'Isn't it ironic?': Rain can't stop Alanis Morissette from performing at the Iowa State Fair Grandstand
Francesca Block
It was like rain on an Iowa State Fair day Monday night when Alanis Morissette brought her alt-rock anthems to the Grandstand stage.
Bracing the rain, 12,129 fans filled the Grandstand sporting a rainbow of rain ponchos and singing along to the greatest hits from Morissette's storied career.
The 48-year-old Canadian singer and seven-time Grammy winner came to the Iowa State Fair Grandstand on the 25th anniversary tour of her award-winning debut album "Jagged Little Pill." The tour was originally scheduled for 2020 but was pushed back due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Released in 1995, “Jagged Little Pill” sparked the singer's career, cementing Morissette's status as a uniquely talented vocalist and feminist icon.
More:Twitter has jokes about the rain on Alanis Morissette's concert day at the Iowa State Fair
The show began with a montage of pictures and videos of Morissette's life and music career, from music videos and "Saturday Night Live" performances to late-night appearances and the Broadway stage.
More:See the Iowa State Fair 2022 Grandstand concert lineup from Carrie Underwood to Brooks & Dunn
As the lights lit up on stage, fans were already out of their seats cheering on the alt-rock icon's introduction.
Morissette opened the show with "All I Really Want," showcasing her versatility as a vocalist and musician by playing the harmonica in between verses.
"Thank you so much for coming," she said to the Grandstand crowd.
She followed with "Hand in my Pocket," prompting the audience members to flash peace signs to reflect the ballad's now-famous chorus.
During her performance of "Right Through You," Morissette appeared to slip and fall on the stage.
"It's a slippery stage up here," she said as people ran out to wipe down the stage.
Throughout the performance, Morissette paid homage to her family — changing the lyrics for "You Learn" to mention her children and performing "Ablaze" in front of a montage of home videos and family pictures.
While singing "Not the Doctor," the microphones blew out, causing a loud screeching noise before the sound when out. Morissette kept going, determined to keep the crowd engaged and singing along.
"Our power went out for a second," she said following the end of the song. "We're going to do something acoustic," she joked.
When the power came back, Morissette rewarded the crowd for their patience with her biggest hit "Ironic." The crowd sang nearly the entire introduction with passion before Morissette took over the chorus.
Following her classic hit, Morissette jumped into "Smiling," part of her 2020 album "Such Pretty Forks in the Road" and one of the two new songs she wrote for the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical inspired by "Jagged Little Pill."
Morissette closed out the show with the Grammy-winning song and empowering alt-rock anthem, "You Oughta Know," set to videos of flames and burning cars.
"Jagged Little Pill" peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 the year of its debut and led to the singer's first Grammy wins for Album of the Year, Best Rock Album, Best Female Rock Vocal Performance and Best Rock Song for "You Oughta Know."
More than 25 years later, Morissette's relatable lyrics and powerful voice continue to make her a pop, rock and grunge icon around the world. She won the Icon Award at Billboard's 2019 Women in Music Event. In March 2022, she released her new single "Olive Branch."
In her last encore performance to "Thank U," Morissette clasped her hands together in front of the microphone belting out the last notes of the night.
"Thank you so much," she said again to the crowd, "I love you. Take care of yourself."
Country singer Morgan Wade opens for the rock icon
As the crowd gathered at the Grandstand Monday night, up-and-coming country music star Morgan Wade rattled off hits from her 2021 album "Reckless," released through the indie label Thirty Tigers. Opening with her singles "Don't Cry" and "Last Cigarette," Wade energized the growing crowd with her unique blend of indie rock and country music.
She closed out her set with her top hit "Wilder Days," followed by cheers from the crowd.
More from the 2022 Grandstand
- 'Sounds like we're back in Iowa tonight': Brooks & Dunn boot scoot at the Iowa State Fair
- Hip-hop legend Nelly plays his first concert at the Iowa State Fair with Ginuwine opening
Francesca Block is a breaking news reporter at the Des Moines Register. Reach her at FBlock@registermedia.com or on Twitter at @francescablock3.