Country music's rising star Carly Pearce made what she called "a dream come true" as she hit the stage for her inaugural performance at RodeoHouston. Gracing the rotating stage, Pearce's presence was a standout in a lineup that featured only two female performers this year. According to the Houston Chronicle, Pearce acknowledged the significance multiple times throughout the night.
Despite the lighter crowd of 54,686 at Wednesday's event, the Taylor Mill, Kentucky native dazzled fans with her blend of classic and contemporary country tunes. Among the covers, she honored country legends like George Strait with "You Look So Good in Love," and seamlessly mixed in "Why Not Me" by The Judds. Moreover, Pearce's own hits resonated with the Houston audience, especially the poignant "Every Little Thing," which spotlighted her husky and heart-wrenching vocals. Despite the energy she brought to the stage, many fans reportedly exited before her hour-long set concluded.
Before stepping into the spotlight at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Pearce had already made significant strides in her still-blossoming career. She joined the venerable ranks of the Grand Ole Opry in 2021, a nod to her talents and growing impact on the genre, with the San Antonio Express-News reporting on her organic rise to fame. This hardworking artist cleaned Airbnbs and performed with bluegrass bands and at church events long before breaking into the big time with her 2017 hit "Every Little Thing."
As one of just 10 acts debuting at this year's RodeoHouston, Pearce used the opportunity to tease her forthcoming new album, which includes a collaboration with none other than the RodeoHouston favorite Chris Stapleton. Her set reflected an ethos of girl power, with tributes to country music's female legends and a shout-out to duet partner Ashley McBryde. Even as she gears up to open for Tim McGraw later this year, Pearce's RodeoHouston debut suggests that headliner status isn't a far stretch for an artist clearly capable of drawing the admiration of country music aficionados, both in the Lone Star state and beyond.
