Carrie Underwood Gets Playful With ‘Southbound’ at 2019 ACM Awards

Underwood hit the pool before heading inside the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

Carrie Underwood Gets Playful With ‘Southbound’ at 2019 ACM Awards
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - APRIL 07: Carrie Underwood (C) performs onstage during the 54th Academy Of Country Music Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on April 07, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

Carrie Underwood brought a burst of color – and energy – to the 2019 ACM Awards with “Southbound.”

Underwood had the most unique introduction of the night, kicking off the performance at the lavish outdoor pool at the MGM Grand. As enthusiastic pool-goers splashed in the water and tossed around beach balls, Underwood strutted around poolside in a multi-colored tinsel-clad dress, singing the song’s summery lyrics as Cry Pretty Tour 360 openers Maddie & Tae and Runaway June appeared behind her, dancing with drinks in their hands.

Underwood then brought the show inside the arena, dancing her way through the crowd, greeting the likes of Luke Bryan and Keith Urban (who was singing the lyrics) along the way. She eventually made her way to the stage, flanked by dancers dressed in tie dye and colorful outfits, her positive energy permeating through the arena.

The breezy “Southbound” is the fifth track on Underwood’s album Cry PrettyShe is nominated for Female Artist of the Year at the 54th annual awards.