The Country to Country (C2C) Festival is a landmark celebration for country music in the UK and Europe, showcasing some of the finest talent from both sides of the Atlantic. In 2026, the festival returns to its iconic home at The O2 in London, welcoming music fans for a full weekend of Nashville sounds, star power, and heart-touching performances.
Friday, 13th March 2026, marks the exciting opening day of C2C London, running from 12:00 to 18:15, where the stages will come alive with a blend of seasoned stars and rising artists continuing the rich tradition of country music storytelling. One of the tour’s breakout elements this year is the inclusion of Emily Ann Roberts, an artist who is gaining significant traction for her authentic country style, powerhouse vocals, and commitment to keeping classic country music alive while evolving with modern influences.
This article explores in detail everything fans and curious followers need to know about Emily Ann Roberts and the Friday C2C lineup – from origins and evolution to themes and future trajectories. Focused on the UK audience, the article covers how the genre fits into the contemporary scene and what makes this event distinct.
What is Country to Country (C2C)?
Country to Country (C2C) is Europe’s largest and most prominent country music festival. First launched in 2013 through a collaboration between SJM Concerts, AEG Europe, and the Country Music Association (CMA) from the United States, the event quickly became the epicentre of country music for international audiences.
Held almost simultaneously in London, Glasgow, and Dublin, C2C serves as a showcase for both country music legends and newer artists stepping onto the global stage. The central hub, however, remains London’s The O2 arena, where the festival provides a mix of arena shows, intimate sessions, pop-up stages, and fan meet-ups. Recent events at the venue, such as BLOK3 Live in London at The O2 2026, further demonstrate the diversity and cultural importance of music programming at The O2.
Set across three days – Friday through Sunday, each day features themed lineups, and Friday often kicks off with breakthrough talent and newly formed fan favourites.
Understanding Emily Ann Roberts: Artist Profile
Emily Ann Roberts is one of the most notable names in the 2026 Friday C2C lineup. Born on October 23, 1998, and raised in Knoxville, Tennessee, Roberts came to national attention as the runner-up on Season 9 of NBC’s The Voice in 2015. Since then, she has continued building her reputation through rigorous touring, solo releases, and crafting a sound that balances traditional roots with fresh storytelling.
Her voice is deeply reminiscent of country music royalty like Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire, and Patty Loveless – but with her own modern flair. Her loyal fan base appreciates both her deep roots in Southern values and her genuine, emotionally resonant songwriting.
Musical Style and Influences
Emily Ann Roberts’s musical style is best described as neo-traditional country, often blending bluegrass, gospel, and classic fiddle-backed arrangements with accessible modern production. Vocally and lyrically, she takes inspiration from several core tenets of traditional country:
- Storytelling that spans themes of love, faith, perseverance, and identity
- Melodic instrumentation including banjo, fiddle, and pedal steel guitar
- Harmonies that echo the sounds of Appalachian folk and gospel music
Her recent works, especially her 2023 full-length debut album “Can’t Hide Country”, have earned praise for tight arrangements, uplifting lyrical content, and a genuine commitment to the spirit of country music without resorting to genre fusion or pop-country trends. This purist approach resonates deeply with country music fans in the UK, many of whom favour the legacy of Americana and classic country storytelling. For those drawn to similar musical values, artists like Luke Bryan have also upheld the genre’s core identity while navigating mainstream appeal.
Noteworthy Achievements of Emily Ann Roberts
Emily Ann Roberts has carved her career not through overnight fame, but persistent growth and an unflinching commitment to quality music and engagement with her audience. Below is a table highlighting key milestones in her career thus far.
| Year | Achievement |
|---|---|
| 2015 | Runner-up on Season 9 of *The Voice* (Team Blake Shelton) |
| 2017 | Released debut single “Stuck on Me and You” |
| 2022 | Performed at CMA Fest and opened for Reba McEntire’s tour |
| 2023 | Released debut album “Can’t Hide Country” |
| 2025 | Named “New Female Artist of the Year” by Country Spirit CMA Exchange |
These major moments are emblematic of her slow burn career, where artistry is prioritised over short-lived fame.
What to Expect in Her C2C 2026 Performance
Given the slot timing in the afternoon, Emily Ann Roberts is expected to deliver an engaging yet intimate set, prepared to bring both new tracks and fan favourites to a global stage. Observers have noted her ability to “own the stage” without the need for luxury staging or elaborate props – relying exclusively on her voice, band chemistry, and audience rapport.
