Jo Dee Messina approached her set on Saturday, April 26, with the cool confidence of a pro-flying a Spiderman kite in pajama pants and a sweatshirt in the parking lot. That carefree demeanor likely stems from her 12-year history of successful country crooning. Messina brought her boot-scootin’ charm to the Chaifetz Arena stage, joking back and forth with the crowd and leading the evening’s roster in the number of audience sing-alongs thanks to her catalogue of Generation Y-friendly hits from the 1990s.

This event’s theme is “Rock, Rap, and Rawhide.” How do you feel about performing amid such diversity?
I’m excited. We’re gonna rock the house. I think it’s cool that there’s something for everybody.

What do you bring to the equation?
I’m a girl [laughs]. I hope we add to the fun . When I go out there on stage, it isn’t a show where I [just] stand there . We involve the crowd. They come to see the show, and they’re part of the show.

What do you have to say to college students who say they don’t like country music?
They’re familiar with the stereotype of country music . They [probably] can’t name a country song. There’s just so much out there. If they really say they don’t like it, they’re not familiar with it.

How would you describe your musical tastes?
I listen to all kinds of stuff. My iPod has everything from Hillary Duff to Bonnie Raitt.

Is it weird to perform to such a young audience?
No. It’s no different from other crowds. I’m an eternal child, so I can relate.

Is it hard to keep your creativity intact after several years in the business?
I don’t pay attention [to industry pressures]. If you focus on the sides of the box you will stay in the box. Some people are focused on how hard it is that they’re not moving forward. I’ve been lucky and I just keep trying.