Carrie Underwood: "Play On" Era, Part III

[EPG]

Sooo much exciting news since I've been busy! Happy Birthday, Carrie!

[jeff]

Thanks to Naco for the find

news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100310/ap_en_mu/us_music_underwood_on_tour_2

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – After selling more than a million tickets to her last concert tour, Carrie Underwood is aiming higher this time.

Really high. She plans to fly over the audience, for starters.

"We're kind of going for broke on this one just because I feel like it's time," Underwood said in an interview this week. "At this point, the only thing it's about is putting on a great show and we're going out with that in mind. I definitely think we have delivered."

Underwood's "Play On Tour" opens Thursday in Reading, Pa., with more than 50 dates in the United States and Canada planned through June.

The former "American Idol" winner, who turned 27 on Wednesday, wanted to follow the success of her third platinum-selling album, "Play On," with something dynamite for her fans. She's set a record with 11 straight No. 1 country singles and now feels she has a set list meaty enough to support something spectacular.

"As far as things getting bigger, it's just that — the stage is bigger, there are more lights, there's more tricks up our sleeve," Underwood said. "We have a lot of moving parts on the stage. I kind of get to fly over the audience. It's really cool. It's just a lot of stuff. My band's great, wardrobe's great. It's just more. It's all of the bells and whistles and sprinkles on the cupcake."

[fischbone]

The girl has lost her mind but I can't wait!

[jeff]

Mar 10, 2010 10:54:08 GMT -5 fischbone said:

The girl has lost her mind but I can't wait!

lol. i'll be praying she doesn't have an almighty drop on any of her shows. or if she does she'll drop right into my arms.

[leilamaurizia]

Mar 10, 2010 11:45:19 GMT -5 jeff said:

Mar 10, 2010 10:54:08 GMT -5 fischbone said:

The girl has lost her mind but I can't wait!

lol. i'll be praying she doesn't have an almighty drop on any of her shows. or if she does she'll drop right into my arms.

Um, really, Jeff? You're not embarrassed you posted that? Haha!

In honor of Carrie's birthday and the tour launch, The Boot has listed their top 10 Carrie songs.

Carrie Underwood turns 27 years old today (March 10) and kicks off the Play On tour this week! So to celebrate, we're taking a look back at 10 of the singer's finest performances. Whether she's getting hitched in Vegas or coming unhinged in a parking lot, offering sweet words of encouragement or bitter expressions of regret, Carrie's captured our attention -- and our hearts. And we can't wait to hear what she'll do next!

10. 'Last Name'
Seriously, a Pinto? Yep, that should have tipped you off, Carrie! At least she's owning up to her transgressions. What happens in Vegas ... is pretty darn hilarious!

9. 'I Know You Won't'
This goosebump-raising ballad wasn't a single, but it's an incredible, memorable performance. Carrie's powerful pipes convey emotional turmoil and heart-touching sadness.

8. 'Wasted'
Anyone who's tried (metaphorically) pouring raindrops back into a cloud knows how good if feels to finally gain some clarity. And Carrie knew from track one, album one, how to get her messages across.

7. 'So Small'
The voice soars higher than the mountains, but the message cuts right through to the heart. Comforting words that wrap around you like a warm blanket.

6. 'I Told You So' (With Randy Travis)
Carrie's solo remake was impressive enough, but this Grammy-winning duet with the man who wrote and originally sang it made four words that usually come off nasty sound sweeter than ever.

5. 'Cowboy Casanova'
Rather than plotting revenge, Carrie's on a mission to keep other unsuspecting cowgirls from experiencing "candy-coated misery." He may not realize it, but the leather seats of his four-wheel drive appreciate it.

4. 'Mama's Song'
The father-daughter dance is a wedding tradition, and this lovely ballad from grateful daughter to concerned mother could become traditional, too. There's a certain hockey player who probably likes the song's vote of confidence as well.

