s “I Love Rock ‘N Roll,” Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’,” and Guns N’ Roses’ “Paradise City” and “Sweet Child O’ Mine.” A heartwarming highlight each night was when Underwood invited a young girl from the audience to join her on stage to sing “All-American Girl,” reviving a fan-favorite moment from her earlier tours.
Underwood shared highlights of her Hawaii trip on Instagram, showcasing her enjoyment of the island’s beauty. Later this summer, she will resume her ongoing REFLECTION: The Las Vegas Residency, continuing to perform to packed houses, with tickets on sale through October.
