Carrie Underwood: energy, charisma and talent

Carrie Underwood puts on an amazing show that gives the audience a spectacle for both the ear and eye, and a fashion show to boot.

Underwood, an Oklahoma girl who has become a sensation since her "American Idol" days, is just a natural dynamo on stage. She is one of those performers who makes die-hard fans out of so-so fans who come to see her perform live for the first time. Her energy, charisma and talent are boundless, and hearing her belt out her hits with such passion is captivating.

At the beginning of the show last Thursday at the Petersen Events Center in Oakland, Underwood rose into view from a platform underneath the stage, and sang "Cowboy Casanova" while sporting a feminine-style tuxedo and sitting on a red settee. Throughout the evening, Underwood changed outfits numerous times, and many songs got their own signature attire and persona. Underwood's wardrobe ranged from the tuxedo, to a denim shirt paired with a full skirt with lace ruffles, a glittery black and silver dress with rhinestones, a slinky lavender dress, a shiny black catsuit, and more. Underwood even had a wardrobe of different microphones, including ones in shades of glittery silver, gold and red.

Underwood's voice alone makes a great concert, but the backing props, lighting and electronic effects also were spectacular. The giant video screen behind her included scenes of carnival rides, her hometown, clouds, and nature. One of the most memorable effects was a floating tree branch, under which Underwood rocked back and forth on a swing while she sang "Just a Dream." Later, she climbed into a hanging vintage blue truck, engraved with her name, and floated over the audience while singing the John Denver classic "Take Me Home, Country Roads."