Popscreen: Sara Evans

Sara Evans

“Cheatin’”

Dir. Peter Zavadil



The late 1990s witnessed a little flourishing of female country musicians who were both easy on the ears and the eyes. Artists like Faith Hill and Shania Twain (she technically is country, okay?) shot into superstardom. And if the gorgeous and twangy Sara Evans continues churning out hits like “Cheatin,’” she can soon be added to that list.

The full-voiced country diva took Nashville by storm in 2000 with her huge hit “Born to Fly” from the album of the same name. Unfortunately, the accompanying music video left more to be desired. Although Evans, sporting a short denim skirt, showcased her pair of amazing legs, the other characters—stereotypical farm hicks and caricatures of the stern “American Gothic” couple—made the video seem ridiculous and amateurish even before the cheesy animated tornado showed up.

The professionalism improved in the video for 2003s “Suds in the Bucket,” but the fashion faltered—Evans wears a bizarre slip-looking dress that even she can’t pull off.

Finally, with the new “Cheatin’” video, everything is clicking: the level of exaggeration is just right and the wardrobe is stunning.

As Evans begins singing, the camera pans forward to reveal her swaying on the hood of a car, then cuts away and swoops in from other angles. It is an auspicious start: Evans looks better than ever in a sexy, shoulder-revealing top and denim Capris, with pale blue pumps.

Meanwhile, the schlep who cheated on her is a total mess. He lives in a dark trailer illuminated only by the television screen, eating microwavable meals and drinking spoiled milk. Since their break, he has been reduced to dating a frightening, stocky bowling alley employee and stealing beer ineptly from the local liquor store.

Evans watches his mishaps with smug satisfaction. “I’ll be glad to take you back,” she twangs, “just as soon as I stop breathin’.”

In the interest of country music, let’s hope this never happens.

—David Zhou