Sugarland, known for their stomping blend of folk-rock, hit stages across the US in 2011, armed with mandolin and fiddle, ready to entertain the masses. On several dates, pop icon Sara Bareilles joined them as the opening act, adding even more excitement to the tour. At their Atlanta show, concert attendees were given an extra special treat as Sara rejoined Sugarland on stage at the end of the show to cover the classic party anthem, ‘Come On Eileen’ by Dexys Midnight Runners.
Our Music Man readers love it when artists genuinely enjoy themselves on stage. Not only did Sara and Sugarland deliver a stunning folk-infused version of the ’80s hit, but it was clear they were having the time of their lives doing it. Many fans took to the comments of the online video to praise the performance, one commenting, “They had so much fun doing this, I hope they do it again at some point.” Others were quick to highlight how beautifully Sara’s voice complemented that of Sugarland’s.
The Sugarland tour wouldn’t be the last time Sara and Jennifer’s careers would cross paths. After four years of playing the lead role in her Broadway musical, Waitress, Sara Bareilles decided to step away from the role to explore other projects. Her replacement in the role was none other than Jennifer Nettles, who stepped into the character’s shoes in 2021. The duo’s fans didn’t have to wait long for another collaboration, as they reunited a year later, in 2022, at the Girls With Impact concert.
At The Music Man, we love to see music being used to support a great cause. The Girls With Impact concert invited Broadway stars Sara Bareilles and Jennifer Nettles, alongside Nkeki Obi-Melekwe, star of Tina: The Tina Turner Musical, in order to support Girls With Impact – an organization that supports women in business and leadership roles. Sara and Jennifer teamed up once again to give a performance of Elton John’s classic hit ‘Goodbye Yellow Brick Road.’
Once again, the pair were praised for their unique rendition of the song, turning the hit into a melodic piano ballad. At The Music Man, we love it when artists cover classic songs, but we love it even more when these artists bring their own unique style to the song in order to make it their own. By turning ‘Come On Eileen’ into a folk stomper and ‘Goodbye Yellow Brick Road’ into a beautiful ballad, Sara Bareilles and Jennifer Nettles were able to use their individual talents to make both of these songs entirely their own. In proving themselves as a powerful duo, they’ve made sure that their collaborations are ones we won’t be forgetting anytime soon.
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