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Source: George Strait performs his set at Reliant Stadium during the final concert at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Sunday, March 17, 2013, in Houston. (Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images)

Houston Rodeo’s Wildest Crowds:  7 Biggest Blowout Performances

If you think Rodeo is just about bulls and belt buckles, think again. The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo has turned into a mega-concert magnet and drawing crowds that would make Coachella blush.  Here are the seven most packed, wildest and most unforgettable performances ever to hit the rotating stage, because everything is bigger in Texas.

1. George Strait (2019) – 80,108 fans
The King of Country closed the 2019 Rodeo like a boss.  No opening act, just Strait. Packing in over 80K fans like it was church.  Classic Strait.

2. Cardi B (2019) – 75,580 fans
Wait, what?  Yep, Cardi B broke records and broke the internet with her blinged-out, Houston-style, rodeo debut.

3. Garth Brooks (2018) – 75,577 fans
The cowboy hat legend kicked off and closed the 2018 Rodeo.  When Garth strums “Friends in Low Places,” Texans show up in high numbers.

4. Blake Shelton (2019) – 75,565 fans
Country charm, The Voice fame, and one-liners for days.  Shelton roped in a crowd that came to party.  He delivered.

5. Selena (1995) – 67,000+ fans
The Queen of Tejano lit up the Astrodome in a now-iconic performance.  That purple jumpsuit?  Legendary.

6. Beyoncé (2004) – 70,000+ fans
Hometown hero B took the stage and shut it down with pure Houston pride.  Pre-Super Bowl Queen Bey, but just as fierce.

7. RodeoHouston 2022 lineup opener Cody Johnson – 70,554 fans
A Texas boy opening the Rodeo for the first time?  Fans turned out in full force.  CJ proved he’s not just rising, he’s already there.  In 2026, he’ll be the last night performer.

Hold onto your hat, Rodeo Houston is coming up FAST.