In Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium on October 26th, Carly Pearce gave her first-ever headlining concert at the historic venue as the reigning CMA and ACM Female Artist/Vocalist of the Year. It was the first of two back-to-back, sold-out Ryman shows.

With songs “Don’t Come Lookin‘” and “Trailer Park,” Big Machine label-mate and country artist Jackson Dean kicked off the evening. As a result of his incredible vocals, but also because of those of the members of his band, his self-written song “Heavens to Betsy” was touching. Dean’s performance ended, the Ryman went black, and flashes of white light instantly filled the room.

In an instant, the first notes of Pearce’s “Diamondback” hit the pews, and Pearce emerged from underneath the stage. The 90-minute set included songs such as “Should’ve Known Better,” “Dear Miss Loretta,” “Next Girl,” “29,” and “Never Wanted To Be That Girl.”

A special guest, Bill Anderson, the longest-tenured member of the Grand Ole Opry, joined Pearce to perform “Someday It’ll All Make Sense,” a song by Anderson and Dolly Parton. With second guest Ricky Skaggs, the Kentucky native fulfilled a childhood dream.

After “Every Little Thing,” she performed “Show Me Around,” a touching tribute to her late producer Michael Busbee (“Busbee“). In addition, she paid homage to him and producer and co-writer Shane McAnally with “If My Name Was Whiskey,” a track they wrote together which appears on her debut album “Every Little Thing.”

The show ended with Pearce belting out “Hide The Wine” and a surprise appearance from Gary LeVox. A lively reaction from the crowd greeted the two performers’ rendition of Rascal Flatts‘ “What Hurts The Most.” Later, Dean joined Pearce onstage for a duet of her and Lee Brice‘s “I Hope You’re Happy Now.”