Last Friday (January 30), Rascal Flatts rolled into Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey on their Life Is A Highway Tour, and despite subzero temperatures sweeping through the Tri-State area, fans bundled up, showed out, and filled the arena with the kind of energy that only comes when a band has been part of your life soundtrack for two and a half decades.
The Celeb Secrets gals were one of the many thousands that made their way to The Rock to experience two-plus hours of nostalgia, new beginnings, and proof that feel-good country is timeless.
Kicking things off with crowd-hyping covers of Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ on a Prayer” and Thin Lizzy’s “The Boys Are Back in Town,” band members Gary LeVox, Jay DeMarcus, and Joe Don Rooney instantly set the tone that this wasn’t just a tour stop — it was a celebration. A celebration of 20+ years of hits, friendships, memories, and the kind of songs that get played at weddings, road trips, breakups, graduations, and everything in between.
From there, the trio dove straight into Rascal Flatts staples like “Yours If You Want It,” “Fast Cars and Freedom,” “Stand,” “Mayberry,” and “Prayin’ for Daylight,” commanding the massive Prudential Center stage with the ease of artists who’ve truly mastered their craft. There was no chasing trends; just confidence, charisma, and connection.
The trio also showed that age is just a number when your songs still hit like the first time, proving that they’re only getting better with time. And honestly? Watching them work the room, joke with fans, and pour genuine emotion into every lyric made it clear: this band isn’t here for nostalgia alone. They’re here for their next chapter, and we’re lucky enough to witness it.
But before Rascal Flatts even hit the stage, Chris Lane and Lauren Alaina had already turned the arena into a party.
Lane brought undeniable charm and pop-country swagger, effortlessly working the crowd and setting the tone for a night rooted in fun, connection, and energy. Alaina showed off her powerhouse vocals and heart-on-her-sleeve storytelling that felt both intimate and arena-ready — the kind of performance that reminds you why she’s remained a fan favorite across country and pop spaces alike post-American Idol.
But the real magic? When both artists returned to the stage later in the night for surprise collaborations.
Lauren joined Rascal Flatts for “My Wish,” turning the already emotional anthem into a full-blown lump-in-your-throat moment as thousands of fans sang every word back at her. Chris popped up during “These Days,” adding fresh energy to the reflective fan-favorite track. Both moments felt as if we were witnessing a “passing-of-the-torch” moment, as seeing multiple generations share one spotlight was a tiny glimpse of how the genre will progress in the near future.
From the jump, Rascal Flatts crafted a setlist that balanced nostalgia, surprises, and pure crowd joy. “Banjo” turned the Prudential Center into a dance floor while “Why Wait” was our serotonin. For the newer fans, Gary, Jay and Joe played their emotional new-era anthem “I Dare You” that features the Jonas Brothers before getting into the holy trinity of Rascal Flatts classics — “Bless the Broken Road,” “I Like the Sound of That,” and “What Hurts the Most.”
Each song felt like a moment. People weren’t just singing… they were living inside these tracks. Strangers hugged during “Bless the Broken Road.” Couples swayed. Friend groups screamed lyrics like they were back in their teenage bedrooms. It was collective nostalgia in its purest form. The band even sprinkled in some unexpected covers, including a partial drum-driven version of “I’m Shipping Up to Boston” and a crowd-wide mashup of “Sweet Caroline” and “Don’t Stop Believin’,” proving they know exactly how to work a big-city crowd — and turn it into one giant, unified sing-along.
Midway through the set, the band took a moment to speak directly to the audience — and honestly, it might’ve been one of the most meaningful moments of the night. In a world that feels louder, heavier, and more chaotic by the day, Rascal Flatts made their message crystal clear: this night was about unplugging, being present, and letting music be your escape.
That energy carried into “O the Blood of Jesus,” which turned Prudential Center into a glowing sea of phone lights and quiet reflection — a rare, beautiful pause in an otherwise high-energy set.
And then, just when fans thought their voices were officially gone, Rascal Flatts closed with the one-two punch of “Me and My Gang,” “Summer Nights,” and — of course — “Life Is a Highway.”
By the final chorus, the entire arena was on its feet, screaming lyrics, dancing in the aisles, and soaking in every last second. It felt less like a finale and more like a victory lap for the band, the fans, and two decades of music that continues to soundtrack life’s biggest moments.
Despite freezing temps outside, the Prudential Center was nothing but warmth inside from the fans, from the music, and from a band that still knows exactly how to command a stage, connect across generations and deliver songs that hit just as hard now as they did 20 years ago. The Life Is A Highway Tour is a reminder that some bands don’t fade.. they evolve. And the best songs don’t just survive time… they define it.
Rascal Flatts’ Life Is A Highway Tour makes its way to Nashville (Feb. 5), Chicago (Feb. 6) and Indianapolis (Feb. 7) this week, wrapping in Buffalo on February 28. For ticket information and a full list of dates, visit their website here.
