On Saturday night, the Ada native and country music artist saw a different side of the arena as he headlined a concert after the PRCA Championship Rodeo. Shelton called the opportunity to play his home state’s fair a dream come true.
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A large crowd filled with family, friends and other fans cheered him on for more than hour as he performed not only his hits, but delved into bits of his favorite classic country songs, including “Redneck Girl,” “Lonely Women Make Good Lovers” and the theme to “Smokey and the Bandit.”
The highlights of the show, though, were songs from his three releases and a tease from an upcoming album.
A small group of fans standing in front of the stage encouraged and applauded his perfect versions of “Good Old Boy, Bad Old Boyfriend,” “Nobody But Me” and “Some Beach,” which he said went through his mind during a car ride from Oklahoma City to Norman and back on Saturday in heavy traffic.
Shelton continuously prodded fans to sing along, often turning up the house lights for them to share the spotlight.
He seemed to enjoy the storytelling spirit of his songs, drawing out the playful lyrics of “Playboys of the Southwestern World” and the mischievous “Cotton Pickin’ Time.”
As the first musical notes of his hit ballad, “Goodbye Time,” began, cell phones throughout the arena popped up in the dark trying to capture the moment. He also excused his band from the stage and sat down with his guitar for a beautiful version of “The Baby.”
His highly anticipated hit, “Austin,” brought his band back to the stage. A loud chorus of voices joined him, and the song ended to thunderous applause.
Wearing a black cowboy hat, white shirt, tight jeans and boots, Shelton looked every bit the part of a young country singer. His performance, though, showed signs of a seasoned performer sure of himself and his music but still humble enough to enjoy singing to a rodeo crowd.
-- Stacy D. Johnson
