Big hats, cowboy boots and plaid shirts filled the Convocation Center Saturday night at as Country Music Television (CMT) brought country sensation Jason Aldean to DeKalb.

As everyone in the arena began to shout, the country singer appeared on stage with his bright red shirt and cowboy hat. Without a word to the audience, he began to sing the lyrics to “Amarillo Sky.” Women cheered, men sang along and the audience swayed to the music.

After the first song, Aldean, who is nominated as CMT’s “Best New Artist of the Year,” addressed the crowd asking them if they were ready to rock in the style of old country rock, back when “rock was good.”

“Sorry if I offended any Nickleback fans,” Aldean said.

Following his address to the crowd, Aldean rocked the Convo with “I Won’t Back Down.” He also dedicated a song to anyone graduating this year with the song “Laughing Until We Cry,” asking the graduates to take a road trip down memory lane and enjoy time with their friends.

The most exciting part of the concert was when Aldean introduced a song that may be the new single he will release in the upcoming months called “She’s Country.” The crowd was pumped for the tune and the women seemed to fall even more in love with Aldean.

Aldean deserves to be nominated for CMT’s “Best New Artist of the Year” because of performances like this concert.

Opening for Aldean was Lady Antebellum, who took the stage in a capella style. Through their songs “Mason Dixon Line,” “Lookin’ For A Good Time” and “Love Don’t Live Here Anymore,” Lady Antebellum’s energetic playing captivated the audience.

To start the show, Rockford’s Q98.5 radio station hosts came out on stage, dressed as Peanuts characters to introduce the opening act, Eric Durands.

Durands did an excellent job of opening and was able to create the enthusiasm that carried out all night. One of the most touching songs he sang, “Angels Fly Away,” managed to get the whole audience singing in unison. The song, which is in memory of a past manager, got the crowd into the spirit of true country music through beautiful guitar strains and heartfelt words.

The country-fueled concert was truly a sensation and captivated the DeKalb audience throughout the entire show. Although the performers are still starting out in the music industry, due to their raw talent and ability to entertain many, it will be interesting to watch Aldean, Antebellum and Durands to see what the future holds for them.

Hopefully, a country music filled night will come back to DeKalb soon.