Morgan Wallen at the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo
San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo, AT&T Center, San Antonio, TX
Saturday, February 17, 2020
Article and Photography by Michael Mullenix
The week of Rodeo kicked off properly on Monday with the mainstage elevation of one of Country’s newest sensations, Morgan Wallen. After the house lights went down, it was time for the young star to shine with the opening hit, Whatcha Know Bout That. Morgan Wallen sounded sublime, and his vocal range, as well as his songwriting chops, were on full display from his performance on the rotating stage. All of this should come as no surprise as Wallen was a former contestant on NBC’s The Voice back in 2014. But while his set was loaded with boot-stomping hits like Up Down and The Way I Talk, if there is one weak point of Wallen’s performance it is his showmanship polish. Hard to describe, but his set lacked a level of visceral flare and clear direction that would have elevated his delivery. Part of this can be attributed to his first time headlining the center stage of the rodeo, and given more time in the limelight he may gain the same polish that makes icons out of Jake Owen or his one-time collaborators, Florida Georgia Line. But regardless, his vocal talents were unquestionable as he closed the evening out with his number 1 hit, Whiskey Glasses.
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