By Jeanni Ritchie
LeAnn Rimes took the stage at Beau Rivage in Biloxi with the kind of presence that immediately feels both larger than life and completely at home. Early in the evening, she gave a nod to her roots, sharing that she was born in Mississippi—a detail that drew an extra layer of appreciation from the Gulf Coast crowd.
From the opening notes of Blue, Rimes set the tone for a night that blended powerhouse vocals with personal storytelling. Marking the song’s 30th anniversary, she reflected on releasing it at just 13 years old—a reminder of just how long her voice has been part of the musical landscape.
What followed was more than a concert. It was a songwriter’s journey.
Rimes moved seamlessly between performances and the stories behind them, bringing context and personality to each moment. Early hits like One Way Ticket and Life Goes On were met with enthusiastic recognition, while her reflections on filming Coyote Ugly at just 17 brought humor and nostalgia. She laughed about dancing on bars and even learning, for the first time, what “chicken cutlets” were—moments that made the superstar feel refreshingly relatable.
A Coyote Ugly medley followed, featuring fan favorites But I Do Love You, Please Remember, and The Right Kind of Wrong — songs that had the audience fully engaged, many clearly transported back to a movie they’ve watched countless times.
But the evening wasn’t just about revisiting the past.
Rimes also highlighted her growth as a songwriter, sharing music from albums she wrote herself. From Spitfire, she performed the title track, hinting at the personal emotions behind its creation, and followed with Remnants, offering another glimpse into her evolving artistry.
One of the most meaningful moments came as she spoke about writing during the COVID-19 pandemic, introducing Something Better’s Coming, a song rooted in hope. It was a quieter, reflective point in the evening that resonated deeply.
She also shared the story behind Probably Wouldn’t Be This Way, a song she had to fight to release. Trusting her instincts paid off — it climbed to No. 2 on the charts and remains one of her most powerful performances.
Throughout the night, Rimes balanced humor with honesty. She even poked fun at her younger self, recalling how she recorded My Baby Loves Me All Night Long at 13—only later realizing the lyrics’ implications. Now, she embraces it with a laugh, a moment that highlighted both her self-awareness and her ease with the audience.
As the show built toward its finale, the energy in the room rose with it. The crowd was on its feet for Can’t Fight the Moonlight, the iconic Coyote Ugly anthem that still makes audiences want to jump on a bar and join in.
Then came How Do I Live, showcasing the vocal range and control that have defined her career.
By the end of the night, it was clear this wasn’t just about the hits—though there were plenty. It was about connection. Rimes herself acknowledged the different ways fans knew her: some through Blue in the ’90s, others through Coyote Ugly, and a new generation through her current role as Dixie on the television show 9-1-1: Nashville.
For me, it was all of the above.
And while the voice that made her famous remains as powerful as ever, it’s the woman behind it—open, funny, and grounded—that left the lasting impression.
Beau Rivage’s entertainment lineup reflects a broad mix of both iconic performers and current touring acts across genres.
Upcoming performances at Beau Rivage Theatre include:
Chicago Live in Concert — May 8–10
Emo Orchestra with The Spill Canvas — May 15
Riverdance 30 — June 5–7
Bruce Bruce — August 15
Melissa Etheridge: The Rise Tour — September 19
Jay Leno — October 10
From legendary acts to contemporary performers, this diverse lineup spans generations and genres alike.
