STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Homilies and hymns were traded for some good old fashioned country music at the Vatican last weekend for the World Meeting on Human Fraternity.
According to Advance/SILive.com sister site, PennLive.com , Garth Brooks’ live performance was met with an excited, welcoming crowd.
The audience even sang along to an acoustic version of “Friends in Low Places” — Brooks’ award-winning hit from 1990 that earned him an Academy of Country Music award and a Country Music Association award. “It was maybe not the place for it, but it was fabulous,” Brooks said during an episode of “ Inside Studio G .” Brooks discussed the performance, which was held inside St.
Peter’s Basilica’s atrium, during the episode. The singer opted out of wearing his iconic cowboy hat and admitted to feeling those jittery butterflies during his set. “All they want you to be is yourself, that’s the whole message: Just be yourself flaws and all — but can I tell you now.
..that I was nervous,” Brooks said.
He also delved into his song selection for the event, which had to be personally approved by the Vatican, PennLive.com reports. In addition to “Friends in Low Places,” he sang “Amazing Grace,” “Make You Feel My Love,” “The Change,” and “The River.
” “These songs, the Vatican requested. They had to OK them, and so it was pretty cool,” Brooks said. All of the songs were played acoustically, as well.
Though this was Brooks’ first time traveli.