‘I want to crown a cowgirl’

Country music isn’t for everyone, but sometimes a steel guitar and a voice like Lainey Wilson’s can convince you otherwise.

Even if you’re the type who swears you “don’t do country,” Wilson’s blend of sass, twang, and charm will have you head-bopping and foot-tapping before you realize it and that’s exactly what she delivered during her Whirlwind world tour at the PHX Arena on Aug. 14.

Everyone came dressed for the occasion, turning the scene into a sea of western flair. Cowboy boots clicked against the pavement, hats tilted just so under the Arizona sun, and denim was everywhere: jackets, skirts, jeans, even embroidered vests.

Opening night of her tour, Wilson hit the stage on time, dressed in a modest two-piece outfit, almost resembling a butterfly, with pink, yellow and orange hues and a black cowboy hat.

Framed by a Western aesthetic of horses and desert backdrops. A glowing horseshoe on stage synced with each song, setting a strong visual theme despite the stage feeling a bit small. She got the crowd, a packed stadium, clapping, stomping, and occasionally dancing. Her energy and charisma, peppered with lines like “The girls are coming out tonight, I see it,” set the night’s warm, welcoming tone.

A night of pure fan connection

From the moment she stepped on stage, it was clear this wasn’t going to be a phone-in-the-air kind of concert. Fans were on their feet for every song, singing along with grins that didn’t waver, soaking in each note instead of watching it through a screen.

Midway through the show, she looked out into the crowd and beamed, “You look so beautiful tonight, Arizona. A lot of cowgirls here tonight. I want to crown a cowgirl here tonight.” That’s when Crystal, a young fan, got the surprise of her life. She was crowned “Cowgirl of the Night” and gifted a black cowboy hat adorned with blue feathers and accessories. With the mic in hand, Crystal proudly declared, “I am beautiful, I am fearless, I can do anything and I am cowgirl of the night,” sending cheers and goosebumps through the venue.

Wilson even walked into the crowd, laughing and complimenting a fan’s purse and saying, “It’s just getting started.”

The celebration didn’t stop there. For the next song, nine female fans joined her on stage as backup dancers during “Tulsa Time,” a Don Williams cover. The scene was so sassy, it felt like it could have been a scene from “show ‘”Dance Moms,” minus the drama.

Wilson delivered country with the edge of a rock star

While early parts of the show seemed a bit rushed, Wilson has an undeniable stage presence, moving effortlessly between dance breaks and fiery guitar solos that gave her the edge of a rock star. “First night of the tour, it’s our first show and I’m having the time of my life. I feel the love and I really hope you do too,” Wilson said.

She spoke about her record Whirlwind, sharing how her guitar has been her greatest storyteller: “We’ve been waiting all our lives for a story that makes us laugh or makes us cry.” Her charisma radiated throughout the night, keeping the audience engaged not just with her music but with her magnetic personality.

By the time she cracked open a beer for “Bar in Baton Rouge,” it was clear she was having the time of her life.

The night was extra special for fans as she performed several songs live for the first time, including “Whiskey Colored Crayon,” “What If I Could” with special guest Ernest, and “Peace, Love, and Cowboys.”

Lainey Wilson setlist 2025

Here are the songs that made the Whirlwind setlist:

• Tulsa Time (Cover by Don Williams)

• What if I Could (With special guest Ernest)

• Wildflowers and Wild Horses

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Lainey Wilson Whirlwind tour turns into cowgirl party in AZ