Despite Nashville Meets London running for a few years now, this was actually the first one I could attend. Going from a two day event to one day this year, the line up on Saturday July 27th was pretty stellar and a dang good mix. Having Lauren Alaina headline was a dream come true, we just adore her in the UK and since her debut at C2C Festival in 2016, we have been desperate for her to come back.

Lauren is a headliner in the UK, not exactly small potatoes and her fans don’t just love her for her music but for her incredibly infectious personality and wonderful positivity. For example, at Nashville Meets London she spent time with a homeless man not just giving money but speaking to them too. Just a fool if you think you can’t change the world? Well in this moment she did as fans looked upon it happening and will no doubt take a different view on those less fortunate.

Lauren had her hardcore fans at the front of the stage from early on in the day. A non ticketed event as it is free, people could queue from pretty much whenever.

Skipping on stage after a rocking intro from her band, Lauren sported a flattering two piece sport-like outfit. Beginning with History, the crowd were roaring and the energy was electric on both the stage and the audience. Queen of Hearts was next but it was Georgia Peaches that really met a cheer, myself included. The song flowed into a Guns ‘N’ Roses cover of Paradise City. A favourite of mine from her Road Less Traveled album Doin’ Fine was next. I had asked her in our interview earlier that evening if she was playing this and was delighted when she said yes. With a full band, this song live was really rockin’ and if you weren’t yet a fan of Alaina, you were now.

Lauren had been on tour across the UK for a few weeks now so those who had been to a show or who were reading up on fans comments already knew she had been bringing a guy on stage for her song Next Boyfriend. Picking someone from the crowd can’t be easy but she always chose a hardcore fan and they always seemed to have a blast as they danced on stage as she sung.

A stand out moment for me was her medley of female artists across the 80’s/90’s and beyond. (Man! I Feel Like A Woman / I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me) / Wide Open Spaces / Fancy / …Baby One More Time / Umbrella / Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It) / Last Name (Shania Twain / Whitney Houston / Dixie Chicks / Reba McEntire / Britney Spears / Rihanna / Beyonce / Carrie Underwood cover)) this, of course had everyone dancing, even those way in the back at the bar as everyone knew the words and had a grand ole time singing back to Lauren. I felt this was a great idea especially at a festival environment on a Saturday night. This tribute of course could only be followed by her single Ladies in the 90’s which has met such great success and is a fan favourite. The summer anthem was sensational live and Lauren truly is a fantastic vocalist and knows how to be fun on stage and entertain her crowd.

Three was next, also from her Road Less Traveled album, the emotive track speaks of the hardships of being away from home to have a career and to be played on the radio. A live show of Alaina’s had to include this song as is for certain one of her best songs and invites us into her world a little bit. The song shows that despite being such a strong woman on a very pressured industry that she does face obstacles and does make sacrifices.

Closing with the upbeat and optimistic song Road Less Traveled, the crowd were in full force when singing along. Lauren is a power house vocalist and has a huge future. The entire performance was on point and Lauren proved her worth as a headliner.

With a new album in tow, lets hope it isn’t too long before Lauren returns to the UK.

Set list:

History

Queen Of Hearts

Georgia Peaches/Paradise City (Guns ‘N’ Roses cover)

Doin’ Fine

Next Boyfriend

Tupelo

What Ifs

Man! I Feel Like A Woman / I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me) / Wide Open Spaces / Fancy / …Baby One More Time / Umbrella / Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It) / Last Name (Shania Twain / Whitney Houston / Dixie Chicks / Reba McEntire / Britney Spears / Rihanna / Beyonce / Carrie Underwood cover)

Ladies In The 90s

Three

Road Less Traveled