Carrie Underwood’s Prudential Center show in February 2023 was a masterclass in contemporary country performance — a blend of powerhouse vocals, cinematic staging, and high-energy crowd interaction that left no doubt as to why she remains one of country music’s most enduring stars. From the moment the arena lights dimmed, it was clear that this would not be a standard country show. Instead, it felt like stepping into a full-scale production, complete with soaring lighting, pyrotechnics, and carefully choreographed set pieces, all designed to highlight Underwood’s unmatched vocal talent and storytelling ability.
The Prudential Center was packed, a mix of die-hard country fans, longtime Carrie Underwood devotees, and casual listeners drawn in by the promise of a night of hits and spectacle. The energy in the arena was palpable from the opening moments, as fans waved their phones and sang along to familiar hooks. While country music can sometimes feel intimate, Carrie’s show proved it could be stadium-sized without losing its emotional impact.
Setlist:
Good Girl (“Pink Champagne” as intro)
Church Bells
Undo It
Hate My Heart
Cowboy Casanova (extended outro with elements of “Velvet Heartbreak”)
If I Didn’t Love You (Jason Aldean cover)
Wasted
She Don’t Know
Blown Away
Burn
Cry Pretty
Ghost Story (performed on air going from main stage to B stage)
Two Black Cadillacs
Garden
Jesus, Take the Wheel / How Great Thou Art
Crazy Angels (performed on air going from B stage to main stage; ext outro contains elements of “Wanted Woman”)
Denim & Rhinestones (with Jimmie Allen)
Flat on the Floor
Poor Everybody Else (followed by band introductions and Carrie playing drums)
Last Name
Something in the Water
Encore:
Welcome to the Jungle (Guns N’ Roses cover)
Before He Cheats
An Electrifying Opening
The show opened with a dramatic introduction featuring “Pink Champagne,” setting the tone for a night that would be as much about visuals and production as it would about music. Carrie took the stage for “Good Girl” amid bursts of pyrotechnics, immediately commanding attention. The song set a high-energy tone for the night, with the crowd singing along word-for-word, clearly eager to be part of the spectacle.
“Church Bells” followed, and it was a standout moment early on. The song’s narrative power, combined with Carrie’s pitch-perfect delivery, reminded the audience why storytelling is such an essential element of country music. “Undo It” and “Hate My Heart” kept the momentum going, with the former’s playful energy perfectly balancing the latter’s more somber tone.
Cowboy Casanova and Emotional Range
“Cowboy Casanova” was a highlight, not just for its catchy chorus but also for the extended outro incorporating elements of “Velvet Heartbreak.” Carrie’s ability to maintain vocal precision while keeping the audience engaged is remarkable; she manages to marry technical skill with stagecraft in a way few performers can. The crowd’s reaction was immediate — fists pumping, voices raised in unison, and a palpable sense of excitement that carried through the arena.
Her cover of Jason Aldean’s “If I Didn’t Love You” offered a surprising twist early in the set. By taking on a song that was not her own, Carrie displayed versatility and respect for her peers, demonstrating that she can make any song her own while staying true to her style.
The Mid-Show: Power, Ballads, and Theatrics
The middle portion of the set leaned into the dramatic, both vocally and visually. “Wasted” and “She Don’t Know” showcased Carrie’s dynamic range, moving effortlessly between tender, intimate vocals and full-throated power. The lighting and video screens complemented the performances perfectly, creating cinematic moments that emphasized the emotion in each song.
“Blown Away” and “Burn” were among the set’s most theatrical moments. With pyrotechnics, dark lighting, and intense visuals, these songs became more than just performances — they were experiences. Carrie’s ability to inhabit the emotional space of each song, combined with the arena’s production, made these moments feel almost operatic.
“Cry Pretty” followed, one of the standout ballads of her catalog, delivering the emotional punch the audience had been waiting for. Carrie’s voice soared over the venue, clear and precise, and it was easy to see why her live performances are often described as transcendent.
Innovation and Audience Interaction
One of the show’s cleverest production choices was the use of the B stage. “Ghost Story” and “Crazy Angels” were performed while Carrie moved through the arena, allowing fans further from the main stage to experience a more intimate connection. The extended outros and interpolations, such as elements of “Wanted Woman,” kept long-time fans engaged and rewarded those familiar with her deeper cuts.
