CMA Fest 2025: Four Unforgettable Days of Country Music

The 52nd annual CMA Fest 2025 delivered four exhilarating days of music, memories and milestone moments, proving once again why Nashville is the undisputed capital of country music. From surprise collaborations and emotional debuts to superstar-studded lineups, this year’s festival brought fans closer than ever to the genre’s biggest names and brightest rising stars.

With tens of thousands of attendees descending on downtown Nashville, Riverfront Park and Nissan Stadium, it became the epicenter of country music celebration. Fans braved rain delays, heat and long strolls between stages just to catch a glimpse of artists like Luke Bryan, Keith Urban, Megan Moroney, Jason Aldean, Jelly Roll, Kelsea Ballerini, Brooks & Dunn, and Ashley McBryde. Each night, the energy soared higher as chart-topping hits echoed across the city skyline.

The festival was more than just a concert series. It was a cultural moment, bringing together country legends, breakout performers and passionate fans from around the world. Every day told a new story, from Elizabeth Nichols creating a viral moment after her set was canceled, to Dasha’s Broadway bar-top takeover, to emotional duets between siblings and show-stopping returns by icons like Rascal Flatts and Travis Tritt.

What made CMA Fest 2025 truly special was its perfect blend of tradition and transformation. On one end of the stage, fans heard the timeless fiddle and pedal steel of classic country. On the other, they witnessed genre-bending collaborations and cutting-edge artists pushing country into new sonic territories.

Whether it was Zach Top reviving honky-tonk for a new generation, Cody Johnson spotlighting cross-cultural collaborations, or Bailey Zimmerman bringing rap into the arena, CMA Fest 2025 proved that the genre’s heart beats stronger than ever.

CMA Fest 2025 Kicks Off in Nashville

The 52nd annual CMA Fest got off to a spectacular start on June 5, 2025, delivering a dynamic blend of country music’s iconic legends and rising stars. Downtown Nashville and Nissan Stadium were packed with fans from around the globe, eager to witness a lineup that highlighted the best of both traditional and modern country music.

Megan Moroney Opens CMA Fest 2025 with Fan Favorites

Award-winning breakout star Megan Moroney, fresh off her win as the 2024 CMA Best New Artist, launched the festivities with a high-energy nine-song set on the Riverfront Stage. Dressed in a heart-airbrushed white tank top and stonewashed denim shorts, Moroney thrilled thousands of fans wearing her signature royal blue and white cowboy boots.

Performing hits like Indifferent, No Caller ID, and her breakthrough track Tennessee Orange, Moroney captivated the audience with her blend of charm and authenticity. She concluded her performance with Am I Okay, the title track from her latest album, which is already climbing the country charts and could soon be the No. 1 country song in America.

Riley Green and Ella Langley Deliver a Show-Stopping Duet

Later in the evening, Riley Green and Ella Langley lit up the Nissan Stadium with their CMA Award-winning hit You Look Like You Love Me. The duet turned into a stadium-wide sing-along, lit by thousands of phone lights and filled with deafening cheers.

Langley, dressed in a striking black fringed dress, channeled the confidence and vocal power reminiscent of Linda Ronstadt and Pat Benatar. Meanwhile, Green brought his signature Southern charm, cementing their place as country’s newest powerhouse duo.

This performance drew comparisons to legendary country pairings such as Conway Twitty and Loretta Lynn, and Brad Paisley with Carrie Underwood, signaling a new era for male-female collaborations in country music.

Brooks & Dunn Celebrate 35 Years with Lainey Wilson and Marcus King

Country Music Hall of Fame duo Brooks & Dunn celebrated 35 years in the industry by kicking off their set with Lainey Wilson, one of today’s most decorated artists. Wilson, with multiple Entertainer of the Year awards under her belt, joined the duo for an unforgettable start to their Nissan Stadium performance.

