Music fans are appreciating more different sounds than ever, and that was very well reflected last night at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Tim McGraw assembled a wide variety of artists from different genres for the taping of an upcoming CBS-TV Special.
Titled “Superstar Summer Night,” the show featured McGraw front and center. The singer performed several of his biggest hits for the packed house, including his recent chart-topper “One Of Those Nights,” as well as “Mexicoma,” an energetic album cut from his Big Machine debut “Two Lanes Of Freedom.”
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Also appearing on the show were artists such as Pitbull, Ne-Yo, and Nelly, who brought the house down by collaborating with Florida Georgia Line. The two have just released a new version of their hit “Cruise,” and for members Brian Kelley and Tyler Hubbard, it was a moment they had been looking forward to for awhile. The night before, at the Academy of Country Music Awards, they reminisced about listening to Nelly while in Middle School.
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Jason Aldean rocked it out with his latest single, “1994,” which still offered no appearance of the song’s namesake, Joe Diffie. Rumor has it that the legendary artist from the 1990s will be making an appearance with Aldean on a performance of the song at some point. Speaking of that year, McGraw’s wife, Faith Hill, dazzled with a version of “Piece Of My Heart,” which took the music world by storm nineteen years ago. The Band Perry kept the high-octane feel of the show alive with a scorching performance of their latest single, “Done.” Not to be outdone, Dierks Bentley also kept the tempo set to high with “Summer On Fire,” a cut from his “Country And Cold Cans” EP, released earlier this spring, while Keith Urban reached back into his catalog for a riveting performance of “Long Hot Summer.”
There were a few slower songs during the night. Lady Antebellum offered the soulful strains of “Goodbye Town,” a track from their upcoming “Golden” disc. The performance included an incredible effort from Charles Kelley, that also included some 80s grooves in the chorus and the bridge. And, speaking of incredible, McGraw’s performance of current single “Highway Don’t Care,” with duet partner Taylor Swift caused a sensation among the audience, with Swift in a stunning black Elizabeth & James dress. Urban also joined in — as he does on the record — with his usual stellar guitar work.
The show — which will air on CBS May 19 — ended with an incredible display of talent. First, the Robertson family of “Duck Dynasty” introduced John Fogerty to the crowd. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame member delivered a knock-out punch for the evening with a trip back in time for “Down On The Bayou,” with Luke Bryan, Aldean, and the show’s host chiming in — and having the time of their lives doing it. Urban shone very brightly during the closing number on his vocal performance, but he also got a chance to go toe-to-toe (or finger-to-finger) with Fogerty on guitar, and the winner? Just like on May 19, we think you can say the audience!