Before Kane Brown brought the house down on his The High Road Tour stop at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT on May 2, rising country star Ashley Cooke took the stage and made an immediate impression with her heartfelt lyrics, effortless vocals, and undeniable stage presence.

Opening acts often face the challenge of winning over a crowd that didn’t necessarily come for them—but Cooke made it look easy. With charm and confidence, she launched into her set with “Getting Into,” a high-energy track that set the perfect tone for the night. Her ability to connect with the audience, many of whom were still filing into their seats, was nothing short of impressive.

Throughout her 30-minute set, Cooke highlighted a strong mix of emotional ballads and radio-ready anthems. “It’s Been a Year“ drew one of the biggest responses, resonating deeply with fans. Performing her newest song “The F- Word” got a chuckle from the crowd as she told the crowd the name of the song. Her vocal delivery was both polished and raw qualities that hint at her staying power in the genre.

One of the most memorable moments came during “Never Til Now,” her breakout duet with Brett Young. Performing it solo, Cooke held the crowd’s full attention, her voice rising powerfully through the venue. She also took time to speak briefly between songs, sharing how grateful she was to be on the road with Kane Brown—a sentiment that felt genuinely humble.

By the end of her set, the audience had clearly warmed up to her, with more than a couple new fans cheering her offstage. It’s only a matter of time before you see Ashley Cooke’s name on the signs at the Arena entrance.

Review & photos by I’m Music Magazine Photographer/Writer Matthew Allen