Luke Combs Opens Up About the Challenge of Following All-Star Openers: “You Can’t Phone It In When You’re Playing After Dierks”
When you’re one of the hottest stars in country music, it’s easy to assume the spotlight is always yours. Luke Combs, however, has learned first-hand that even the biggest names in the industry sometimes have to step up their game—and there’s no better example of that than when he has to follow an all-star headliner like Dierks Bentley. While Luke’s rise to the top has been nothing short of meteoric, the pressure to deliver doesn’t get any easier, especially when you’re on the same stage as some of the genre’s most accomplished performers.
In a candid admission that’s been making waves across the country music scene, Luke Combs recently shared just how much the pressure to perform after Dierks Bentley has pushed him to his limits. The revelation has left fans and industry insiders buzzing, as the man who has dominated the charts with hits like “Beautiful Crazy” and “Beer Never Broke My Heart” confessed that playing after country legends can be both exhilarating and intimidating. But it’s not just about the competition—it’s about the deep respect Luke has for these artists and the constant drive to meet the high standards they set.
Luke’s words have sparked conversations not just about his own career, but about the pressures that come with being an artist at the top of your game. When you’re used to standing in the spotlight, what happens when the person before you is a titan of country music, commanding the crowd with effortless charisma and a catalogue of hits? As Luke revealed, you can’t “phone it in”—not when you’re playing after someone like Dierks Bentley.
The All-Star Openers: Dierks Bentley Sets the Bar
Dierks Bentley is a country music powerhouse. With over a decade of hits, countless awards, and a reputation for electrifying live performances, Dierks has become a fixture in the country music scene. His ability to connect with audiences, whether in massive stadiums or intimate venues, is unparalleled. When he takes the stage, the energy is palpable. Fans sing along to every word, they laugh, they cry, and they live every moment of the show with him.
For someone like Luke Combs, whose career trajectory has been on an upward spiral since his breakout hit “Hurricane,” following a legend like Dierks presents a unique challenge. On stage, Luke is no stranger to commanding attention, but as he admitted in a recent interview, stepping into that spotlight after Dierks has already worked the crowd to perfection is a tall order.
“You can’t phone it in when you’re playing after Dierks,” Luke said. His admission wasn’t just about the pressure of being the opening act; it was a testament to the respect he has for Dierks and the level of excellence required to follow in his footsteps. “When Dierks hits the stage, it’s like the audience is already warmed up, but you have to come in and raise the bar,” Luke continued. “It pushes you to be better, to give everything you’ve got, because they’re not just looking for a good show—they’re looking for something that rivals what they just experienced.”
It’s clear that, for Luke, this isn’t just about following a set of rules. It’s about pushing himself to be at his best every night, respecting the audience, and ensuring that every performance lives up to the high standards set by Dierks and other all-star headliners.
The Pressure to Perform: Luke Combs’ Relentless Drive to Succeed
For most artists, the pressure to perform is a constant companion, but for someone like Luke Combs, whose success has been meteoric, the stakes feel higher. As one of the genre’s leading figures, there’s an expectation to bring your A-game to every show—especially when you’re opening for someone like Dierks Bentley. This pressure isn’t just a byproduct of competition—it’s a reflection of Luke’s own standards for himself as an artist.
“I’ve always felt like my best performances happen when I’m the most prepared,” Luke shared. “When you know you’re stepping on the same stage as someone who’s been in the business for years, it makes you want to be that much better.” The need to deliver a show that not only stands up to the headliner but also resonates with fans in a way that feels personal and authentic is part of what drives Luke to push himself every night.
One of the key elements that sets Luke apart from other artists is his ability to connect with his audience. His raw, powerful voice and authentic storytelling have made him a fan favorite, and it’s this connection that has fueled his rise. But the challenge of following Dierks Bentley’s larger-than-life performances pushes Luke to dig even deeper, to give his fans not just a great show, but a memorable experience that leaves them buzzing for days.
Luke’s approach to performing is one of constant growth. He doesn’t take his success for granted, and he doesn’t rest on his laurels. Each show is an opportunity to improve, to experiment, and to elevate his craft to new heights. His recognition that following Dierks can push him to be better speaks to his commitment to being the best artist he can be—both for himself and for his fans.
The Art of the Show: What Luke Combs Brings to the Stage
So, what is it that makes Luke Combs’ performances so special? It’s not just his chart-topping hits or his voice—it’s the energy he brings to every stage he steps on. Known for his down-to-earth nature and his genuine approach to both his music and his audience, Luke has a way of making every performance feel personal. Whether it’s in a stadium or a smaller venue, he makes every fan feel like they’re part of the show.
As Luke acknowledged, following Dierks Bentley’s dynamic set means stepping up in a big way. For Luke, this means giving his audience everything he’s got. His performances are marked by an effortless intensity, a passion that’s infectious and undeniable. His hit songs like “Beer Never Broke My Heart,” “Hurricane,” and “When It Rains It Pours” don’t just get the crowd singing—they get them feeling. It’s that emotional connection, combined with his ability to deliver high-energy performances night after night, that makes Luke Combs such a powerhouse in the industry.
“I think what I love most about performing is that you get to take people on a journey with you,” Luke explained. “It’s not just about singing songs—it’s about creating moments that people remember, that they carry with them long after the show is over. When you’re following someone as legendary as Dierks, you have to bring that energy, because that’s what the audience expects.”
The Respect Between Artists: Dierks Bentley and Luke Combs
While competition may be a natural part of the entertainment industry, what’s clear from Luke’s perspective is the immense respect he has for Dierks Bentley. Rather than seeing it as a challenge, Luke views performing after Dierks as an opportunity for growth. “Dierks has been in the game for a long time, and he knows how to work a crowd like nobody else,” Luke said. “I’ve learned so much from watching him, and I think that’s what makes our shows so great. We both bring something different to the stage, and when we’re performing together, it just works.”
This mutual respect speaks volumes about the camaraderie between artists in the country music scene. Dierks Bentley, for his part, has also praised Luke for his authenticity, his relentless work ethic, and his ability to connect with fans on a deep level. Their shared experiences as performers who have reached the pinnacle of their careers gives them a unique understanding of the pressures and challenges that come with success. But rather than viewing each other as competition, they’ve built a strong professional bond that fuels their performances and elevates the shows they put on for fans.
Luke Combs: The Future of Country Music
As Luke Combs continues to make waves in country music, it’s clear that his journey is just beginning. His candid admission about the challenges of following headliners like Dierks Bentley only highlights his commitment to growth and his drive to be the best artist he can be. There’s no doubt that Luke’s career is one that will continue to evolve, and as he continues to break records, win awards, and dominate the charts, one thing remains certain—Luke Combs is one of the most important voices in country music today.
From his humble beginnings to his current reign as one of the genre’s leading stars, Luke’s career is a testament to his hard work, authenticity, and unwavering passion for music. And while following Dierks Bentley on stage may push him to his limits, it also inspires him to push further, to be better, and to continue to create music that connects with audiences on a deep and personal level.
As Luke Combs continues to rise in the ranks of country music, there’s no doubt that he will leave an indelible mark on the industry. His talent, his humility, and his drive to constantly evolve ensure that his place in the country music pantheon is secure for years to come.
