Music

Carrie Underwood’s Reflection Residency Paired Nashville Twang With Las Vegas Theatrics

Alongside eye-catching sets and outfits, her inimitable vocals soared from “Before He Cheats” to “Something in the Water.”

Denise Truscello/Resorts World Theatre

Ralph Larmann/Resorts World Theatre

Packed with hits, theatrics, and powerhouse vocals, Carrie Underwood’s new Reflection residency opened Las Vegas’ Resorts World Theatre on Dec. 2 and brought a bit of Nashville twang to Sin City.

Here are the highlights from Reflection, which I attended courtesy of Resorts World.

Denise Truscello/Resorts World Theatre

Sporting a sparkly, Elton John-esque gold look complete with a black cape and sunglasses, Underwood declared: “We like to get a little dramatic out here.” Seated on a throne constructed of automobile parts, she sang “Two Black Cadillacs,” ditching the sunglasses midway through.

As a storm of dark clouds, thunder, and lightning filled the video screens, acrobats appeared all over the stage to perform alongside the singer during “Blown Away.” It wouldn’t be a true Las Vegas show without circus gymnastics.

Denise Truscello/Resorts World Theatre

Denise Truscello/Resorts World Theatre

After recalling how she once brought young girls on stage to sing “All-American Girl” around its 2007 release, Underwood invited a twenty-something bachelorette named Regina up to perform the Carnival Ride track as a duet and gave her a celebratory sash to wear.

Jeff Johnson/Resorts World Theatre

“This better not be any of your stories tonight,” the Grammy winner warned the audience in a glittery fringe denim jacket emblazoned with “NASHVEGAS” before singing “Last Name,” which chronicles a regrettable impulse wedding in Las Vegas.

Joined by a group of women dancers swinging baseball bats at a Jeep that descended onto the stage, Underwood performed her revenge-fueled signature hit, “Before He Cheats.” “I wanna hear you guys singing along to this one,” she told the crowd. “It’s time to get sassy.”

Ralph Larmann/Resorts World Theatre

Ralph Larmann/Resorts World Theatre

It’s safe to say she got sassy. Before the song’s explosive final chorus, Underwood lit a match and threw it at the Jeep — which burst into flames, prompting gasps from the nearly-5,000 person crowd.

Ralph Larmann/Resorts World Theatre

For Reflection’s final stunt, the musician appeared on a larger-than-life waterfall set to perform “Something In The Water.” Surrounded by acrobatic dancers and draped in a stunning blue gown, water completely drenched a barefoot Underwood as she belted out the closing track.