“Denim & Rhinestones,” featuring Jimmie Allen, was a playful and upbeat duet that brought a modern country-pop flair to the show. The collaboration felt natural and added variety, breaking up the set while maintaining the high-energy momentum.
The band introductions during “Poor Everybody Else” offered another layer of connection. Carrie playing drums and acknowledging her musicians gave the audience a sense of behind-the-scenes intimacy, highlighting the talent of her supporting cast and reinforcing her role as both frontwoman and collaborator.
Sacred Moments and Emotional Peaks
Carrie’s set was not just about high-energy hits. Songs like “Jesus, Take the Wheel / How Great Thou Art” provided a spiritual and emotional grounding. The combination of gospel elements, heartfelt vocal delivery, and arena-wide audience participation created a powerful, almost reverential moment. It was a reminder that country music’s roots in storytelling and personal experience are as strong as ever.
“Garden” and “Two Black Cadillacs” showcased her darker, edgier side, with lyrics exploring betrayal and heartbreak. These songs contrasted nicely with the lighter, more playful moments, offering a balanced emotional arc throughout the night.
Closing the Main Set
The final songs of the main set, including “Flat on the Floor,” “Last Name,” and “Something in the Water,” reminded the audience why Carrie Underwood’s catalog has such lasting appeal. High-energy, anthemic, and perfectly suited to large venues, these songs allowed fans to sing along and revel in shared moments of joy. Carrie’s stage presence was magnetic; she commanded attention effortlessly, moving fluidly from microphone to center stage to B stage while maintaining vocal perfection.
Encore: Rock Meets Country
The encore was a surprising but perfectly executed fusion of rock and country. Opening with a Guns N’ Roses cover, “Welcome to the Jungle,” Carrie showed versatility and fearlessness, taking on a song far outside her usual repertoire and making it her own. The performance was energetic and electrifying, bridging genres and showcasing her vocal power in a different context.
The final song, “Before He Cheats,” was a fitting conclusion. It brought the crowd to its feet, fists pumping and voices raised in unison. Carrie closed the show on a high note, leaving the audience exhilarated and fully satisfied. The mix of storytelling, theatrics, and vocal mastery ensured that the final moment of the night was as impactful as the opening.
Production, Choreography, and Stagecraft
One of the defining elements of this show was the integration of production and performance. Lighting cues, video screens, and pyrotechnics were perfectly synchronized with the music, enhancing rather than overshadowing Carrie’s vocal performance. The use of B stages and mobile elements created a sense of intimacy in a massive arena, and choreographed transitions between songs kept the momentum flowing seamlessly.
Carrie’s stage presence is another standout. She moves with purpose, confidence, and an effortless charisma that commands attention without feeling forced. Every gesture, every note, every interaction with the audience is intentional, reinforcing her reputation as one of country music’s most compelling live performers.
The Crowd and Atmosphere
The Prudential Center audience was as much a part of the show as Carrie herself. From the opening “Good Girl” to the closing encore, the crowd’s energy never waned. Fans sang along to every hit, cheered wildly for band introductions, and erupted during iconic moments like “Jesus, Take the Wheel” and “Before He Cheats.” The atmosphere was electric, a testament to Carrie’s ability to connect with audiences on a massive scale while maintaining emotional resonance.
Final Thoughts
Carrie Underwood at Prudential Center in 2023 was a triumph of modern country performance. The show balanced theatricality and intimacy, high-energy anthems and emotional ballads, contemporary flair and traditional country roots. Carrie’s vocal ability, stage presence, and rapport with her audience made for a night that was both awe-inspiring and emotionally satisfying.
From the opening “Good Girl” to the closing “Before He Cheats,” every moment was carefully curated, expertly executed, and deeply engaging. The production values, choreography, and visual storytelling elevated the music, transforming a set of songs into a full-scale performance experience.
For fans of Carrie Underwood, this concert was everything one could hope for: energetic, emotional, and unforgettable. For those new to her work, it was an education in what makes her one of the most compelling live performers of her generation.
In a world where stadium shows can often feel impersonal or overproduced, Carrie Underwood’s Prudential Center performance struck a perfect balance — demonstrating that country music, at its best, can fill an arena with both sound and soul.
Grade: A-