HOUSTON – The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Thursday revealed the long-awaited, all-star lineup for this year's rodeo.
Here's the full lineup:
- Tuesday, Feb. 27: Garth Brooks
- Wednesday, Feb. 28: Little Big Town
- Thursday, March 1: Blake Shelton
- Friday, March 2: Leon Bridges
- Saturday, March 3: Kelsea Ballerini
- Sunday, March 4: Alessia Cara
- Monday, March 5: Rascal Flatts
- Tuesday, March 6: Jason Aldean
- Wednesday, March 7: Thomas Rhett
- Thursday, March 8: Luke Bryan
- Friday, March 9: Chris Young
- Saturday, March 10: Cody Johnson
- Sunday, March 11: Calibre 50
- Monday, March 12: Zac Brown Band
- Tuesday, March 13: J Balvin
- Wednesday, March 14: OneRepublic
- Thursday, March 15: Keith Urban
- Friday, March 16: Chris Stapleton
- Saturday, March 17: Brad Paisley
- Sunday, March 18: Garth Brooks
It’s tough to keep secrets when you have lineups like this and in my opinion, it’s the best lineup we've ever had," Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo president Joel Cowley said.
All 20 entertainers have about 220 major music awards combined.
The rodeo let the cat of the bag last year and announced country music icon Garth Brooks will rock the house on opening and closing nights. Those tickets are already sold out.\
It’s no surprise that 15 nights will be country music, but there will also be more variety.
"We’re going to mix it up on five nights with some rock, pop, Spanish pop, some R&B. Obviously Go Tejano Day is always huge, so there should be something for everyone," Cowley said.
Alessia Cara, Leon Bridges, J Balvin, Calibre 50, OneRepublic will be the five non-country groups that will also perform during the Rodeo.
“I just feel like it’s really good to balance, there’s a lot good country acts, but there’s also a lot of good pop , so I feel like there is a variety for everyone,” explained Carly Blevins who attended the private announcement party.
“I’m really excited for Leon Bridges , but I think Cody John will be really great, he’s a hometown hero and we need those,” explained Natalie Harms, a blogger who was also at the party.
Local country music singer Cody Johnson will take the stage on March 10th for a second year in a row.
“I found out about three months ago and it’s been the hardest thing in the world to not say anything,” said Johnson.
The Huntsville native, who used to be a bull rider, performed at Rodeo Houston when Old Dominion cancelled his performance.
“For me and the band we left that night thinking if we never get to play again, at least we played it, so for this year, it’s a little overwhelming, it’s pretty incredible to know we made that much of an impact,” said Johnson about performing at Rodeo Houston this year.
He’s performed at the Old Opry and toured, but he said playing for his hometown is a big deal, especially after Hurricane Harvey.
“I’m definitely going to take time in my show to make sure and mention the strength in such a great city. There are a lot of places that something like Harvey could have happened and it wouldn’t have been such a comeback,” explained Johnson. “You walk around the streets of Houston now and very little reminiscent, you don’t see worry , you don’t see stress, you see a sense of overcoming, it speaks volumes to the pride of the city.”
Everyone will see a Texas-sized change at the rodeo this year. After 31 years of that beloved rotating stage, this year, it’s an all-new look.
"It’s in the shape of a star and tip-to-tip, it’s 126 feet wide," Cowley said. "It will really enhance the presentation inside the stadium and put the stars closer to the audience."
Tickets go on sale online at rodeohouston.com on Jan. 11 at 10 a.m. The waiting room opens at 9:30 a.m.
The Rodeo runs from Feb. 27 to March 18.
Local country music singer Cody Johnson will take the stage on March 10th for a second year in a row.
“I found out about three months ago and it’s been the hardest thing in the world to not say anything,” said Johnson.
The Huntsville native, who used to be a bull rider, performed at Rodeo Houston when Old Dominion canceled his performance.
“For me and the band we left that night thinking if we never get to play again, at least we played it, so for this year, it’s a little overwhelming, it’s pretty incredible to know we made that much of an impact,” said Johnson about performing at Rodeo Houston this year.
He’s performed at the Old Opry and toured, but he said playing for his hometown is a big deal, especially after Hurricane Harvey.
“I’m definitely going to take time in my show to make sure and mention the strength in such a great city. There are a lot of places that something like Harvey could have happened and it wouldn’t have been such a comeback,” Johnson said.
“You walk around the streets of Houston now and very little reminiscent, you don’t see worry , you don’t see stress, you see a sense of overcoming, it speaks volumes to the pride of the city.”