Sam Hunt Brought the Heat to Hard Rock Live On May 31

All images by Larry Marano

Sam Hunt proved once again why he's country music's most dynamic crossover artist, delivering a career-spanning 22-song set that had Hard Rock Live buzzing from first note to last call. The Georgia native opened with "Ex to See" and never let up, weaving through fan favorites like "Leave the Night On" and "Body Like a Back Road" with the effortless charisma that's made him a festival headliner.

The real magic happened in Hunt's unexpected cover choices. His acoustic take on John Denver's "Take Me Home, Country Roads" brought surprising intimacy to the packed venue, while his high-energy rendition of WALK THE MOON's "Shut Up and Dance" had the crowd singing every word. The Kenny Chesney cover of "Come Over" felt like a natural fit, showcasing Hunt's ability to honor country tradition while pushing boundaries.

Highlights included the emotional delivery of "Hard to Forget" and the party-starting energy of "House Party" to close the night. Hunt's blend of country storytelling, R&B-influenced vocals, and pop sensibilities created those moments where everyone in the room felt connected to something bigger.

For fans wondering if Hunt's studio magic translates live, this show was a definitive answer. Hollywood got the full Sam Hunt experience—and then some.