Charlotte, North Carolina, put a little sparkle on for Kacey Musgraves

October 2 was the best night so far this year! You may be asking why? Because Kacey Musgraves was in Charlotte, North Carolina, on her “Middle Of Nowhere Tour.” Upon arriving at the Spectrum Center on a cool fall night, I knew I was in for a treat. You could see fans shining from blocks…

Lauren Smith

October 10, 2026

Lauren Smith

October 2 was the best night so far this year! You may be asking why? Because Kacey Musgraves was in Charlotte, North Carolina, on her “Middle Of Nowhere Tour.” Upon arriving at the Spectrum Center on a cool fall night, I knew I was in for a treat. You could see fans shining from blocks away! Covered in glitter, the cutest cowgirl boots, and the most stunning hair, makeup, and outfits you’d ever seen — Kacey fans know how to pop out for their girl! While waiting in the pit, I noticed fans starting conversations with each other, complimenting one another, and trying to get the perfect photo with her incredible stage.

Estevie hit the stage bringing the most contagious dance energy! She opened the night with some of her hits like “el paso (with Cuco),” “Quiero Saber,” and “Uno Pal Otro with Emmanuel Cortes.” The Mexican-American singer and songwriter had Charlotte up on their feet her entire set! She truly set the tone for the entire night, and I couldn’t have imagined seeing a better opener for Kacey’s North Carolina show.

Then the lights cut off, a timer hit the big screen, and played the entirety of “The Final Countdown” by Europe, picking fans up again and getting them hyped up and ready for Kacey to hit the stage. When the timer got down to 10 seconds, you could feel the roar of fans cheering for Kacey Musgraves! She kicked the night off with “Everybody Wants To Be A Cowboy (feat. Bill Strings).” Starting out on her main stage, which is designed to look like a barn-style, worn-down roadside bar with a “Middle Of Nowhere” sign displayed on top, then making her way to her B Stage in the round. B-stage was in the shape of a star, had a circular platform that moved Kacey around during specific songs, and was where she kept her disco balls… if you know what I mean!

My favorite song of all time was “Butterflies,” where a LED butterfly flew around the arena. But I have to say “Abilene” live, while Kacey was spinning, walking, and sitting on a bar stool on her moving platform, was such a unique experience. The lighting was set on a mood green color with interactive screens. It was designed perfectly for the song.

A huge applause to Kacey’s production team. This was one of the most intricate stage designs I’ve seen this year! I couldn’t believe how much detail went into EVERY SINGLE SONG! Not only that, but Kacey was super interactive with fans the entire night, showcasing her passion not only for her art but for the people supporting her! The singer, previously at her show in Chicago, asked fans to donate to the Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights as her birthday wish, using her tour to help support migrant and border relief! While this did cause backlash from conservative “fans” and commentators, true Kacey fans praised her for using her voice and platform to support those in need. She has truly changed the stigma around country artists and has created a space where fans can feel loved, safe, and valued! Kacey Musgraves is one of those artists you could see over and over again!

If you haven’t seen her while she’s on her “Middle Of Nowhere Tour,” I highly suggest grabbing tickets now! Myself, along with all of Charlotte, North Carolina, have been nonstop singing her songs since she left, and I hope she comes back to North Cackalacky soon!