Backed by Southern rock standout Marcus King, who brought searing guitar solos and soulful vocals, Brooks & Dunn delivered hits like Rock My World (Little Country Girl), Red Dirt Road, and the crowd-favorite Neon Moon.

They closed with the timeless classic Boot Scootin’ Boogie, transforming the stadium into a massive two-stepping celebration that perfectly embodied the spirit of CMA Fest.

Jason Aldean Headlines with a Career-Spanning Set and Special Guest Travis Tritt

Country superstar Jason Aldean headlined the opening night with a thunderous set celebrating his 30th No. 1 single, Whiskey Drink. With his powerhouse band behind him, Aldean delivered hits like Hicktown, Dirt Road Anthem, and My Kinda Party, showcasing the sound that has made him a fan favorite for two decades.

A surprise highlight came when Travis Tritt joined Aldean for a rousing duet of It’s a Great Day to Be Alive, earning a massive response from the audience.

As the night reached its peak, Aldean performed his polarizing 2023 hit Try That In A Small Town, engaging directly with fans and stirring a stadium-wide reaction. He wrapped up his set with the enduring anthem She’s Country, celebrating the values of down-home roots, cowboy boots and unshakable pride.

CMA Fest 2025 Day One: A Blend of Tradition and Modern Country Music

From the Riverfront Stage to the bright lights of the Nissan Stadium, day one of CMA Fest 2025 was a perfect showcase of what makes country music a beloved American tradition. With a lineup that honored legends and celebrated the stars of tomorrow, Nashville once again proved why it remains the heart of country music.

CMA Fest 2025 Day 2: Keith Urban, Kelsea Ballerini, Jelly Roll and More Light Up Nissan Stadium

Despite early rain delays and schedule adjustments, CMA Fest 2025 Day two came back stronger than ever on Friday, June 6. With an all-star lineup including Keith Urban, Kelsea Ballerini, Cody Johnson, Shaboozey and Jelly Roll, the night at Nissan Stadium turned into an unforgettable celebration of country music’s present and future.

Keith Urban Delivers a Masterclass in Modern Country

Closing out the evening, Keith Urban showed why he remains one of country music’s most electrifying performers. Kicking things off with a jam-heavy rendition of his hit Long Hot Summer, Urban played with infectious energy, even using his microphone stand as a percussion instrument.

His set featured a perfect mix of old and new, from the fan-favorite Blue Ain’t Your Color to his latest single Straight Line. Urban wrapped up his performance midfield, surrounded by fans singing along to every word under the Nashville sky.

Kelsea Ballerini and Noah Kahan Share a Viral Moment

Kelsea Ballerini returned to the CMA Fest stage with heartfelt nostalgia and a powerful set that had the crowd roaring. Wearing a sparkling emerald jumpsuit, she opened with Blindsided (Yeah, Sure, Okay) and had the crowd echoing every line.

A special surprise came when indie-folk sensation Noah Kahan joined Ballerini on stage for a duet of Cowboys Cry Too. The two then performed Kahan’s huge hit Stick Season, marking his debut appearance at CMA Fest. Their performance sparked massive buzz online and is already being touted as one of the festival’s standout moments.

Jelly Roll and Brandon Lake Electrify With Emotional Performance

Country-rock hybrid artist Jelly Roll returned to Nissan Stadium alongside Christian crossover star Brandon Lake. Together, they delivered a soulful, emotional version of Hard Fought Hallelujah. The performance showcased the power of genre blending and left a profound impact on the thousands in attendance.

Jelly Roll later rejoined the stage to perform with Shaboozey, further proving his versatility and deep connection with Nashville’s music scene.

Cody Johnson Proves He’s a Western Superstar

Cody Johnson stepped into the spotlight wearing his signature Resistol hat and Wrangler shirt, delivering a confident and commanding performance. Songs like Dirt Cheap and ‘Til You Can’t resonated deeply with the crowd.

Johnson surprised fans by welcoming Carin León, a rising Northern Mexican country star, to perform their duet She Hurts Like Tequila. The collaboration highlighted the increasing global influence of country music and earned roaring applause from the crowd.

Shaboozey and Jelly Roll Bring Stadium to Life with “Amen”

Genre-fusing artist Shaboozey brought down the house with his viral smash A Bar Song (Tipsy). Sporting plaid jeans and a Scorpions tee, he showcased a unique blend of gospel, jam-band, and country influences.

The energy reached a new peak when Jelly Roll joined him for their new song Amen. Their camaraderie and stage chemistry transformed Nissan Stadium into a full-blown celebration.

Parker McCollum Premieres New Music at CMA Fest

Texan country favorite Parker McCollum took the stage just before 10 p.m. to deliver a crowd-pleasing set. Tracks like Handle on You and Pretty Heart warmed up the crowd before he debuted his upcoming single Big Sky, set for release on June 27.

Known for his laid-back charm and traditional style, McCollum showed why he’s one of the most promising stars in today’s country landscape.

Rita Wilson Opens Stadium Night with Empowering Set

Veteran artist Rita Wilson opened the evening’s performances in an iridescent gown, delivering songs like The Spark and W.O.W. (Wild Ol’ Woman). Her commanding lyrics and confident stage presence reminded fans that great country music knows no age limit.

Acoustic Sets Showcase Rising Stars

In between the night’s headline acts, fans were treated to acoustic sets from emerging talents like Kameron Marlowe and Sam Barber. Barber’s raw performance of Restless Mind showcased his potential as one of country music’s next breakout artists.

Elizabeth Nichols Turns Set Cancellation into a Viral Fan Moment

When lightning forced the cancellation of Elizabeth Nichols’ official set, she refused to let fans down. Instead, the TikTok star brought her guitar to the street and serenaded two young fans in a heartwarming acoustic moment that quickly went viral.

Weather Delays Fail to Dampen CMA Fest Spirit

Despite the storms and a 90-minute delay in opening Nissan Stadium, fans kept spirits high. They filled Broadway honky-tonks and sang along to hits while waiting. The resilience of country music fans was on full display, proving once again that CMA Fest is a rain-or-shine celebration.

CMA Fest 2025 Day 2 Wrap-Up: A Night of Star Power, Surprises and Resilience

From Keith Urban’s high-energy finale to Kelsea Ballerini’s emotional throwback, day two of CMA Fest 2025 was filled with memorable collaborations, powerful debuts and a defiant celebration of country music in the face of stormy weather. As always, Nashville showed why it’s the beating heart of country music.

CMA Fest 2025 Day 3: Blake Shelton, Rascal Flatts, Megan Moroney, and Surprise Guests Light Up Nashville

CMA Fest 2025 continued its hot streak on Saturday, June 7, with Day three delivering a star-studded lineup at Nissan Stadium and across downtown Nashville. Despite scattered storms in the afternoon, the evening shows went ahead as scheduled, featuring standout performances by Blake Shelton, Rascal Flatts, Megan Moroney, Jordan Davis, and Deana Carter, along with exciting surprises from Trace Adkins and Moroney’s brother, Brian.

Rascal Flatts Close Out Night with Stadium-Wide Sing-Alongs

Rascal Flatts made a triumphant return to CMA Fest, six years on from their last stint –  igniting waves of nostalgia with beloved classics like Fast Cars and Freedom, What Hurts the Most, and Life Is A Highway. The trio delivered high-energy chemistry, with Gary LeVox’s vocals soaring over an ecstatic Nissan Stadium crowd.

Carly Pearce joined the group onstage for an emotional rendition of My Wish, a highlight from their new collaborative album Life Is A Highway: Refueled Duets. The performance capped off the night with fans singing in unison and basking in the joy of a legendary band in peak form.

Blake Shelton and Trace Adkins Reunite for Fan-Favorite Duets

Blake Shelton rolled into his CMA Fest set like a veteran quarterback ready to dominate. His performance included new tracks from his latest album, For Recreational Use Only, including the chart-topping single Texas.

Shelton surprised the crowd by inviting Trace Adkins onstage. Together they turned Nissan Stadium into a honky-tonk dance party with hits like Honkytonk Badonkadonk, Hell Right, and Hillbilly Bone. The crowd roared as two country icons celebrated decades of hits and camaraderie.

Megan Moroney Shares the Stage with Her Brother in Heartfelt Performance

Dressed in a dazzling silver fringe dress, Megan Moroney gave one of the evening’s most memorable performances. She wowed fans with hits like Indifferent, No Caller ID, and Am I Okay, now her second No. 1 country radio hit to date.

Moroney made the set even more personal by bringing her brother Brian Moroney onstage to play guitar during Tennessee Orange. Known offstage as an attorney, Brian embraced his rock star moment, making the performance a true family affair.

Jordan Davis Brings Crowd to Their Feet with Upcoming Hits

Jordan Davis proved why he is one of country music’s most consistent hitmakers. His CMA Fest set featured fan favorites Take It From Me, Buy Dirt, and What My World Spins Around. He also previewed new material from his upcoming album Learn the Hard Way, releasing August 15.

His performance of Bar None, his latest single, received an enthusiastic response, hinting at its future chart success.

The Red Clay Strays Deliver Soulful Southern Rock

The Red Clay Strays brought grit, groove, and Southern soul to the CMA Fest stage. With frontman Brandon Coleman’s Johnny Cash-meets-Elvis vocals and the band’s Allman Brothers-inspired blues-rock sound, their performance was a standout among the night’s pop-heavy lineup.

Songs like Wondering Why and I’m Still Fine captivated the crowd with emotional depth and classic Americana flair.

Deana Carter Opens the Night with “Strawberry Wine” Magic

Deana Carter set the tone for the night with a nostalgic performance featuring songs from her 1996 debut album Did I Shave My Legs for This? Her ballad Strawberry Wine delivered the first full-stadium sing-along of the evening, reminding fans of the timeless charm she brings to country music.

Surprise Acoustic Sets from Carter Faith and Tiera Kennedy

Carter Faith showcased her powerhouse vocals and fiery attitude in a velvet red dress, getting the crowd to shout lyrics with her during Grudge. She then slowed things down for a heartfelt performance of her upcoming single Sails.

Tiera Kennedy also performed an acoustic set on a satellite stage, sharing songs like Promises and Somebody Like You, while reflecting on her family’s support and her gratitude for the moment.

Dasha Lights Up Broadway with Bar-Top Dance Party

Inside Whiskey Bent Saloon, rising star Dasha turned heads with a surprise takeover that included a bar-top performance of Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy. Outside, she joined a flash-mob line dance, bringing a touch of 2000s pop energy to CMA Fest.

With her latest single Here For This Party remixed by David Guetta, and potential collaborations with Pitbull on the horizon, Dasha is poised for a crossover breakthrough.

Carly Pearce Raises Funds at “Carly’s Closet”

Carly Pearce not only took the stage but also gave back with “Carly’s Closet,” a pop-up fashion sale for charity. Fans lined up hours in advance to buy items from Pearce’s personal wardrobe, with proceeds supporting the CMA Foundation’s music education efforts. She ended the event by singing Should’ve Known Better.

Jackson Dean Starts Day 3 with Riverfront Rock

Jackson Dean opened Saturday’s festivities at the Chevy Riverfront Stage, energizing early risers with gritty performances of Heavens to Betsy and a crowd-pleasing whistle solo. Fans lined the riverbank as boats floated behind the stage for a laid-back summer vibe.

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CMA Fest 2025 Day 3 Recap: From Legends to Newcomers, Nashville Delivers

Day three of CMA Fest 2025 delivered unforgettable moments on every stage, from surprise family duets to superstar collaborations. Fans danced, sang and celebrated the power of country music from dawn to dusk. As the weekend heads into its final stretch, Nashville remains alive with music, heart and history.

CMA Fest 2025 Day 4: Luke Bryan, Ashley McBryde, Zach Top and Dierks Bentley Bring Nashville to a Thrilling Close

The final day of CMA Fest 2025 ended on a high note, bringing sunshine, surprises and powerhouse performances across Nashville. With Luke Bryan, Ashley McBryde, Dierks Bentley and Zach Top headlining the last night at Nissan Stadium, fans experienced one of the most electrifying closings in the festival’s 52-year history.

Luke Bryan Delivers an Unforgettable Festival Finale

Luke Bryan, armed with 30 No. 1 hits, delivered a crowd-thrilling set packed with fan favorites. He kicked off with I Don’t Want This Night to End and Kick The Dust Up, followed by energetic performances of What Makes You Country and Knockin’ Boots.

Bryan showed his softer side with a piano rendition of Strip It Down before sending the crowd into a frenzy with his defining hit Country Girl (Shake It for Me). The high-energy finale included onstage dance cameos from a security guard and a flag-waving fan named Rodney, making for one of the most talked-about moments of the night.

Dierks Bentley Declares CMA Fest the ‘Greatest Weekend of Our Lives’

Dierks Bentley brought high-energy charisma with hits like Burnin’ Man, Gone, and Free and Easy (Down the Road I Go). Reflecting on the importance of CMA Fest, he called it the Country Music Singers’ Thanksgiving.

Bentley surprised the crowd by bringing Zach Top back onstage for a rowdy cover of Alabama’s Mountain Music. He wrapped up with Drunk on a Plane, leaving fans chanting and dancing in their seats.

Zach Top Keeps Traditional Country Alive

Rising star Zach Top impressed with his throwback style and rich storytelling. His set included Sounds Like the Radio, Bad Luck, and Use Me, showcasing his ability to blend honky-tonk nostalgia with modern flair.

The debut of his new single Good Times & Tan Lines hinted at another summer anthem in the making. With co-signs from Alan Jackson and Dierks Bentley, Top cemented himself as a leader of the neo-traditional country revival.

Ashley McBryde Mixes Rock, Heart and Honesty

Ashley McBryde delivered a powerful, emotionally charged set that blended country grit and Southern rock swagger. Opening with Rattlesnake Preacher and Made for This, she showed both raw power and nuanced storytelling.

A surprise cover of Don Henley’s Boys of Summer drew cheers, while originals like Tired of Being Happy and One Night Standards reminded fans of her mastery of both the loud and the vulnerable. She closed with a tribute to New Orleans culture, inviting the Roots of Music band onstage to roaring applause.

Bailey Zimmerman and BigXThaPlug Wow with Genre-Bending Set

Bailey Zimmerman brought explosive energy to his CMA Fest appearance, thrilling the audience with hits like Religiously and Rock and a Hard Place. His collaboration with BigXThaPlug on All the Way fused rap and country in a performance that received the night’s loudest ovation.

With his second album Different Night, Same Rodeo on the horizon, Zimmerman proved he is a force to watch in modern country music.

Tucker Wetmore Lives Out a Stadium Dream

Two years after watching from the crowd, Tucker Wetmore made his Nissan Stadium debut count. The 25-year-old sang Wine Into Whiskey and his first No. 1 hit Wind Up Missin’ You while recalling the moment he set his goal to play the CMA Fest main stage. His sincerity and vocal power made a lasting impression.

Avery Anna Moved to Tears in Emotional Acoustic Set

Avery Anna, wearing a sparkling midnight blue dress, delivered a tearful performance of Indigo, a song about grief written with Sam Barber. After asking fans to light up the stadium with their phones, she paused mid-chorus, overcome with emotion, before finishing the song to thunderous applause. It was a defining moment for the rising star.

