Carly Pearce Celebrates Return to Australia with Possums and Champagne

Country star drinks from her boot and bonds with local wildlife during CMC Rocks festival performance

Mar. 26, 2026 at 9:00pm

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Country music singer Carly Pearce recently traveled to Australia for the first time in nearly a decade to perform at the CMC Rocks festival. During her visit, Pearce shared photos and videos on social media of her embracing Australian culture, including drinking champagne out of her boot in a traditional 'shoey' and befriending a possum and its babies backstage.

Why it matters

Pearce's return to Australia after a long absence highlights the global reach of country music and the importance of international touring for artists to connect with fans worldwide. Her enthusiastic social media posts also showcase the unique cultural experiences that can come with performing at international music festivals.

The details

In her Instagram posts, Pearce expressed excitement about being back in Australia, writing 'Australia, 7 years was too long… but you made it worth the wait!' She participated in the Australian tradition of the 'shoey', drinking champagne out of her boot, and also discovered a possum and its babies living in the backstage bathroom at the festival. Pearce also shared a photo of herself performing onstage with fellow country star Riley Green, presumably singing their recent duet 'If I Don't Leave I'm Gonna Stay'.

  • Carly Pearce traveled to Australia in March 2026 to perform at the CMC Rocks festival.
  • Pearce will return to the United States to perform in Des Moines, Iowa on April 2, 2026.

The players

Carly Pearce

An American country music singer and songwriter.

Riley Green

An American country music singer and songwriter who performed with Pearce at the CMC Rocks festival.

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What they’re saying

“Australia, 7 years was too long… but you made it worth the wait! You're the only people I'd drink champagne out of my boot for. I promise I won't take that long to come back this time.”

— Carly Pearce

“My favorite thing of this festival is the bathroom backstage has a little possum and its babies hanging out. It's been there all day. Hi! Are you OK?”

— Carly Pearce

What’s next

Pearce will return to the United States to perform in Des Moines, Iowa on April 2, 2026.

The takeaway

Carly Pearce's enthusiastic embrace of Australian culture and traditions during her performance at the CMC Rocks festival demonstrates the global appeal of country music and the unique experiences artists can have when touring internationally. Her social media posts highlighting the local wildlife and iconic 'shoey' ritual provide fans a glimpse into the vibrant music scene Down Under.