By Renee Clark Quade

Rain and wind tried to make an appearance at the start of Maddie & Tae’s evening Chevy Court performance at the New York State Fair on August 28, but the duo didn’t let that shake them. Both walked out in pink, sparkly outfits that caught the lights, with one pair of glittering boots stealing the show before they even sang a note.

From the first song, Maddie & Tae made it clear that the connection with their fans mattered most. They pointed, waved, and shared smiles with the crowd throughout the night, creating a back-and-forth energy that never let up.

One of the most intimate moments came when they sat on stools with their guitars to perform “Fly.” Before playing, they told the story of moving to Nashville at 17, how it made them question if chasing their dreams was worth it, and how that struggle inspired the song. Later in the set, Tae opened up about turning 30, reflecting on how she and Maddie have been friends for half their lives. She said how grateful they were that fans continue to sing their music and give it a home. That sentiment flowed perfectly into a moving cover of Lee Ann Womack’s “I Hope You Dance.”

The night wasn’t just about their biggest hits. Maddie dug into the story behind “Sierra,” talking about a mean girl she grew up with in Texas who made her school years difficult. She admitted she never thought the song would leave her notebook, but fans gave it life when it appeared on their debut album. Tae also shared pieces of her own journey, reflecting on being a mom to two little ones before “Chasing Babies & Raising Dreams.”

Of course, Maddie & Tae made sure to celebrate the fans who carried them from the beginning. They said “Girl in a Country Song” was never supposed to see the light of day, but it became their breakout because of the crowd’s response. As the song kicked in, the audience was on its feet, singing and dancing along without hesitation.

As the show neared its end, the pace shifted. They slowed it down with the heartfelt “Every Night, Every Morning,” then cranked the energy back up with “Bathroom Floor.” Before their final number, they talked about what it means to be vulnerable in their songwriting, setting the stage for “Die From a Broken Heart.” The song turned into a collective singalong, with Maddie thanking everyone for giving their songs a home before letting the crowd carry the chorus one last time.

From sparkling boots to stories that cut straight to the heart, Maddie & Tae gave Chevy Court more than just a performance. They offered a reminder of why their music resonates, storm or shine.

Setlist:
Free Like
Shut Up and Fish
Sad Girl Summer
Kissing Cowboys
Girl in Alabama
Woman You Got
Friends Don’t
Chasing Babies & Raising Dreams
Heart They Didn’t Break
Fly (Acoustic)
I Hope You Dance (Lee Ann Womack cover)
One Hit Wonders
Your Side of Town
Girl in a Country Song
Fall in Love & Find Out
Every Night, Every Morning
Die From a Broken Heart
Bathroom Floor

Maddie & Tae – NYS Fair – Photo Gallery