Carrie Underwood, the reigning queen of country music, graced the stage at the beautiful Ravinia Festival in Highland Park, IL last night, for the first performance of her two-night residency. The unique charm of the venue, combined with Underwood’s unmatched talent and a setlist that spanned her illustrious career, made this concert an unforgettable experience. For those who were fortunate enough to be there, it was a magical evening in the heart of Chicago’s northern suburbs, celebrating the music of a true country music superstar.

To no one’s surprise, her set was nothing short of spectacular and there were a plethora of reasons why you should have been in attendance to witness this unforgettable show, but we’ll give you just six of our favorites.

1. Carrie’s Return to Ravinia

It had been almost a decade since Carrie Underwood last graced the Ravinia stage in 2014. Her return was met with overwhelming excitement and anticipation from fans who had been eagerly awaiting her reappearance at this unique venue. The sense of nostalgia of performances past and the opportunity to see her in such an intimate setting made this night all the more special.

2. New Venue, New Performance

Fresh off her supporting role for Guns N Roses’ North American tour and not far removed from her Allstate Arena visit in support of her latest LP, Carrie Underwood surprised her fans with a performance that was distinct from her previous Denim & Rhinestones Tour. Her show at Ravinia was a testament to her versatility as an artist, with new surprises and a renewed energy that left the audience captivated.

3. Musical Mastery

Underwood’s vocal prowess is nothing short of extraordinary, and it was on full display at Ravinia. Her powerful voice resonated throughout the venue, from the ticketed seats in the pavilion to those tucked back in the lawn, showcasing her remarkable talent and leaving no doubt as to why she is considered one of the greatest voices in country music.

4. A Venue Made for Memories

Ravinia Festival, nestled amidst the lush greenery of Highland Park, is unlike any other concert venue you’ve ever experienced. The serene outdoor setting, complete with picnic lawns and a relaxed ambiance, provided the perfect backdrop for an intimate evening with a country superstar. The audience was treated to a delightful blend of nature’s beauty and Underwood’s musical prowess, making it an evening to remember. If you have yet to experience what makes Ravinia stand out in person, you need to do yourself a favor and catch a show there in 2024 (if not before).

5. Chart-Topping Success

With more than 66 million records sold worldwide, 28 No. 1 singles, and numerous awards to her name, Carrie Underwood’s musical achievements speak for themselves. Her ability to connect with audiences and create chart-topping hits was on full display at Ravinia, leaving no doubt as to why she has countless accolades throughout her career.

6. An Unmatched Entertainer

Underwood’s live performances are nothing short of amazing, and her Ravinia show was no exception. From heartwarming ballads to foot-stomping anthems, she took the audience on a musical journey that left everyone in awe. Her stage presence and charisma added an extra layer of magic to the evening.

7. Fan Favorite

Carrie Underwood’s connection with her fans is undeniable. The energy and enthusiasm of the crowd at Ravinia were palpable, as fans of all ages sang along to every song and cheered her on with unwavering devotion. It’s a testament to her enduring appeal and her ability to touch the hearts of her listeners and it’s why you’ll likely see some of the same fans from Friday night’s performance return to Ravinia in less than 24 hours to run it back all over again.