By Renee Clark Quade
Carly Pearce brought warmth, wit, and a whole lot of heart to the New York State Fair on August 27. The Kentucky-born singer proved why she’s one of country music’s most relatable voices, mixing emotional honesty with a down-to-earth sense of humor that made the night feel personal, even in front of thousands.
The evening opened with New York State Trooper Andrew Young of Troop A SP Jamestown delivering a moving performance of the National Anthem, setting a respectful tone before Carly took the stage.
From the start, she connected with fans in a way that felt genuine. Early in the set, she noticed a young girl holding a sign that called her the best singer. Carly brought her on stage during “Never Wanted To Be That Girl,” creating a moment the girl will never forget. The song coincided with a medical emergency in the crowd, which Carly acknowledged with concern before moving into “Shoulda Known Better.” She handled it gracefully, pausing for a photo with the little girl and the audience to bring the energy back.
Carly’s bond with the crowd never let up. She waved to fans, read signs, and shared stories about her career and influences. She described her songwriting as a “what you see is what you get” style, inspired by Loretta Lynn, before introducing “About Her.” She recalled her early Nashville days cleaning Airbnbs while writing “Every Little Thing,” the song that changed everything for her. Those moments pulled the audience closer, making each performance hit harder.
She also spoke about her grandfather sparking her love of country music with CDs he ordered from a TV infomercial, which introduced her to Tammy Wynette and George Jones. Carly proudly reflected on her Grand Ole Opry membership and her role in honoring the artists who came before her, leading into “Fault Line.”
Her humor lit up the set, especially when someone requested “29” for a birthday. Carly laughed, pointing out the song’s themes of marriage and divorce before joking that maybe this wasn’t the year to get married. She later reflected on her journey with Dolly Parton, sharing how Dolly welcomed her into the Opry and the joy of singing “Jolene” alongside her last year.
Carly also spotlighted her band, joking that life on one bus made them like the brothers she never had, though they probably saw her as the sister they never wanted. She spent time reading fan signs and posing with the front row before singing “What He Didn’t Do.”
Before closing, she laughed about visiting the fair’s cow birthing center earlier that day, calling it an experience she’ll never forget. She wrapped up with “I Hope You’re Happy Now,” leaving the crowd on a high note.
Carly Pearce’s show at the fair wasn’t just about strong vocals or hit songs. It was about connection. She made a massive stage feel intimate, balancing raw emotion with humor and gratitude. For fans, it wasn’t just a concert. It was an evening with someone who feels like an old friend, sharing stories and singing straight from the heart.
See photos from the show below:
