BY MELISSA RUGGIERI/AJC Music Scene

Jennifer Nettles returned to her alma mater on Saturday to give the commencement address – with her own musical twist.

Nettles, who vaulted to fame as half of Sugarland, is a 1997 graduate of the Decatur-based women’s college. In her address, she spoke of the importance of chasing your dreams and choosing love over fear.

Then she reached into her wheelhouse and gave a musical salute by singing a traditional Irish prayer.

Nettles and Sugarland partner Kristian Bush kick off their "Still the Same" tour May 25 in Augusta. The tour will roll through Atlanta on Aug. 3 with a show at Infinite Energy Arena.

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