By Stephanie Netherton • snetherton@gannett.com • August 14, 2008

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Maybe it was Wednesday night church services that kept the back sections empty for Sheryl Crow’s concert with special guest James Blunt.

Or possibly Crow had a better explanation.

"I realize Michael Phelps is about to do an individual race for another gold medal, but I appreciate you being here," Crow said. "Maybe we can have a competition for the gold medal of music tonight."

What followed for more than 1½ hours was definitely worthy of the gold and reason enough to TiVo the Olympic Games for one night.

Blunt opened the show for Crow with his hits "Goodbye, My Lover," "Carry You Home," "High" and "You’re Beautiful." He switched between his guitar and piano and entertained the audience by surfing the piano and jumping into the crowd during "Coz I Love You."

As he ran through the arena, Blunt high-fived and hugged audience members. Some he even wrapped in his arms and spun around. The luckiest ladies in the crowd got a kiss.

Following a short intermission, Crow started her set solo on stage with her guitar. Under a single spotlight, she sang "God Bless This Mess," the opening track to her latest album, "Detours."

While her spirit seemed cheery and lighthearted and oftentimes she made wisecracks with her audience about their "big gulp beers," Crow didn’t fail to acknowledge the trials she’s faced in recent years.

"No matter how in control you think you are, there are always curve balls to remind you of who you are," she explained of the album’s title track.

Crow described the past two years of her life as "hairy," but highlighted some of her greatest moments as well – beating breast cancer and adopting her son, Wyatt. She also passed on a bit of wisdom she’s gained over the years: No matter how hokey it may sound, never stop having hope.

While many of her songs from "Detours" generated tender moments, Crow also took the opportunity to share her political views. Her perspective on high gasoline prices and the war in Iraq brought on loud cheers from the crowd leading into her new song "Gasoline."

Crow seemed to have a heart for Louisiana. She recorded "Detours" in New Orleans, and "Love is Free" discusses the high spirits of the city following Hurricane Katrina.

"On any given day, they could be having a parade," Crow said.

Her band for the show also featured musicians from the region, including small towns like Plain Dealing, Logansport, Grand Cane and Keithville, as well as Shreveport.

"I told them I wanted a band from Louisiana, damn it. What I got was the best of the best," Crow boasted on the players.

However, it was Crow’s old favorites that brought fans to their feet and had them singing along. Of the nearly 20 songs Crow performed, she squeezed in favorites like "Leaving Las Vegas," "Strong Enough," "Favorite Mistake," "Home," "If It Makes You Happy," "Soak Up the Sun," "Everyday is a Winding Road," "All I Wanna Do" and a duet performance of "First Cut is the Deepest" with Blunt.

No matter her circumstances, Crow has proved herself tried and true. In her own words from the early hit "Leaving Las Vegas," she knows how to "take this losing hand and make it win."