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Country music isn\u2019t for everyone, but sometimes a steel guitar and a voice like Lainey Wilson\u2019s can convince you otherwise.<\/p>\n
Even if you\u2019re the type who swears you \u201cdon\u2019t do country,\u201d Wilson\u2019s blend of sass, twang, and charm will have you head-bopping and foot-tapping before you realize it and that\u2019s exactly what she delivered during her Whirlwind world tour at the PHX Arena on Aug. 14.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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 \u201cThe girls are coming out tonight, I see it,\u201d set the night’s warm, welcoming tone.<\/p>\n
From the moment she stepped on stage, it was clear this wasn\u2019t 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\u2019t waver, soaking in each note instead of watching it through a screen.<\/p>\n
Midway through the show, she looked out into the crowd and beamed, \u201cYou look so beautiful tonight, Arizona. A lot of cowgirls here tonight. I want to crown a cowgirl here tonight.\u201d That\u2019s when Crystal, a young fan, got the surprise of her life. She was crowned \u201cCowgirl of the Night\u201d and gifted a black cowboy hat adorned with blue feathers and accessories. With the mic in hand, Crystal proudly declared, \u201cI am beautiful, I am fearless, I can do anything and I am cowgirl of the night,\u201d sending cheers and goosebumps through the venue.<\/p>\n
Wilson even walked into the crowd, laughing and complimenting a fan\u2019s purse and saying, \u201cIt\u2019s just getting started.\u201d<\/p>\n
The celebration didn\u2019t 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 \u2018”Dance Moms,” minus the drama.<\/p>\n
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. \u201cFirst night of the tour, it\u2019s our first show and I\u2019m having the time of my life. I feel the love and I really hope you do too,\u201d Wilson said.<\/p>\n
She spoke about her record\u00a0Whirlwind,<\/em>\u00a0sharing how her guitar has been her greatest storyteller: \u201cWe\u2019ve been waiting all our lives for a story that makes us laugh or makes us cry.\u201d Her charisma radiated throughout the night, keeping the audience engaged not just with her music but with her magnetic personality.<\/p>\n By the time she cracked open a beer for \u201cBar in Baton Rouge,\u201d it was clear she was having the time of her life.<\/p>\n The night was extra special for fans as she performed several songs live for the first time, including \u201cWhiskey Colored Crayon,\u201d \u201cWhat If I Could\u201d with special guest Ernest, and \u201cPeace, Love, and Cowboys.\u201d<\/p>\n Here are the songs that made the Whirlwind setlist:<\/p>\n Tulsa Time (Cover by Don Williams)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n What if I Could (With special guest Ernest)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n Wildflowers and Wild Horses<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n Chris Stapleton’s <\/strong>voice of Outlaw Country electrifies Phoenix concert fans<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n Got a story you want to share? Reach out at\u00a0<\/em>Tiffany.Acosta@gannett.com<\/em><\/a>. Follow\u00a0<\/em>@tiffsario<\/em><\/a>\u00a0on Instagram.<\/em><\/p>\n Looking for the <\/em>best things to do in Arizona<\/em><\/a>? Sign up for our newsletter.<\/em><\/p>\n This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Lainey Wilson Whirlwind tour turns into cowgirl party in AZ<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\nLainey Wilson setlist 2025<\/h2>\n
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