LeAnn Rimes is one of the most well-known and loved country singers worldwide with a career spanning over 20 years and numerous hits. While Rimes has not toured Australia in 22 years, she feels like an honorary Australian after her extended time in Australia last year as a coach on The Voice Australia. As a result, the crowd featured a mix of fans who had followed Rimes through her whole career and younger fans, whose first exposure to the singer may have been from the hit television show. 

Rimes started her show at the piano with “Remants” which immediately showed off the beauty and versatility of her voice, with note-perfect fragility which wowed the crowd. She continued with “Blue”, which she performed with a richness that even transcended the studio version as well as precision on the yodel-like runs. It is incredible to think that Rimes first sung the song when she was 13 and yet still possesses the same power and vulnerability that brought the song into the limelight. 

Rimes was generous when talking to the crowd, showing a genuine appreciation for the warm reception that she received and emanating delight when talking about Sydney. 

“I’ve fallen in love with Sydney, and I absolutely love it here. It almost feels like coming home.”

The beauty of Rimes’ tone was on full display in some of the slower songs, with a stripped back version of “One Way Ticket” and “But I Do Love You” being particular highlights. The control that Rimes has over her voice is remarkable and every inflection was perfectly timed and executed, which is a testament to Rimes’ artistry. 

Midway through the show, Rimes brought out her winner from The Voice and opener from the tour, Reuben de Melo, to perform Coldplay’s “Fix You”, which she performed on the finale with de Melo. It was a sensitive cover and one that was very well-received by the crowd. De Melo also has a stunning voice and the roughness of his timbre contrasted well to Rimes. It is rare to see a judge on one of these shows keep in touch with their contestants, let alone take them on tour with them, so it is a credit to Rimes and her mentorship that she has taken such a leading role in the career of de Melo and the others on her team with whom she still stays in touch.  

As the set moved to its close, Rimes had the crowd on their feet with a rousing rendition of “Can’t Fight The Moonlight”, complete with a band solo and a karaoke moment. For the crowd, this was a chance to show their appreciation for Rimes’ performance, singing back to her with passion. After a beautiful performance of her new ballad “Spaceship” which talks about the effects of lockdown, Rimes closed out her main set with “How Do I Live”, which the crowd absolutely loved. 

As Rimes returned for the encore to perform “There Will Be a Better Day” on piano she had a message for the crowd. 

“Our innate state of being that gets shoved down so deeply is joy and I believe one of the most beautiful rebellious acts is to let joy come through us and remind us that there is another way.”

It was a beautiful way to end a wonderful night of music and celebration. Rimes’ voice is still flawless, and she delivered a superb concert full of hits and carefully chosen pieces. Rimes is at the top of her game and this truly was a musical masterclass. 

Rating: ★★★★★

LeAnn Rimes – ICC Sydney Theatre – 13^th September 2025