Daniel O’Donnell with John Staunton – “It’s Hard to Be Humble” (Live at The Macomb, Michigan)
There are concert moments meant to dazzle — and then there are the moments meant to make an audience smile, laugh, and feel like they’re part of something wonderfully familiar. When Daniel O’Donnell took the stage in Macomb, Michigan, alongside longtime friend and crowd favorite John Staunton, their lively performance of “It’s Hard to Be Humble” became one of those treasured moments fans still talk about today.
The song itself is lighthearted, playful, and filled with good-natured humor. Yet in the hands of Daniel and John, it becomes more than a novelty tune — it becomes a warm, joyful exchange between two performers who understand their audience and each other perfectly. Their chemistry has been built over years of friendship, and that easy rapport shines through every lyric, every smile, every shared glance.
From the opening line, the crowd at Macomb seemed to know they were in for a treat. Daniel’s gentle wit and John’s cheeky charm played off each other beautifully, turning the stage into a place of genuine fun. Daniel, who is often celebrated for his soft-spoken humility, delivered the tongue-in-cheek lyrics with a playful sparkle, while John leaned into the comedic lines with just enough mischief to send waves of laughter across the room.
For older audiences, the performance captured something rare — the kind of natural, unforced humor that used to fill local halls and parish centers across Ireland and the UK decades ago. It reminded people of sing-alongs with friends, family gatherings filled with stories and jokes, and the warmth of simpler times. The song’s humor, rooted in self-mocking charm, felt wholesome and timeless.
What made the moment even more memorable was the authenticity both Daniel and John brought to it. There was no pretense, no grand staging — just two friends onstage, enjoying music together and sharing that joy with everyone present. Fans in the audience could be seen clapping along, nudging each other during the funniest lines, and smiling from ear to ear.
Daniel’s ability to connect emotionally with his audience is well known, but performances like “It’s Hard to Be Humble” reveal another side of him — the entertainer who cherishes laughter just as much as heartfelt songs. And John Staunton, with his easy presence and friendly humor, matches Daniel step for step. Their duet highlights a camaraderie that has become a beloved part of Daniel’s live shows.
As the final chorus echoed through The Macomb, the room felt lighter, happier, and filled with that unmistakable sense of community that Daniel O’Donnell concerts are known for. Many fans later said that this performance was one of the highlights of the night — not because the song is grand or emotional, but because it brought joy in the purest form.
In a world that often feels hurried, Daniel and John’s rendition of “It’s Hard to Be Humble” offered a simple reminder: sometimes the best moments are the ones that make us laugh, relax, and enjoy the company of good people. And on that night in Michigan, that is exactly what they delivered — a warm, spirited, and unforgettable performance shared between friends onstage and the thousands who love them.