Anne Wilson
Bell Shoals Church, Brandon, FL – August 15, 2025
This was my first time attending an event at Bell Shoals Church, and it was impressive to see such a large venue hosting a concert. Unlike many churches I’ve been to, Bell Shoals features reserved seating, which worked perfectly given the thousands of seats available—certainly far larger than my home church at Countryside Christian Church in Clearwater. The event, sponsored by the Forever Home Foundation, opened at 7:00 p.m. with a representative from the organization explaining that a portion of ticket proceeds would help make adoption more affordable for faith-based families. It was a meaningful prelude before Anne Wilson took the stage shortly after for her 75-minute set.
For those unfamiliar, Anne Wilson is a rising Christian country artist, and the audience reflected her growing influence—primarily young girls donning boots and hats, clearly inspired by this positive 23-year-old role model. For me, the night carried a personal significance, too. My own daughter, Lorelai, couldn’t join me, but attending the concert allowed me to experience the music and storytelling she would have loved.
The show began with “Rebel,” immediately followed by “God and Country,” during which Anne incorporated a brief rendition of “Jesus Loves Me,” reinforcing that her music points directly to Christ. The set also featured several of her newest songs, including “Til the Roads Run Out.” One of the most memorable moments came during “Hey Girl,” when Anne walked into the crowd and spoke and sung directly to the young girls, encouraging them not to let the world define their worth. The energy of the audience was electric, with many holding posters, including one that stood out: a mother brought by her daughter for her birthday. That touching interaction made it onto Anne’s Instagram later, highlighting the authentic connection she fosters with her fans.
The acoustic set was particularly moving. Anne performed “Twenty Three,” a song written for her late brother, who passed away tragically at that age. Turning 23 herself made this a vulnerable, emotional moment for her. This was followed by “Amazing Grace,” a fitting tribute that resonated deeply with the crowd. She then shared the story of singing publicly for the first time at her brother’s funeral, performing a rendition of “What a Beautiful Name,” which became arguably the most powerful moment of the night, especially with the haunting cello solo and hands raised in worship.
Returning to a full-band set, Anne performed “Rain,” gradually building from gentle sounds of rain into a powerful anthem. She later introduced “Devil Is Too” from her newly released EP and shared reflections on her career journey—headlining her own tour, performing alongside Morgan Wallen, and preparing for a third album this October. “The Cross” led seamlessly into the pre-encore finale of “Devil,” which featured dueling guitars and an electrifying performance.
Of course, no Anne Wilson show would be complete without her signature song, “My Jesus.” She ended the night by engaging the audience directly—singing at the front of the stage and to the crowd forming in front of her, signing autographs, and letting the audience’s voices lead the performance. The connection between Anne and her fans was palpable, and the crowd’s energy was a testament to her authenticity and the impact she has on young girls, who are forming their own “Hey Girl Nation.”
Overall, the Brandon show was a remarkable blend of talent, vulnerability, and inspiration. Anne Wilson continues to be a shining example for the next generation, blending faith, music, and mentorship into an experience that is much more than a concert—it’s a celebration of hope, resilience, and heart.
