COUNTRY TO COUNTRY REVIEW SATURDAY 15TH MARCH, O2 ARENA, LONDON, UK
- Orla Maya
- Mar 15
- 4 min read
Saturday was a fun day at the festival as I felt there was a lot more going on in the day than on Friday. After another early start I headed over to the o2 arena for another fun day with the country gang. The first thing I did on Saturday was Songwriters at the Bluebird Cafe in the o2 Blueroom and this was the highlight of my day. It was hosted by Erica, the director of the actual Bluebird Cafe in Nashville, TN and I got to chat to her after the session too which was really cool. I was most exited to see Alyssa Bonagura as I really like her music as I resonate with it more on a personal level, but Kyle Daniel and Zach Jon Kin were also really great and entertaining to watch. My favourite perfomance of the session was 'I Make My Own Sunshine' by Alyssa (I love that song so much) it is happy and feel - good, and a lovely way to end. I also thought it was nice that she made the audience sing along too. I was lucky enough to get my Bluebird poster signed by all of the songwriters after the session, and Erica even signed it for me too! I also got to chat with the songwriters briefly afterwards too and mee them all individualy which was a really lovely experience as I feel its always nice to chat to the artists when they care so much about what they do, and this shows through the devotion they have to the fans.
After the Bluebird session, we headed over to the Wayside where we watched Charlie Worsham! Love Charlie, and it is always great to see him in the UK! Sadly, I could not stay for the entirety of his set, but I am so glad my friends had a great time watching him and as always I only heard great things! Before the main arena, we went to get pizza and have a breif sit down as the weekend was so fun but so busy lol! There is never time to have a break as there is always so much going on!
Saturday night in the main arena consisted of Tanner Adell, Niko Moon, Chayce Beckham, Tyler Hubbard and of course.... DIERKS BENTLEY! Admittedly we did not make it in time to see Tanner Adell which was a shame, but hopefully we will see her back in the UK soon. Niko Moon was so much fun, and really started the party! My favourite discovery I made about Niko Moon on the night was that he wrote 'Homegrown' for Zac Brown Band which was something I never knew! I really enjoyed it when he sang it as it took me back to being younger and I got to share it with my bestie, my mum and my Mary, the two ladies that raised me on country! Some of my favourite songs Niko sang on the night were 'GOOD TIME' and 'THESE ARE THE DAYS.' They are just feel-good, fun songs and Niko's set was great fun. I was enjoying Chayce's set until sadly I had to leave as my leg started having issues! I ended up missing most of it, but from what I saw I thought he was very talented and I liked '23' as it was quite rocky - country and had good rhythmn. Sorry Chayce and please come back soon!
However, Tyler Hubbard stole the spotlight for me. He was so much better than I expected and his energy was flawless. One of the best moments of his set was when he sang 'Cruise' becuase it brought back so may childhood memories being a Florida Georgia Line original! We need a reunion! It was great to see everyone singing along to it, and some of my other favourites from Tyler's set were '5 foot 9', 'Park' and of course 'Dancin' In The Country.' His set for me was so nostalgic as I was raised on FGL! I like his own songs too, and I really enjoyed the upbeat energy before Dierks, especially ending with 'Dancin' In The Country' because everyone was literally, dancin' in the arena in London, lol. I think Tyler should come back as a headliner one day as he definitley has the potential and the attitude!
Dierks however has to have been my favourite headliner of the weekend as he is just a phenomenal perfomer and lyricist. His set was just one big party and literally banger after banger! Some of my favourite songs performed were 'I Hold On', 'Living', 'Burning Man', his take on 'American Girl' from Petty Country, and of course the soundtracks to my childhood, '5-1-5-0' and 'Drunk on a Plane.' I really was lost for words after watching Dierks for the first time and felt a mix of emotions, mainly nostalgia and pure joy. The Hot Country Knights ending was hilarious too, and I loved the compilation of 90s country songs as it was so authentic and just fun. I would have liked to have heard more hits perfomed but due to the limited time slot I would say the set list was definitley unmatchable over any other for the whole weekend. Dancing to 'Drunk on a Plane' with three of the most important people in my life was so much fun, and definitley a moment I will treasure forever! I also have to give credit to the amazing band, especally Charlie! We had so much fun chanting Charlie Charlie!
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