Brighten Your Day

Country Star HARDY Turns Server’s Rough Week Into An Unforgettable Night

July 24, 2025

Country music star HARDY turned a simple dinner into a life-changing night for one Iowa server going through a tough time—and the moment is now warming hearts across the internet.

Before performing at the Great Jones County Fair in Monticello, Iowa, HARDY and his crew stopped in for a meal at the Blind Pig. While chatting with their server, Carter Kurt, they overheard another table complimenting him on his service. That’s when Carter quietly admitted he was having a tough week.

“The people that were even behind us complimented him and just said, ‘you’re a really great server,’” HARDY said. “And he told her, ‘Thank you so much. I’ve actually had a really tough week.’ We just happened to overhear it. He’s a really nice guy.”

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by HARDY (@hardy)

Carter had no idea who he was serving. At one point, he casually asked if the group was heading to the HARDY concert that night—unaware he was speaking to the star himself.

That’s when HARDY decided to give Carter something special to lift his spirits.

“I’m going to ask him if he wants to come backstage, hang out with us before the show, watch the whole show from side stage,” HARDY said in a video posted to Instagram. “Maybe bring us the flag. So hopefully he’s available tonight and we’ll make it happen.”

And they did.

The video shows Carter enjoying the ultimate VIP experience—backstage access, side-stage seats, and the unforgettable honor of carrying the American flag out on stage during the concert.

Carter and Hardy | Credit: Carter Kurt on Facebook

Carter later posted about the experience, saying, “I’m trying not to cry rn😭😂 Thank y’all for the amazing experience, for real—even for a lil bit y’all made me feel like family ❤️... Most of all, thanks for being a downright chill, humble, cool [guy]... you made my week.”

On Facebook, he shared a photo of himself and HARDY, writing: “Tonight was awesome to say the least. Michael Hardy is a h*ll of a human.”

HARDY, whose real name is Michael Wilson Hardy, is known for his raw lyrics and country-rock sound, as well as his down-to-earth personality. He’s written hits for country stars like Morgan Wallen, Blake Shelton, and many others.