When Tim McGraw and Faith Hill stepped onto the stage at the Smoothie King Center to kick off their much-anticipated Soul2Soul Tour in 2017, they didn’t ease into the night with a slow-burning country favorite or a fan-favorite duet from their own catalogs. Instead, they went big, bold, and completely unexpected by opening with a passionate and soulful rendition of “I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me),” the Grammy-winning ’80s hit originally performed by Aretha Franklin and George Michael.
It was a move that shocked the audience of more than 17,000 fans—and set the tone for a night that would focus less on musical labels and more on genuine connection, powerful storytelling, and undeniable chemistry. From the moment the first notes filled the arena, the crowd erupted. There was no slow buildup or dramatic lead-in. Hill’s crystal-clear vocals soared as she delivered the opening lines with conviction and heart, while McGraw’s rich, Southern-inflected voice grounded the song with warmth and grit. Together, they didn’t just cover the iconic track—they made it their own. The fusion of Hill’s gospel-inspired styling with McGraw’s country-soul roots gave the duet a fresh edge, one that honored the original while layering in new emotion and intensity.
Backed by a 12-piece band and bathed in dramatic red and gold lighting, the performance was visually striking without relying on theatrics. There were no pyrotechnics, no elaborate choreography, and no flashy visuals to distract from the music. Just two seasoned performers standing under spotlights, letting their voices and chemistry do the heavy lifting. As the two moved toward each other, locking eyes and harmonizing, it became clear that this wasn’t just an opening number—it was a narrative. The lyrics of the song mirrored their real-life journey, as a couple who had weathered years of personal and professional highs and lows together since marrying in 1996. The audience could feel the authenticity in every note, responding with cheers, applause, and even tears.
This was more than entertainment; it was a shared emotional experience between two artists and their fans. Choosing to start the show with a soulful pop hit instead of a country chart-topper was a conscious decision—one that carried a message. “I Knew You Were Waiting” wasn’t just about the music. It was a symbolic way to express their enduring partnership, both on and off stage. After years of separate tours and individual projects, the Soul2Soul Tour represented a return to center, not just for their fans, but for them as a duo. It was a statement that their bond was stronger than ever, and that their music together was still very much alive.
As the final chorus faded and the lights dimmed, McGraw and Hill stood together in silhouette, hands gently clasped, offering a quiet yet powerful visual conclusion to the song. It wasn’t flashy, but it was deeply moving. That moment captured everything the tour was about: love that endures, stories that matter, and music that connects on a soul-deep level. The opening performance served as a mission statement, signaling to the crowd that this wouldn’t be a typical concert full of greatest hits and rehearsed banter. Instead, fans were invited into something more intimate—a glimpse into the heart of a relationship that has stood the test of time. It reminded everyone watching that behind the fame, the awards, and the headlines are two people who still find joy and meaning in making music together. In an industry where so much is polished, packaged, and performative, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill started their 2017 tour with something rare: a moment of truth. Their choice to begin the night with a soulful ’80s classic wasn’t just a surprise—it was a declaration of who they are, what they stand for, and why their connection continues to resonate. It was a reminder that real love, much like real music, doesn’t follow formulas—it follows the heart.
