Carly Pearce Opens Up During Emotional Chicago Stop on Her Honest Woman Tour
By Website Content Manager
“Chicago has always been one of my favorite places to perform, so I’m incredibly grateful that you all came out tonight…”
Carly Pearce brought her Honest Woman: Up Close Tour to Chicago, Illinois, on Thursday, September 17, delivering a performance that combined familiar fan favorites with songs from her newly released album, Honest Woman. True to the tour’s name, however, the evening was about more than just music. Pearce also opened up about her personal experiences and the emotions behind her songs.
A packed crowd gathered at Joe’s on Weed St. for the intimate performance, where Pearce quickly established a warm and personal atmosphere. Her 20-song set offered audiences a glimpse beyond her polished public image, allowing them to connect with the person behind the photographs and social media posts. Pearce even joked about the authenticity of the glamorous snapshots she shares online.
Early in the evening, Pearce thanked the Chicago audience and reflected on the importance of embracing life on one’s own terms. She encouraged fans not to compare themselves with others or feel pressured to follow a particular timeline, emphasizing that everyone’s journey looks different.
The singer opened the set with several songs from Honest Woman, including “Leave My Heart Alone,” “How Long” and “She Don’t.” She then revisited some of the best-known songs from her earlier work, performing tracks such as “Never Wanted To Be That Girl,” “Should’ve Known Better” and “Every Little Thing.”
Throughout the concert, Pearce offered background on several of her newer songs and shared the personal experiences that helped shape them. One especially touching moment came before her performance of “Why God Why Me,” when she revealed that her mother was in attendance. Pearce has previously discussed her mother’s recent health struggles, making the performance particularly meaningful.
The singer has also spoken openly about the emotional challenges of balancing a demanding music career with being present for the people she loves. That conflict is reflected in “Dream Come True,” which explores the guilt she has experienced when her career keeps her away from family and friends.
“Why God Why Me” approaches those feelings from another perspective, focusing on faith and the idea that difficult experiences, disappointments and joyful moments can all carry meaning. In Chicago, Pearce’s performance gave those themes an especially personal resonance.