When Tim McGraw and Faith Hill stepped into the spotlight at the Smoothie King Center to launch their highly anticipated Soul2Soul Tour in 2017, they made a choice that stunned everyone in attendance. Instead of opening with a classic country hit from either of their extensive catalogs, the duo surprised the crowd of over 17,000 fans with a powerful and unexpected performance of the 1987 soul anthem “I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me),” originally made famous by Aretha Franklin and George Michael.
It was a bold move, one that immediately set the tone for the night, signaling this wasn’t going to be just another country concert—it was going to be an evening built on passion, storytelling, and deep emotional connection. Backed by a powerhouse 12-piece band and surrounded by a glowing stage of red and gold hues, McGraw and Hill didn’t just sing the song—they owned it. Faith Hill’s voice soared with grace and clarity, leading with a conviction that filled the entire arena, while Tim McGraw’s signature Southern grit brought a grounded depth to the performance. The contrast between her gospel-inspired vocal strength and his rugged country soul created a magnetic tension that breathed new life into the well-known track. This wasn’t about flashy vocals or big-stage theatrics—it was about delivering something authentic.
As they moved slowly toward each other, eyes locked in an unspoken exchange, it became evident that they weren’t just singing to an audience, they were singing to each other. The lyrics, about patience, belief, and eventual reunion, mirrored their own journey together as a married couple who had been sharing both life and music since 1996. The audience responded with overwhelming enthusiasm—rising to their feet, clapping, cheering, and even shedding a few tears. It was more than a performance; it was a moment. The stage setup remained intentionally minimal, allowing the spotlight to fall squarely on the connection between the two stars. There were no backup dancers, no smoke machines, no over-the-top effects—just two microphones, two artists, and a palpable bond that needed no embellishment. By choosing to open their show with a soul cover rather than a country staple, McGraw and Hill made a clear statement. This tour wasn’t going to be a predictable series of greatest hits—it was going to be something far more meaningful.
“I Knew You Were Waiting” wasn’t just a nostalgic nod to a past hit; it was symbolic of their partnership and the journey they’ve taken together, both personally and professionally. It marked a beginning, a reconnection, and a declaration of unity that resonated far beyond the lyrics. As the final chorus faded and the stage dimmed, McGraw and Hill stood silhouetted, backs to the audience, hands gently clasped. It was a quiet but incredibly powerful gesture that spoke volumes. Soul2Soul wasn’t just about the music—it was about inviting fans into a love story that continues to grow and evolve.
It was about showing that, in a world often dominated by short-lived fame and carefully curated images, there is still room for authenticity, for real love, and for shared experiences that transcend genre or expectation. The choice to open their tour with a soulful ’80s hit instead of a tried-and-true country anthem was unexpected, but it was also exactly what made it unforgettable. It reminded everyone that at the heart of every great performance is truth, and that sometimes the most powerful statements come not through words, but through a song that says everything you need to know. Tim McGraw and Faith Hill kicked off their 2017 Soul2Soul Tour not with a bang, but with soul, sincerity, and a performance that showed the world why their partnership—onstage and off—remains one of the most compelling in music today.