Her C2C set is likely to include:
- “He Set Her Off” – a revenge anthem with twang and theatricality
- “Whole Lotta Little” – a nostalgic ode to humble southern roots
- “The Building” – one of her most heartfelt songs inspired by her family church
- “Infinity” – a widely streamed, poetic account of enduring love
Fans may also be treated to new releases, as industry rumours suggest another project in the works for Summer 2026.
Interesting Facts and Fan Favourites
Emily Ann Roberts’s journey is marked by a series of surprising developments and authentic connections. Some of the most interesting facts for fans include:
- Faith-first brand: Roberts’s Christian faith is frequently woven into her music and lifestyle branding, resonating strongly with faith-oriented country fans. This angle may also appeal to fans of spiritual musical theatre, such as the Chicago premiere of Bernadette – The Musical.
- DIY Music Career: Even with major national exposure from The Voice, Roberts chose a mostly independent path rather than signing immediately with a giant label. This gave her creative control over song selections, videos, and merchandise.
- Family and Farming Background: Raised in a tight-knit family, Roberts’s lyrics often contain real references to her grandparents’ farmland, delivering detail-driven realism that’s rare among younger acts.
- Social Media Presence: Unlike many typical stars, Roberts reports most of her content creation and shares direct messages with her fanbase, which builds strong parasocial engagement.
Roberts has said in recent interviews that her favourite stage to dream about was always The O2, making her C2C performance both personally and professionally significant.
Friday Line-Up at C2C 2026 – The O2 Arena
While Emily Ann Roberts is a major name for Friday’s schedule on the Spotlight Stage and associated acoustic, pop-up platforms around The O2, she’s part of a broader ensemble of classic, contemporary, and genre-bending acts. Here’s an indicative rundown of performers as per pre-festival scheduling.
| Time Slot | Artist | Location/Stage |
|---|---|---|
| 12:00 – 12:45 | Jamie Freeman | Icon Stage |
| 13:00 – 13:45 | O&O | Town Square Stage |
| 14:00 – 14:45 | Kezia Gill | BBC Radio Stage |
| 15:00 – 15:45 | Emily Ann Roberts | Spotlight Acoustic Stage |
| 16:15 – 18:15 | Open Mic Club / Fan Zone Meet & Greet | C2C Sessions Corner |
Fans are advised to plan ahead and arrive early, as C2C is known for its strict scheduling and high demand for certain intimate sessions. For other great performances lined up at The O2 this season, see what’s happening in London Shows & Events across genres.
Recommendations for UK-Based Fans and Visitors
For fans attending C2C 2026 on Friday, here’s a guide to make the most of Emily Ann Roberts’s performance as well as the wider festival.
1. Arrive Early – If you want to catch both newer acts and front-row access, plan to check in before midday. The acoustic stages in The O2’s Town Square and food courts get crowded quickly.
2. Don’t Miss the Pop-Up Stages – Some of the most touching, stripped-down sets happen at pop-up locations. Roberts’s set may include a surprise song or guest duet. These surprise appearances mirror the buzz around last-minute additions at London events like Fred again..’s four-night live set at Alexandra Palace.
3. Wear Comfortable Footwear – You’ll be on your feet. While fashion matters, comfort will keep you going across multiple hours.
4. Engage with Artist Merch Booths – Emily Ann Roberts frequently visits her merch stand post-performance. These face-to-face moments are unmatched.
5. Participate in Meet & Greets or Q&A Panels – These smaller events allow for artist interactions, which are ideal for deeper engagement and photography.
Why Emily Ann Roberts Matters for the Country Genre
In a time when country music is stretching into pop, EDM, and crossover categories, Emily Ann Roberts offers a return to core roots. It’s not about resisting modernity, but about honouring country music’s distinctiveness and emotional authenticity. For UK fans, especially those fascinated with Appalachian influences and old-school Americana, Roberts’s musicality acts as a bridge between eras.
She could also be considered a torchbearer of traditionalism – amplifying values of songwriting craft, live performance ethics, and grounded public identity. Her rise through consistent touring, organic fan loyalty, and community storytelling positions her not only as a performer but also as a cultural preserver.
Fans planning to attend C2C 2026 Friday sessions should prioritise seeing Emily Ann Roberts for a view into where country music has been and where it might go next. With a tested voice, a confident persona, and a commitment to craft, she encapsulates everything country music was meant to be – heartfelt, human, and enduring.
Whether you are a lifelong country fan or a newcomer looking to understand the roots of this Americana genre in a UK context, her performance this March offers a rare blend of familiarity and fresh creativity.
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