ALANA SPRINGSTEEN

Thursday September 25,  2025

@ United Center in Chicago, IL

(Review Written By: Dave Pierce)

On a Thursday night in Chicago, Keith Urban bought his “High and Alive” tour to the United Center. One of the opening acts, Alana Springsteen, lit up the arena with a performance that proved she’s not just a rising star, but she’s a force to be reckoned with. Sharing the stage with country heavyweights Keith Urban, Chase Matthew, and Karley Scott Collins, Springsteen brought a fresh, youthful energy that captivated early arrivals and left a lasting impression.

With only 30 minutes to make her mark, Springsteen kept the setlist lean and potent. She wowed the crowd as she took the stage wearing local hero, Michael Jordan’s jersey. Alana’s set was a blend of heartfelt storytelling and polished pop-country hooks. She opened with “You Don’t Deserve a Country Song,” a fiery anthem that immediately grabbed the crowd’s attention.  

The performance of the heartfelt ballad, “That Was All You,” was a standout. Alana’s storytelling shone through as she connected with the audience, drawing them into the narrative and making every lyric feel personal. Taking a pause from the music for a moment, Alana gave us a look into her childhood, listening to Urban’s music, “If you told that little girl that she’d be opening up for Keith Urban one day she would’ve freaked out!”

Bringing a playful energy, “Look I Like” had the crowd moving and singing along. The infectious melody and relatable lyrics showcased Alana’s ability to blend fun with sincerity. Asking if there are any Chris Stapleton fans out there before embracing a more introspective mood for “Ghost in My Guitar” Alana’s rendition was haunting in the best way. The subtle instrumentation paired with her emotive vocals created a moment of reflection and depth.

“Just taking a breath for a minute here. Thirty minutes goes by fast,” stated Springsteen. “Chicago is one of my favorite cities,” she said before telling the Chi-town crowd that her father was from Peoria, IL and that one of her first performances at the youthful age of just nine was at Wrigley Field (Home of the Chicago Cubs).

Asking the fans to light up the arena with their phones, she continued with “Same God”. With uplifting lyrics and a hopeful message, this mid-set highlight allowed Alana to display her versatility. The audience responded enthusiastically, many swaying and singing in unison.

Playfully Alana asked the crowd if they could give her 150% because it is her job to get them ready for Keith Urban. Opening the first verse of “Before He Cheats” as a ballad then cutting loose at the chorus. She had the audience eating from her hands wanting more.

“There’s two things in this world I don’t chase, one is cowboys and the other is tequila,” stated Springsteen which was the perfect way to introduce her next song. “Cowboys and Tequila” injected a dose of country swagger into the evening. Alana’s banter and lively performance gave the show a burst of energy and fun, prompting cheers and dancing. She closed out her set with “Goodbye Looks Good on You,” which she wrote with Mitchell Tenpenny. Alana delivered this poignant song with grace and emotion. The crowd was visibly moved, and the heartfelt lyrics left a lasting impression as the final notes faded.

Despite being one of the night’s openers, Alana owned the stage with confidence. Her charisma was undeniable, and she made a point to connect with fans in the front rows, even taking a moment from time to time to thank Chicago for its support. With smart songwriting, genuine stage presence, and vocals that hold their own in a venue as massive as the United Center, she proved she’s not just warming up crowds, she’s making her case as a future headliner.