Bobby Karl Works BMLG’s CRS Luncheon

Pictured: Big Machine Label Group President & CEO Scott Borchetta, CRB Executive Director Bill Mayne with BMLG artists Maddie & Tae, A Thousand Horses, Trent Harmon, Midland, Carly Pearce, and Delta Rae. Photo: Rick Diamond [CLICK PHOTO TO ENLARGE]

That massive sound you heard around 2 p.m. on Friday afternoon coming from the Omni Hotel was the explosion of talent by the group Delta Rae.

The Durham, NC band rocked the Big Machine Label Group luncheon with a performance that was practically volcanic in intensity. The melodies were thrilling, the showmanship was charismatic and the singing was sensational.

The group dazzled the crowd with “I’ll Walk With You,” “No Peace and Quiet,” “I Move South” and more. Led by Elizabeth Hopkins and siblings Brittany, Eric and Ian Holljes, Delta Rae completely stole the show.

The luncheon began its lineup with A Thousand Horses. This six-piece ensemble, augmented with three dancing female backup vocalists, created a big, blazing, country-rock sound. Its set included the group’s debut hit “Smoke” and featured its new single “Preachin’ to the Choir.”

Newcomer Carly Pearce sang splendidly at her debut CRS performance. She introduced the mournful heartache ballad “Every Little Thing” as her debut single.

Maddie & Tae were pert, bright and sparkly on four new tunes that will be on their sophomore CD. “Doin’ Just Fine,” “Welcome to the Club,” “Blame it on the Tree” and “Somebody Will” were all winners.

The new trio Midland faced the crowd with three voices and three guitars. Among its tunes was its tuneful new single “Drinkin’ Problem.”

“Imagine them in your conference room very soon,” promised host Scott Borchetta to the radio folks in attendance. “We’re going to break this act together. So thank-you in advance for that.”

Scott was a regular on American Idol this past season, so he naturally brought out the show’s winner, Trent Harmon. The singer-songwriter was winning on “There Is a Girl” and drew a standing ovation for his bluesy and slow “Her.”

Then Delta Rae raised the rafters of the Omni ballroom.

Taking it all in were Craig Campbell, Sarah Skates, April Johnson, Rick Murray, R.J. Curtis, Brenden Oliver, Chuck Aly and Jeff Davis.