Kacey Musgraves • October 15, 2026 • Delta Center
Reviewed and Photographed by Kevin Rolfe
Kacey Musgraves brought her Middle of Nowhere Tour to the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, delivering an evening that celebrated her unique blend of country roots, clever songwriting, and modern musical sensibilities. With a catalog that balances traditional country storytelling with pop influences and a healthy dose of humor, Musgraves has carved out a space entirely her own. Her Salt Lake City performance highlighted exactly why she continues to stand apart from the crowd.
Last year Musgraves was a leadliner at the Salt Lake City Country Music festival, RedWest. I must admit, it was so nice to have her headlining her own show, rather than be the headlining act at a festival. Everything she did in the show was so specifically her, from the giant shed/ trailer (that I was actually allowed to go into to take photos) on one end of the stage to her sitting on what can best be described as “Disco Balls.” I was happy I was able to attend and see Kacey in her element. The audience was diverse and ready for a good time.
The title Middle of Nowhere feels right at home with Musgraves. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a willingness to take the road less traveled, whether through songs about complicated relationships, personal independence, or the sometimes-absurd realities of everyday life. Rather than trying to fit into a traditional country mold, she has consistently followed her instincts, creating music that feels personal without sacrificing its sense of fun.
The setlist offered a satisfying mix of newer material and familiar favorites, giving longtime fans plenty to appreciate while showcasing the direction of her current musical journey. Songs such as “Dry Spell” and “justified” brought attention to her more contemporary sound, while “High Horse” provided an opportunity to embrace the playful, confident side of her personality. Musgraves has a gift for delivering sharp observations with a wink, and that quality remains one of her biggest strengths as a performer.
There was also plenty of room for the songs that helped establish her reputation as one of country music’s most distinctive songwriters. “Merry Go ‘Round” remains a standout example of her ability to look beyond the surface of small-town life and explore the patterns people sometimes struggle to escape. “Butterflies,” meanwhile, offered a reminder of her softer side, bringing romance and warmth into a set that moves comfortably between different moods.
One of the pleasures of a Kacey Musgraves concert is the variety in her songwriting. She can move from a sharp, tongue-in-cheek number to something intimate and reflective without making the transitions feel forced. “Golden Hour” and “Slow Burn” represent the thoughtful, atmospheric side of her catalog, while “Follow Your Arrow” reinforces the independent spirit that has become central to her identity. These songs are different in tone, but they share an appreciation for living honestly and accepting that life rarely follows a perfect plan.
The newer material added another layer to the evening. “Abilene,” “Back on the Wagon,” “Horses and Divorces,” and the title track “Middle of Nowhere” helped give the concert its own identity rather than making it simply a trip through past hits. “Everybody Wants to Be a Cowboy” also fit naturally into a set built around Musgraves’ relationship with country music, its traditions, and the expectations that come with them.
Musgraves made room for a couple of fun musical detours, too. Her take on the Texas Tornados’ “(Hey Baby) ¿Qué pasó?” brought a different flavor to the set, while George Strait’s “All My Ex’s Live in Texas” provided a fitting country send-off. The covers complemented the broader spirit of the evening, acknowledging the genre’s roots while allowing Musgraves to put her own personality into the mix.
The staging of this show was so well crafted. The stage was in the middle of the arena, making this a concert in the round. The stage was loaded with Kacey’s excellent band, and on the outside was a walkway that moved. So there would be times that Musgraves would stand and play as the walkway would move and take her around the stage, giving every fan on every side of the arena a full view.
What makes Musgraves such an appealing artist is that she doesn’t have to choose between being clever and being sincere. Her songs can be funny without feeling disposable and emotional without becoming overly sentimental. That balance has helped her build a catalog that connects with listeners who appreciate traditional country music as well as those drawn to something more contemporary.
At the Delta Center, the Middle of Nowhere Tour offered a reminder that Musgraves’ greatest strength is her individuality. From beloved favorites like “High Horse” and “Butterflies” to newer songs that continue to shape her musical direction, the setlist reflected an artist comfortable exploring different sides of herself.
She shared with the audience, “I know I stay pretty outspoken about things.” Which drew a huge ovation from the audience. “As much as I can be outspoken, if there is anyone in this room that thinks a lot differently than I do, I just really want to say that I’m really glad you’re here still. Even if we both think differently, we’re still neighbors. I would never want my outspokenness to make someone feel unwelcome. This is a time to be extra kind. That doesn’t mean be a doormat. Stand up for what you believe in, but you can still be kind.”
Kacey Musgraves isn’t interested in taking the most predictable route, and that’s precisely the appeal. Her Salt Lake City stop celebrated an artist who continues to trust her own instincts, challenge expectations, and find something meaningful in the unexpected turns along the way.