Word On The Street Tour – Canadian Tire Centre, Ottawa
Luke Bryan rolled into Ottawa last week with his Word On The Street Tour, delivering a sold‑out, high‑energy spectacle that reminded everyone why he’s still one of country music’s most dependable headliners. But before Luke took command of the arena, the night belonged to three very different openers — each showcasing a different side of the country music landscape.
⭐ Drew Baldridge – The Artist Nashville Couldn’t Stop
Drew Baldridge made his Ottawa debut, and within minutes proved exactly why Luke Bryan brought him on tour. The first couple of songs felt like a warm stretch, but once he launched into his 90s country medley — complete with Boot Scootin’ Boogie and Shania — the crowd locked in.
Baldridge’s story is the kind of country music folklore that actually happens. After losing his record deal, he didn’t quit — he took his music directly to the people, playing over 400 backyard shows in one year. That grit shows in his set. He’s not performing for boardrooms; he’s performing for fans.
Setlist Highlights included:
- Rebel — punchy and confident
- Tough People — with a heartfelt tribute to service members
- She’s Somebody’s Daughter — the viral smash he and his wife pushed independently all the way to #1
After his set, Baldridge headed straight to the merch table to meet fans — a rare sight on an arena tour.
Baldridge is living proof that country music still rewards perseverance, even when Nashville doesn’t.
⭐ Laurin Watkins Struggles to Match the Momentum — Underscoring How Canadian Country Artists Still Get Overlooked
Laurin Watkins took the stage at 7:40 p.m., offering a set filled with charm, clean vocals, and clever songwriting. Her stage presence is solid, her songs are catchy, and she closed strong with her hit Stuck in My Ways.
But the energy never quite reached the level Baldridge set before her — and that contrast highlighted a frustrating truth: Canadian country artists face an uphill battle that their American counterparts simply don’t. Even strong Canadian performers struggle to break through when radio overwhelmingly prioritizes U.S. acts.
Still, Watkins showed real potential, and credit to Luke Bryan — two of his three openers were women, a demographic that faces even steeper barriers in country music.
⭐ Lanie Gardner – The Breakout Star Ottawa Didn’t Know It Needed
At 8:20 p.m., Lanie Gardner walked onstage wearing sunglasses and an attitude that matched her edgy, modern country‑rock style. She wasted no time, launching straight into Rattler and the Devil’s Whip, immediately taking command of the arena.
Gardner has it — the intangible mix of confidence, vocal power, and stage control that separates good artists from future headliners. By Buzzkill, it was obvious why she’s Luke’s direct support.
Her cover of Miranda Lambert’s Little Red Wagon was effortless, and honestly, Gardner feels like an artist who could one day rival Miranda or Carrie. She’s that good.
The only disappointment? Her set ended just as it peaked, and anyone hoping for her iconic cover of Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams” left wanting more.
Set highlights:
- Rattler and the Devil’s Whip
- Buzzkill
- Little Red Wagon (Miranda Lambert cover)
- Takin’ the Slow Ride
Gardner is a star in the making — and last night proved it.
⭐ Luke Bryan – 24 Songs, Zero Misses
Luke Bryan hit the stage at 9:05 p.m., greeting Ottawa with a grin and a joke about the rain ruining his golf plans — but saving him from drinking all day. The crowd erupted, and from that moment on, seats were optional.
I’ll be honest: I’m not usually a fan of bro‑country. But Luke Bryan’s catalog has more depth than the genre’s stereotypes. Sure, he has his party anthems, but he also has songs that make you feel something — songs that make you remember.
The acoustic run was the emotional core of the night:
- Drunk On You
- Buy Dirt
- Light It Up
- Do I — with the crowd singing every word
- Drink a Beer — dedicated to loved ones gone too soon
After the acoustic section, the band returned with roaring guitar and banjo solos that kept the energy sky‑high. Luke’s band is a riot — whether pretending they’re in a metal show or kicking like the Rockettes during One Margarita.
And yes, during Knockin’ Boots, a bra landed onstage. Luke immediately used it as a lasso. The crowd lost it.
The full 24‑song setlist covered everything fans could want. This wasn’t one of those shows where you leave wishing he’d played a specific song — he played them all.
⭐ Final Thoughts
Luke Bryan delivered one of his strongest Ottawa shows yet. I’ve covered him four or five times now, and he somehow keeps getting better. The openers showcased the grit, challenges, and rising talent within country music, while Luke reminded everyone why he’s still one of the genre’s most beloved performers.
A sold‑out arena. A 24‑song set. Not a single dull moment.
Country music — the real kind, the kind that tells stories about life — was alive and well at Canadian Tire Centre last night.
