Jo Dee Messina closed out her 2026 Bridges Tour at Nashville’s newest venue, The Truth. Following the release of her latest album Bridges in June, Messina has been touring throughout the US, promoting her newest project while simultaneously playing the number-ones for which she is so prominently known.
Marking her first new album in 12 years, Bridges has earned widespread acclaim with praise from outlets including American Songwriter, Billboard, iHeart Radio, PEOPLE, US Weekly, SiriusXM, Taste of Country, The Bluegrass Situation, and Women’s World, along with national television appearances on NBC’s Today Show and The Kelly Clarkson Show.
Written almost entirely by Messina herself, Bridges stands as her most authentic and personal work to date, a deeply reflective journey through heartbreak and healing, faith and perseverance, challenges and growth, and the unwavering resilience that has defined her over the past decade.
Naturally, Messina played songs from her newest album, Bridges, including “Welcome to the Show,” “Message in a Bottle,” and “Can Anybody,” which are quickly becoming new fan favorites. But the autobiographical anthem “Some Bridges” touched me. The song and lyrics are inspiring, and Messina proves she’s still got it with her powerful vocals and growing catalog of first-rate songs.
On November 7th, Messina opened with one of her new songs, aptly titled “Welcome to the Show.” Like many country artists today, Messina paid tribute to our beloved queen, Dolly Parton, with a cover of “Here You Come Again.”
Of course, Messina played the iconic songs that made her who she is, such as “That’s the Way,” “My Give a Damn’s Busted,” “Lesson in Leavin’,” and “Head’s Carolina, Tails California.” But the standout moment of the evening was when she covered Charity Gayle’s worship song, “Look What the Lord Has Done,” as she reflected on a turning point in her life back in 2017 amid a personal crisis and cancer diagnosis, and then requested prayer for a young family member who faces an uncertain future. Before the encore, she performed “Bye-Bye” to close out the show.
In my 16 years in Nashville and 10+ years as an entertainment journalist, I have never witnessed such a spectacular comeback as Jo Dee Messina’s. Not only that, her audience is filled with younger people, particularly women, who know every word to every song.
Bobby Bones stated, “For Messina, the goal of this new chapter isn’t just about chart positions or accolades. It’s about making music that is honest, meaningful, and true to who she is now.” A true icon, Messina has become a North Star in the music world, carving a path for artists and inspiring the younger generation, from Ella Langley and Lainey Wilson to Cole Swindell and his ode “She Had Me at Heads Carolina," and Sierra Ferrell and Nikki Lane’s cover of “Lesson in Leavin’.”
As for Nashville’s newest venue, The Truth is smaller than an arena, much like The Pinnacle. It is beautifully laid out and initially appears to have easier access than Bridgestone, The Ryman, and other downtown venues. But like so many concert halls, if you are short, don’t get floor seats because you won’t be able to see.
As Jo Dee Messina resumes her Bridges Tour in 2027, audiences can expect an unforgettable evening celebrating both her beloved hits and the deeply personal songs that define her latest album.
If you live in the Nashville area, you can see Messina at the Opry Country Christmas on December 10th.
Follow Jo Dee Messina on her website, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and all streaming platforms.
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Bethany Bowman is a freelance entertainment writer. Follow her on her blog, Instagram, and TikTok.