First-Ever iHeartRadio Country Festival a ‘Smashing’ Success [Pictures]
The first-ever iHeartRadio Country Festival was a smashing success on Saturday (March 29) in Austin, Texas, featuring star-studded performances, a surprise collaboration, and even a little bit of rapping (and this time, it wasn't Nelly!).
The sold-out event, breaking out of the iHeartRadio Music Festival in Las Vegas due to high demand, celebrated all things country, with a jam packed lineup of performers including Carrie Underwood, Jason Aldean, Eric Church, Luke Bryan, Florida Georgia Line, Lady Antebellum, Hunter Hayes, Jake Owen and Dan + Shay.
Some out of the ordinary things happened on the stage. Church opened the show with the title-track from his current album 'The Outsiders,' while Bryan closed out the evening with 'Country Girl (Shake It for Me).' What happened in between was pretty fantastic.
Owen added a hilarious addition to 'Barefoot Blue Jean Night,' and rapped the 'Fresh Prince of Bel-Air' theme during the song, much to fans' delight.
Duo FGL joined Aldean onstage for a collaboration of 'The Only Way I Know,' then the 'Night Train' singer smashed his guitar to pieces as he left the stage, celebrating a great show. Later, Bryan treated a Make-A-Wish child to a very sweet performance.
Hosted by nationally syndicated country music personality Bobby Bones, the iHeartRadio Country Festival included special guest presenters Lucy Hale, Danielle Bradbery and Cody Alan.