3. 'Temporary Home'
In a series of heartbreaking but ultimately redemptive vignettes, Carrie offers a lifetime of valuable lessons in a little over four minutes. Quite simply one of her most soul-stirring performances.

2. 'Jesus, Take the Wheel'
Inspiring and inspired, this divine performance turned a reality-show winner into a bona fide superstar. It also delivered a potent message about second chances.

1. 'Before He Cheats'
Courtroom TV shows were made for loose cannons like the bat-wielding character Carrie portrays here. Sounding fearless and no doubt looking flawless, we love her take-no-prisoners attitude. We just don't want to meet up with her in a dark alley!

[tsharky]

I am confused though because Carrie said they are doing something never done before on her tour.....and flying over the audience has been done a zillion times already from Kenny to Pink to Bon Jovi to several artists. Don't get me wrong: it sounds really fun and exciting! :) But it doesn't fit with her comments about doing something that has never been done before in a live show.

So I think the big surprise thing, that has never been done before, wouldn't be the fly over thing since it has been done alot in the past. Plus, would they really give away the big surprise in the press release before the tour even starts? Carrie didn't want us to watch youtube videos because she wants us to be surprised....so I can't imagine she would spill the beans just like that, if this is the big surprise. I am thinking it must be something kept under wraps still, because flying over the crowd is not new at all...though it will be really cool! :)

[leilamaurizia]

It doesn't say flying is the only thing so I got the impression that there are other surprises.

Tee, I expect a full report from you! :)

ETA: Stunts like this do scare me a bit though. Brad just had a bad fall and he was just walking/running down a ramp. And I still remember Kenny's foot being stuck in the lift.

[fischbone]

Mar 10, 2010 11:56:09 GMT -5 tsharky said:

I am confused though because Carrie said they are doing something never done before on her tour.....and flying over the audience has been done a zillion times already from Kenny to Pink to Bon Jovi to several artists. Don't get me wrong: it sounds really fun and exciting! :) But it doesn't fit with her comments about doing something that has never been done before in a live show.

So I think the big surprise thing, that has never been done before, wouldn't be the fly over thing since it has been done alot in the past. Plus, would they really give away the big surprise in the press release before the tour even starts? Carrie didn't want us to watch youtube videos because she wants us to be surprised....so I can't imagine she would spill the beans just like that, if this is the big surprise. I am thinking it must be something kept under wraps still, because flying over the crowd is not new at all...though it will be really cool! :)

Sometimes you take her comments too literally.

My bet is that she has plenty of other things going on that we will be amazed about.

[vinman]

Tour is gonna be epic! As for Carrie hurting herself, what can go wrong with wearing high heel shoes and flying over the audience right?

My biggest fear is that due to the outdoor setup of the Hollywood Bowl, I may not get to see Carrie flying!

[jeff]

Mar 10, 2010 13:24:08 GMT -5 vinman said:

My biggest fear is that due to the outdoor setup of the Hollywood Bowl, I may not get to see Carrie flying!

isn't she performing with the orchestra? i think with the outdoor setup, that show will be different from all the other concerts on her tour.

Mar 10, 2010 11:52:26 GMT -5 leilamaurizia said:

Mar 10, 2010 11:45:19 GMT -5 jeff said:

lol. i'll be praying she doesn't have an almighty drop on any of her shows. or if she does she'll drop right into my arms.

Um, really, Jeff? You're not embarrassed you posted that? Haha!

um well, i'm nervous about it, and when i'm nervous i say crazy things. lol

[43dudleyvillas]

Flying, huh? I've got to say that I am by nature skeptical of bells & whistles (I just don't trust big production flash). But hey, Carrie is living the dream and she's got the opportunity to have some fun and throw some dazzle people's way, so why not, I guess? As long as the vocals, sound quality and musicianship aren't sacrificed, I'm good with it. It does sound like Carrie might be a little more adventuresome musically this tour, so I'll be interested to see how that manifests itself. I'm especially curious to know what her version of '90s country would be. She has described "This Time" as being in that vein, yes?

