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Being a superstar is tiring work.
Kacey Musgraves is finding that out big time, having shocked the world — and, even more so, herself — with her huge night at the Grammy Awards on Feb. 10.
“It’s not like it’s been a crazy week or anything,” the country music artist joked, as she noted how tired she was prior to taking the stage at The Masonic in San Francisco on Feb. 16. “That’s some wild (expletive).”
She won four awards during the Grammy presentation, but the one that caught everyone’s attention — and elevated Musgraves from critics’ darling to megastar — was for album of the year for her fourth studio album, “Golden Hour.”
. @KaceyMusgraves opens @sfmasonic show with slow burn pic.twitter.com/odIYbaUYl4
— Jim Harrington (@jimthecritic) February 17, 2019
Even though there was no clear-cut favorite in the running the Grammy’s biggest prize, “Golden Hour” was still considered by many a long-shot, since it was up against blockbusters from Cardi B, Drake and other marquee artists.
“That goes to show you that the love behind the recording was really strong,” Musgraves told the audience at The Masonic. “And that’s because of you.”
Musgraves might have been dragging a little bit going into the show, but she’d quickly perk up once she was greeted by the capacity crowd of fawning fans.
More @KaceyMusgraves at @sfmasonic pic.twitter.com/JeWV4ckn5l
— Jim Harrington (@jimthecritic) February 17, 2019
Of course, she has long maintained a sizable fan base in the Bay Area. Many locals started listening to the singer-songwriter with her first — and still best — album, 2013’s “Same Trailer, Different Park.” Yet, the reaction from the crowd this time around was much different than what we’ve seen at previous Musgraves shows in the area.
Fans treated her like a conquering hero, showering Musgraves with the type of full-throttle applause and cheers often reserved for big boy-band concerts. The level of sheer exuberance was downright impressive — and loud — as fans sang along at the top of their lungs with the star. At times, they even threatened to drown her voice out of the mix.
“It’s obvious you guys have been doing your lyrical homework,” said Musgraves, impressed that the fans seemed to know every word to every song.
This might be my 2nd fave @KaceyMusgraves song pic.twitter.com/HOFTtsrE4w
— Jim Harrington (@jimthecritic) February 17, 2019
Musgraves, however, hasn’t changed all that much since the Grammy victory. If anything, she seems to be downplaying her newfound superstardom in the pop music world. The performance at The Masonic was more straightforward and music-focused than even the last time she performed in the area, as an opening act for Harry Styles. She just kept it simple this time around and let her tunes do the talking.
She sounded amazing throughout the night, singing with both personality and poise as she kicked the show off with “Slow Burn” and then continued through “Wonder Woman,” “Lonely Weekend” and more.
The set list was almost entirely devoted to “Golden Hour,” with “Velvet Elvis,” “Butterflies” and — the tour’s namesake — “Oh, What a World” ranking among the highlights.
Yet, it would have been nice to hear more material from her first two albums, which showcase her poignant yet quirky, John Prince-influenced songwriting side. The few older numbers that she did play, such as “Family Is Family” from 2015’s “Pageant Material,” all were among the best of the night.
Then came time for her anthem of acceptance and individuality — “Follow Your Arrow” — which had fans cheering and singing along in approval.
“We all know that country music hasn’t always been the most inclusive environment,” said Musgraves, quickly adding: “Not anymore.”
She’d save up some of her finest songs for late in the evening. Yet, the one that really had the crowd buzzing wasn’t even written by Musgraves. Instead, it was the sole cover of the set — a rowdy rendition of NSYNC’s “Tearin’ Up My Heart,” performed alongside opening act Soccer Mommy.
. @KaceyMusgraves Wonder Woman in concert pic.twitter.com/GfWo6AZUoq
— Jim Harrington (@jimthecritic) February 17, 2019
