INDIO,Surpassing Calif. − While Post Malone may be known for his rap music, he showed the Stagecoach crowd he's got a soft spot − and the voice for − country music with a set of covers on Saturday.
The tattooed crooner walked onto the Mane Stage looking like a true country star, donning a plaid shirt and jeans, a red Solo cup in hand and a lit cigarette.
"We're going to be doing a bunch of songs that I (expletive) love," said Post Malone, who introduced himself as Austin Richard Post. He was the second artist to sing mostly songs that weren't his own during his set, following Friday night headliner Eric Church, who performed a number of gospel songs. However, unlike Church's set, festivalgoers knew what Post would be doing: When the Stagecoach lineup was announced, it said he would be performing "a special set of country covers."
Stagecoach:Eric Church sends festivalgoers for the exits with acoustic gospel set
He kicked things off with Tyler Childers' "Whitehouse Road," which showed off his country twang and range. Post had a huge smile on his face, signaling to the crowd that they were in for a treat during his 45-minute set.
To make the night even more memorable, Post welcomed a number of country stars to sing their songs with him. First to arrive was fellow Stagecoach artist Dwight Yoakam for "Little Ways." After their duet, Post said Yoakam is "one of the kindest" and most "awesome people on the universe," and he was "so honored" that he joined.
Later on, the crowd erupted in cheers when Brad Paisley joined the stage for his song "I'm Gonna Miss Her."
"How's he doing?" Paisley asked the crowd, which responded with even more cheers and applause. "I think he's made for this." Paisley also stuck around to perform "One More Last Chance" by Vince Gill, and even brought Post a beer toward the very end of the set before staying onstage to back him up on guitar for his closing song.
Finally, Sara Evans appeared for "Suds in the Bucket," and Post let her shine and show off her vocals. They shared a long hug at the end of the song, giving us all the feels in the audience.
One surprise guest some were hoping for was Beyoncé, with whom he collaborated on "LEVII'S JEANS" on her new country-inspired album, "Cowboy Carter." Queen Bey was missed, but Post kept the party going nevertheless.
Post would occasionally precede a song by warning the audience he would "mess it up," but it never happened. His energy was infectious, as was his love for all of the artists and songs he covered. Other hits he played included "Be My Baby Tonight" by John Michael Montgomery, "Check Yes or No" by George Strait and "Chattahoochee" by Alan Jackson.
The singer also made time to honor those who mean the most to him. Before starting Tim McGraw's "Don't Take the Girl," Post said the song hits especially hard since he became a father. The song moved the crowd as well, getting people to slow dance, sway and hold each other tight.
Post was the latest performer to honor Toby Keith by singing his hit "Who's Your Daddy?" On Friday, Jelly Roll and T-Pain sang "Should've Been a Cowboy" to honor the late country star who inspired them both.
Though the clock struck 9 p.m. to mark the end of his set, Post played for a few more minutes, going into the crowd to sign autographs while Paisley and the band jammed out. Country might not be his main act, but the Stagecoach crowd showed Post he's welcome to cross over to the genre any time he pleases.