Haven't posted in this thread in some time, but I'm glad to see "Temporary Home" continuing to do well. robrt30's comments about Arista Nashville wanting small market airplay to catch up to large market airplay have looked increasingly incisive, especially during TH's early weeks in the top-10. Really good call there. I don't think I ever commented on the TH video...I usually hate spoken interludes in videos, but this one worked. I don't think the performance scenes are well-integrated with the storyline scenes, and I think there is probably some symbolism to the setting of the performance scenes that is eluding me. But all in all, thumbs up to Deaton & Flanigen -- I really liked what they did with the storyline scenes and the cast (not least Carrie) did a very good job. And speaking of Carrie acting, I did catch her on HIMYM and thought she did a really good job. "He's in a band" and "No, sir!" were especially well-delivered lines from her, I thought.

Best wishes and good luck to Carrie, her band and crew as they embark upon this tour, and of course, happy birthday to Carrie.

[what]

i think as long as the vocals and preformances dont suffer bec of the production carrie should be fine. unfortunately we live in a world where bigger is better, adn more attention is better. and standing there singing doest cut it anymore... itll be interesting to see what they come up with.

[Typo]

Youtube will be my home come Friday.

[robrt30]

Mar 10, 2010 11:45:19 GMT -5 jeff said:

lol. i'll be praying she doesn't have an almighty drop on any of her shows. or if she does she'll drop right into my arms.

I hope my seat for the concert is next to yours - just in case you need some help ;)

Looks like that Pink performance at the Grammys may have inspired/intrigued Carrie a lil' bit. Unless they had that cooked up already, which is certainly a possibility.

[joey2002]

Sirius/XM is announcing this week that they're the first radio station in the country to play Carrie's new single, "Undo It".

What's up with that?

I expected "Undo It" to be released next, but "Temporary Home" is still climbing the country charts... ???

[Typo]

They really need to hold if off for a bit, TH is getting close to the top.

UI is going to be such a smash.

[vinman]

Mar 10, 2010 16:42:30 GMT -5 joey2002 said:

Sirius/XM is announcing this week that they're the first radio station in the country to play Carrie's new single, "Undo It".

What's up with that?

I expected "Undo It" to be released next, but "Temporary Home" is still climbing the country charts... ???

I posted above that XM has been playing UNDO IT. I'm pretty much sure it's her next single.

BTW,

From the Tennessean,

How well do you know birthday girl Carrie Underwood?

I missed the first question. :o

[jeff]

I won't be that surprised if UI is the next single (or at least the label has already made such a decision)

However, seeing that TH has at least 1 month of chart life left, I am surprised that there is such a public announcement of the new single. Arista usually announces her new singles late, rather than early.

it's not one of my choices because it would appear predictable and as a single, it doesn't show anything new about Carrie (other than her being able to stutter). It's probably (together with MS) my last choice as a single for her. Coincidentally both songs were played during the CMT Invitation taping and I'll admit to feeling pretty underwhelmed about PO the album after the taping; turns out she chose to play my 2 least favorite tracks at the taping. I haven't said great things about Quitter, but I would prefer Quitter over UI, because at least its a new sound.

However, seeing as its such a fan fav and people are sure it'll help boost sales, its not as if there's no compelling argument for making it a single.

[tsharky]

Sneak Peak of Carrie's April cover of Allure! Perez Hilton approves. lol

cocoperez.com/2010-03-10-carrie-underwood-is-alluring?utm_source=web&utm_medium=twitter

^ I love Undo It next as it is a great summer single. I do hope they release This Time or Quitter too, because she really does need to release a mid-tempo.

^^Fishbone you are right that I take Carrie's words too literally sometimes. lol But then again, some articles had mentioned "doing something never done before" on Carrie's tour, so it wasn't just from Carrie's mouth. Anyway, I am sure it will be amazing and I am happy about the idea of her flying overhead too, because it will still be cool even if it has been done before.

