Little Big Town • Wynonna Judd • Shelby Lynn • August 28, 2025 • Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre
Reviewed and Photographed by Kevin Rolfe
Few bands in modern country music embody harmony quite like Little Big Town, and their recent concert performance proved why they’ve remained one of the genre’s most respected and beloved acts for over two decades. With a career spanning hits such as “Boondocks,” “Girl Crush,” and “Pontoon,” the four-part vocal powerhouse—Karen Fairchild, Kimberly Schlapman, Jimi Westbrook, and Phillip Sweet—delivered an evening filled with soaring harmonies, heartfelt storytelling, and a joyful celebration of music’s power to connect.
Wynonna
Dude to some scheduling issues, I wasn’t able to make it inside for Shelby Lynn’s set. I was able to hear her while I was being issued my photo pass. She sounded good, and from what I could tell, the crowd really enjoyed her set.
First up for me was Country Music legend, Wynonna Judd. As she took the stage, the audience gave her an energetic standing ovation. Her set started strong with one of my favorite Wynonna hits, “I Saw The Light.” People were dancing and clapping along as they nostalgically enjoyed the early 90s classic.
Wynonna asked the audience to raise their hand if they had never seen her in concert before. A large portion of the crowd had their hands in the air. I was surprised by how many hadn’t seen Wynonna yet. But it makes sense. She hasn’t stopped by Utah too often in recent years. We were fortunate to catch her last year at Sandy Amphitheater. I think it had been a while before that that she toured through Utah. “Well, it’s nice to finally meet you!” she replied. “Thank you for letting me sing to you tonight. Music is a blessing. It’s a healer. Yes, it is.” She then followed with another one of her great songs, “She Is His Only Need.” Couples danced, and the audience swayed to the music. We were in great hands with Wynonna prepping the crowd for Little Big Town.
Wynonna Judd thanked the audience for all the hits. Mentioning that she’d been recording and performing for 42 years. She then played “Tell Me Why.” Her set was truly filled with so many great hits.
One of the major highlights of Wynonna Judd’s set was when she played a block of songs from The Judds. The band she was in with her late mother, Naomi Judd. These songs mean so much to so many people. And with her mom’s tragic passing, I’d imagine that they carry a lot of bittersweet feelings. It shows that Wynonna truly cares for her fans to keep these songs and the memory of Naomi alive.
Unfortunately, the internet can be a cruel place. Wynonna shared that she looked at some comments. And one troll, or as Wy more aptly stated, “Some knucklehead wrote, ‘Why do you still sing those songs when your mamma’s not here? ” This stunned the audience. But Wynonna shared her response. She told us she thought about it. And then she thought, “The more I really think about it, what a shame it would be not to carry this music into the next generation. Because the best revenge is living well, my dear.” She broke into prayer and thanked the state of Utah and the fans in Utah that she’s able to carry on this legacy. She followed the story with the great Judds hit, “Love Is Alive.”
Wynonna invited Shelby Lynn back to the stage to sing “Why Not Me” with her. They sounded great together. I was happy I got to see Shelby at least for this song, since I missed the set. It was a fun moment in the show.
Wynonna Judd’s hit-filled set was not long enough. She definitely needs to return as a headliner soon. Utah clearly has a lot of love for her. And like her husband, who plays drums, said, she is one of the greatest “Vocal gems of our lifetime.”
Little Big Town
Little Big Town walked on stage, and the crowd erupted in applause, anticipating the signature blend of voices that has become their calling card. Opening with the high-energy “Pontoon,” the band immediately reminded everyone of their Southern roots and undeniable stage chemistry. Each member took turns at the mic, but the magic truly happened when their voices intertwined, creating a lush wall of sound that no solo performer could replicate.
The setlist balanced upbeat crowd-pleasers with slower, more emotional ballads. Songs like “Day Drinking” turned the venue into one big party, with fans singing along, swaying, and even dancing in the aisles. These lighter, more playful moments showcased the band’s knack for writing music that’s not only fun but also deeply relatable. In contrast, when they performed “Better Man,” the Taylor Swift–penned ballad that became a major hit for them. Delivered with raw emotion and flawless harmonies, it was one of the evening’s standout moments.
Instrumentally, the band was supported by an exceptional group of musicians who added richness to the arrangements without overshadowing the vocals. Acoustic guitars, banjos, and steady percussion highlighted the group’s country roots, while subtle electric guitar riffs and layered production gave certain songs a modern edge. The balance between classic country instrumentation and contemporary polish is part of what has kept Little Big Town relevant across generations of listeners.
My favorite moment in the set was when Little Big Town welcomed Wynonna Judd and Shelby Lynn back to the stage to sing with them a cover of “At This Moment.” I was glad to see Shelby Lynn again. And Wynonna all but stole the show without even trying. I appreciated Little Big Town giving these remarkable women a chance to shine during the headlining set.
Toward the end of the night, the band performed “Girl Crush.” The atmosphere shifted to hushed reverence. Karen Fairchild’s emotive lead vocal, backed by the soft yet powerful harmonies of the other three members, brought a wave of goosebumps and even a few tears across the audience. It was a moment that reaffirmed how Little Big Town’s music transcends simple entertainment, tapping into universal feelings of longing and vulnerability. As the concert drew to a close, Little Big Town performed “Boondocks,” a rousing, feel-good anthem that left the audience smiling, singing, and clapping along.
In many ways, a Little Big Town concert is a journey through the full spectrum of human emotion—joy, heartbreak, nostalgia, and celebration. Their ability to deliver both fun-loving party anthems and deeply moving ballads in one cohesive show is a testament to their artistry and enduring appeal. More than just a country band, Little Big Town is a reminder of the beauty of harmony, both musical and personal. Seeing them live is not just a concert experience, but a celebration of the shared spirit that makes music so powerful.