HONOLULU, July 19, 2024 – As country music sensation Carrie Underwood prepares for her inaugural performances in Hawaii this weekend, the state and county have rolled out a red carpet of recognition. Mayor Rick Blangiardi and DBEDT Director James Tokioka, representing Governor Josh Green, issued a special proclamation on Thursday celebrating Underwood’s illustrious musical career and her positive impact on communities nationwide.
In a historic gesture, Thursday was declared Carrie Underwood Day across Hawaii, marking the first time a major artist has been honored simultaneously by both the state and county. Promoter Rick Bartalini Presents lauded the occasion as unprecedented in Hawaii’s entertainment history.
Underwood expressed her excitement about the upcoming shows at the Blaisdell on Friday and Saturday, describing Hawaii as a special milestone in her concert repertoire. “Hawaii is the 50th state I’ll have done a concert in. And it’s definitely a special bucket list moment for me,” Underwood remarked. She praised the enthusiasm of her fans, saying, “Maybe we saved the best for last? I mean I have high expectations for the crowd.”
Acknowledging the ongoing recovery efforts in Lahaina following the devastating 2023 wildfires, Underwood paid tribute to the resilience of the community and the bravery of first responders. “The effects of which will definitely, surely be felt for years to come,” she empathized. “But we can all learn something from the extreme bravery of the first responders and the way your community has come together as it continues to rebuild.”
Underwood, whose first visit to Hawaii was in 2010 for the filming of Soul Surfer, expressed her joy at returning to the islands and performing for local residents. Tickets for the highly anticipated concerts are still available for Friday and Saturday evenings at the Blaisdell.
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