Tyler Hubbard mixes new songs, Florida Georgia Line hits; ends State Fair concert shirtless

Tyler Hubbard tested out a new song about the “good ol' days” with his Iowa State Fair Grandstand audience Friday night.

“Maybe we’ll put that one out,” he said after the song ended to loud cheers.

Hubbard, who achieved widespread success as half of the Grammy-nominated band Florida Georgia Line, has embarked on a solo career since fellow Florida Georgia Line founder Brian Kelley's departure. Florida Georgia Line played its final show last year, and previously performed at the State Fair in 2018, when its concert was cut short due to weather.

The singer-songwriter told the crowd it still felt surreal to be able to perform live to an in-person audience after performers were forced to cancel shows or look to alternatives during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I wasn’t sure if this would ever be able to happen again,” he said.

“I used to take shows for granted," Hubbard said. "But now, there’s not a night that goes by that I’m not so grateful to be up here on stage in front of you guys getting to hang out, getting to party, getting to sing our hearts out, getting to celebrate life, getting to celebrate country music. That’s what it’s all about.”

Hubbard kicked off the concert with “Baby Gets Her Lovin’” to a packed audience largely concentrated on the floor and in the pit. The song is off his debut, self-titled album that released earlier this year — much of which he performed Friday.

As Hubbard assured in an interview with the Des Moines Register ahead of his Friday night concert, he didn’t forget his roots, treating Florida Georgia Line fans to the song that made Florida Georgia Line famous, “Cruise.”

Billboard said the song “paved the way for the vast majority of contemporary country music.”

The song got the already high-energy crowd louder — that and the Grammy-nominated song “Meant to Be” by Bebe Rexha, which featured Florida Georgia Line.

Hubbard’s incorporation of Florida Georgia Line music into his set was certain to appease many fans, including Iowan Stacey Kraft, who wore Florida Georgia Line merch at the concert.

Kraft, who was joined by her family, said she’s seen the band live five, six, possibly seven times.

“I love their shows, their music,” she said. “Their shows are probably the top shows I’ve ever seen in my life, besides Garth Brooks. They are definitely No. 2.”

Hubbard also performed two songs off his new album that some fans told the Register they were most eager to hear: “Dancin’ In The Country” and “5 Foot 9,” a song with lyrics that are about his wife, according to American Songwriter.

“I have to thank you all for not only changing my life with my first, first single, but you guys did it again with my second first single as a solo artist,” Hubbard said before “5 Foot 9,” which charted on Billboard Hot 100 for 22 weeks.

"Dancin' In The Country" was the final song of the night, during which Hubbard stripped off his shirt. Just moments later, fireworks exploded behind the Grandstand stage.

The Georgia native frequently praised the crowd.

“You guys sound beautiful tonight,” Hubbard said. “I love singing with y’all.”

North Carolina country act Parmalee brings a bit of Usher, Train to set

Parmalee may have opened for Hubbard, but the energy of the crowd proved people were just as excited for the night's first act.

The country band from Parmele, North Carolina, performed its Billboard Hot 100 charters “Carolina” and “Just The Way,” the latter a hit with the crowd. The 2021 song is a collaboration with rapper Blanco Brown.

The four-piece band kept its set unpredictable with a cover of Usher’s iconic hit “Yeah!” and Train’s “Drops of Jupiter.”

Parmalee was the main draw for concertgoer Melissa Graves and her mother, Bernadine. They drove two hours from Minnesota to see Friday’s show. It was the second time Melissa had seen Florida Georgia Line live.

Eric Traczyk, originally from Des Moines and now based in Kansas City, and his wife, Kim, have attended the Iowa State Fair for two decades. They do three days' worth of fair activities — one day is set aside just for rides — with their children.

They were excited for Hubbard and opener Parmalee, though Blake Shelton at the fair’s Grandstand in 2021 and the Zac Brown Band in 2019 remain their favorites after many Grandstand concerts over the years.

“We’ll be here tomorrow for New Kids on the Block,” Kim said. “I will be in the merch line for that one. That was my very first concert, ever, so I’m so excited.”

New Kids on the Block will perform with “Beautiful Soul” opener Jesse McCartney at 8 p.m. Aug. 12 at the Iowa State Fair Grandstand.

Paris Barraza covers entertainment, lifestyle and arts at the Des Moines Register. Reach her at PBarraza@registermedia.com or follow her on Twitter @ParisBarraza.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Tyler Hubbard plays Florida Georgia Line hits at 2023 Iowa State Fair