Kashus Culpepper’s Soulful Debut at Nissan Stadium

Kashus Culpepper, a gospel-influenced newcomer, stunned the stadium crowd with performances of Pour Me Out and After Me? His rich vocal tone and emotional delivery introduced thousands of fans to a voice that is already making waves in Nashville.

Rodney Atkins Opens Final Night with Family and Familiar Hits

Rodney Atkins kicked off the final evening with hits like Take the Back Road and If You’re Going Through Hell. He was joined by his son, Elijah, for a touching rendition of Watching You, offering a multigenerational moment that set a heartfelt tone for the night.

Marine Band Delights Fans Downtown

The 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Band, visiting from North Carolina for Marine Week, brought their talents to the Dr. Pepper Amp Stage and then took the show indoors at Honky Tonk Central. Their presence added patriotic flair to the final day of festivities.

Perfect Weather Ends Festival on a High Note

After days of storm delays, Sunday offered blue skies and mild temperatures. With highs around 84 degrees and a cool breeze settling in by nightfall, fans enjoyed ideal conditions to close out CMA Fest 2025.

Festival Fashion: Cowboy Boots Still Rule

Cowboy boots remained the weekend’s essential accessory. Whether worn in for years or broken in just this weekend, boots told stories of style, stamina and love for country music. Despite a few sore feet, fans embraced the pain with pride.

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CMA Fest 2025 Finale: A Night of Legends, New Stars and True Nashville Spirit

From Luke Bryan’s show-stopping closer to Avery Anna’s emotional acoustic moment, Day four of CMA Fest captured everything the festival stands for. It was a night of celebration, community and country music’s ever-evolving legacy. With perfect weather, unforgettable performances and emotional surprises, the final night was a fitting end to Nashville’s biggest week of the year.

CMA Fest 2025 Wrap-Up: A Defining Celebration of Country Music’s Past, Present and Future

As the final fireworks faded over Nissan Stadium and fans began their goodbyes on Broadway, CMA Fest 2025 closed its four-day run with unforgettable energy, heart and harmony. From Thursday’s opening spectacle featuring Jason Aldean, Brooks & Dunn and Megan Moroney, to Sunday’s emotional and electric finale with Luke Bryan, Ashley McBryde and Zach Top, the festival reminded the world why Nashville remains the soul of country music.

Each day brought its own signature magic. Whether it was surprise acoustic street sets during storm delays, once-in-a-lifetime collaborations between legends and newcomers, or breakout stars living their stadium dreams, the festival delivered moments that will echo for years to come. Fans didn’t just watch performances; they became part of them, singing along, lighting up the night, and celebrating their love for the music that brought them together.

This year’s event highlighted the evolving face of country. It embraced new sounds from genre-blending acts like Shaboozey and Bailey Zimmerman, honored veterans like Travis Tritt, Rascal Flatts and Rodney Atkins, and championed artists shaping the next generation –  from Kelsea Ballerini and Jelly Roll to powerful debuts by artists like Avery Anna and Kashus Culpepper.

Despite rain delays and packed schedules, the spirit of resilience, community and celebration never wavered. Fans filled the streets of Nashville not just to see stars, but to feel a connection to something bigger — the shared experience of country music at its best.

What’s Next for Country Music After CMA Fest 2025?

As artists head back on the road and fans return home with boots dusty and voices hoarse, one thing is clear – CMA Fest 2025 has set the bar higher than ever. With new music already teasing future chart-toppers and collaborations hinting at the genre’s limitless potential, the countdown to CMA Fest 2026 has already begun…

In a world that’s constantly changing, CMA Fest remains a living, breathing tribute to the power of storytelling, roots and rhythm. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a first-time attendee, this year’s festival offered something unforgettable – not just a concert, but a community, a tradition, and a home.