^^^Desi don't worry I will take as many pictures and video clips as I can on Friday, and write a full review. I think the cat will be out of the bag by then though by all the people going opening night, tomorrow, but I am not going to read or watch anything before Friday so I don't lose out on the surprise factor. I would never hold out if I wasn't going the next night. lol I will try to live tweet too.

[David]

Happy Birthday Carrie! Atleast i share a birthday with someone amazing. :)

[what]

it's not one of my choices because it would appear predictable and as a single, it doesn't show anything new about Carrie (other than her being able to stutter).

yeah, its one of the reasons why im not fond of ui being a single. its nothing like itys that showed another dimension of carrie and evne though it wasnt a popular obivous choice at first it became one of cr's best singles, if not the best.

but i do undrestand its appeal and it is a good concert song, like fotf was. and ive always thought fotf was a surefire single.

[joey2002]

Mar 10, 2010 16:56:05 GMT -5 vinman said:

I posted above that XM has been playing UNDO IT. I'm pretty much sure it's her next single.

Yeah, I heard Sirius/XM first play Undo It last night...and then today I heard them announce that they are the "first radio station in the country to play Carrie's new single".

I think it's a good choice for her since it will likely have some degree of pop success...I just hope they let "Temporary Home" reach #1 on the country charts first!

[cufan7]

Maybe they are releasing it early so Carrie could have a good upbeat to drive ticket sales? Hope this isn't the case though as TH has a lot of life left I feel.

Wish it wasn't UI to be honest... Oh well...

[what]

Hope this isn't the case though as TH has a lot of life left I feel.

i think so too, and even when it reaches #1 i hope the label doesnt pull the plug too quickly and just let it go down naturally.

but we live in a wordl of instant gratification, so i wont be surprised if indeed they are jumping the gun with ui.

[👑 Eloquent ™]

Mar 10, 2010 20:31:52 GMT -5 joey2002 said:

I think it's a good choice for her since it will likely have some degree of pop success...I just hope they let "Temporary Home" reach #1 on the country charts first!

If Cowboy Casanova couldn't find success on pop radio, I doubt Undo It will fare any better. I am so disappointed with Undo It being the next single. Where is Quitter, or Songs Like This?

[jptexas]

Mar 10, 2010 22:46:15 GMT -5 👑 Eloquent ™ said:

Mar 10, 2010 20:31:52 GMT -5 joey2002 said:

I think it's a good choice for her since it will likely have some degree of pop success...I just hope they let "Temporary Home" reach #1 on the country charts first!

If Cowboy Casanova couldn't find success on pop radio, I doubt Undo It will fare any better. I am so disappointed with Undo It being the next single. Where is Quitter, or Songs Like This?

Yea, I wanted Quitter or This Time, but Undo It will have a much better chance at crossing over than CC did. It has the pop feel. Of course, that's if the single rumor is true. I still have some doubts. Why would they say anything to possibly stop TH's rise to the top. Weird.

[realityBITES]

Undo It would be a good choice if the crossover is what they're aiming for. But it's pretty apparent they're not. So then I have to look at it from a perspective of ...will Undo It sell the album? I think the audience who would like this would have already bought the album because of CC. So for that reason, I don't think it's a great choice.

[countryfan1985]

I have a question: Does TH still have a chance of getting to number 1? because I think her label would atleast wait to see what TH does before picking the next single when TH is still climbing up the charts..

To you guys who are going to Carrie's concert tomorrow Have a awesome time and I hope Carrie don't get hurt by flying over the audience at her concerts.

Happy Birthday Carrie

[Typo]

UI should be a huge hit. It's got that anthem feel to it. I see it doing very well.

[👑 Eloquent ™]

Undo It will undoubtedly be another huge smash for Carrie on country (future #1, easily), but I don't know. I don't think it's necessarily a terrible song; I think I just dislike it so much because there are so many better single options on the album in my opinion. *sigh*