Watch CMA Fest 2025 – The Biggest Performances

A Celebration of Country’s Past, Present, and Future

The 52nd Annual CMA Fest once again transformed Nashville into the heart of the country music world for four exhilarating days, June 5-8, 2025. With more than 90 performances across Riverfront Park, Nissan Stadium, and multiple satellite stages downtown, the event showcased everything that makes country music one of the most dynamic and beloved genres in the world. Rain or shine, tens of thousands of fans gathered to celebrate music, community, and history in the making.

From breakout stars like Megan Moroney and Bailey Zimmerman to legends like Rascal Flatts, Brooks & Dunn, and Keith Urban, this year’s CMA Fest perfectly balanced tradition with evolution. Genre-blending collaborations, surprise guest appearances, family duets, and powerful anthems filled the city with nonstop energy.

Whether it was Jason Aldean and Travis Tritt igniting nostalgia, or Shaboozey and Jelly Roll redefining what country music can sound like, CMA Fest 2025 proved that the genre continues to expand while holding tight to its roots.

Featured image credit to Kayla Schoen

CMA Fest Highlights:

• Luke Bryan closed out the festival with a show-stopping performance full of dance breaks, fan moments, and classics.
• Kelsea Ballerini’s duet with Noah Kahan took over social media.
• Rascal Flatts made their triumphant return, joined by Carly Pearce for “My Wish.”
• Ashley McBryde stunned with emotional storytelling and Southern rock fire.
• Dasha turned Broadway into her stage with a surprise bar-top show.
• Cody Johnson and Carín León fused country and Latin spirit.
• Megan Moroney brought family and vulnerability to her set.

And for the first time, 28 of the most electrifying performances from CMA Fest 2025 are now available to relive and share. Below is a performance-by-performance guide to these must-watch moments.

CMA Fest 2025 Live Performance Spotlights

Cody Johnson – “The Fall”

Cody Johnson delivered one of the most emotionally resonant moments of CMA Fest 2025 with his powerful live performance of “The Fall.” Backed only by gentle instrumentation and a stadium hanging on every word, Johnson transformed this song from his April 2024 single release into a full-blown anthem of resilience and reflection.

Penned by songwriting heavyweights Bobby Pinson, Jeremy Stover, and Ray Fulcher, “The Fall” speaks to the idea that every stumble in life is worth the ride – a cowboy’s philosophy with universal reach. Its chorus builds like a slow climb to redemption: “The ride was worth the fall / The fall was worth the smiles…” Each line, each note, carries the weight of lived experience.

Live at Nissan Stadium, Johnson’s full-throated vocals, raw conviction, and the stripped-back arrangement revealed just how much the song resonates with fans. As soon as he played the opening guitar riff, the sea of lights from phones lit up the crowd – a clear sign this track has struck a deep chord.

Originally recorded at Nashville’s Starstruck Studios with producer Trent Willmon, “The Fall” trades cowboy clichés for poetic grit, avoiding direct rodeo references while still evoking the emotional stakes of a bull ride or a broken heart. At CMA Fest, the song came alive – not just as a single climbing the charts, but as a defining moment in Johnson’s evolving artistry.

Check out our interview with Cody Johnson from the 2025 ACM Awards.

Ella Langley – “weren’t for the wind”

Ella Langley delivered a stunningly vulnerable moment on the CMA Fest 2025 stage with her breakout solo single, “weren’t for the wind.” Performed with haunting clarity and emotional control, the live rendition showcased Langley’s talent not just as a vocalist, but as a storyteller.

Backed by steel guitar and a steady rhythmic pulse, the Alabama native used this mid-tempo ballad to paint the portrait of a restless spirit. Co-written with Johnny Clawson and Joybeth Taylor, the song taps into the emotional tension between settling down and being called elsewhere, a tumbleweed in boots, blowing wherever the wind takes her.

Lines like “Maybe I’d settle down, dig in some roots / Find me a farmhouse, find me you / Maybe I wouldn’t be already gone again / If it weren’t for the wind” hit even harder live, resonating with anyone who’s ever chosen freedom over familiarity.

Langley’s performance at Nissan Stadium offered a glimpse of a rising star who’s not afraid to push back against expectations, crafting songs with the grit of outlaw country and the introspection of modern Americana. Her CMA Fest set proved she’s not just riding the wind, she’s harnessing it.

Check out CountryLine TV’s most recent sit down with Ella.

Find out more about Ella with our Access All Areas Feature.

Jordan Davis – “Bar None”

Jordan Davis delivered one of CMA Fest 2025’s most clever and crowd-pleasing moments with “Bar None,” a sharp, upbeat breakup anthem that uses a sports metaphor to keep score on heartbreak. Performing live at Nissan Stadium, Davis brought warmth and swagger to this mid-tempo toe-tapper, a fan-favorite from his upcoming album Learn the Hard Way.

Written by Lydia Vaughan, Hunter Phelps, and Ben Johnson, “Bar None” blends playful wordplay (“You and your memory, one / Me and this bar, none”) with a driving stomp-clap rhythm and layered acoustic instrumentation. Davis’ performance emphasized the emotional irony beneath the upbeat sound, a man down bad, but still smiling through it. His vocals landed with punch, especially during the chorus’s rising lift: a nod to how heartbreak can hit hardest when you’re trying to have a good time.

Live, the song’s carefully constructed production took on new life. The cascading intro riff, originally crafted to sound like a sped-up mandolin or banjo, rippled through the stadium, and Davis’ natural connection with the crowd turned the clever lines into full-blown singalongs.

At CMA Fest 2025, “Bar None” proved itself as more than just a radio single, it was a highlight performance that showcased Jordan Davis’ storytelling charm and feel-good resilience.

Ashley McBryde – “Rattlesnake Preacher”

Ashley McBryde kicked off her CMA Fest 2025 set like a thunderstorm rolling through the South, fierce, unrelenting, and unforgettable. “Rattlesnake Preacher,” her blistering opening track, delivered a sermon of fire and fury that set the tone for one of the weekend’s most electrifying performances.

With gritty guitar riffs, pounding percussion, and McBryde’s signature Southern-rock snarl, the song walks the line between pulpit and outlaw saloon. Channeling the spirit of a backwoods prophet warning sinners with venom and gospel, McBryde held the Nissan Stadium crowd in the palm of her hand from the first note.

Lyrically sharp and sonically unrepentant, “Rattlesnake Preacher” sounds like it was written for the stage, and McBryde’s live delivery only amplified its raw edge. Her vocals tore through the night air with conviction, turning metaphor into spectacle. The band’s swampy, blues-infused backing added another layer of drama, while the lyrics challenged hypocrisy with lines that could’ve been shouted from a revival tent or a rebel stage.

At CMA Fest 2025, McBryde didn’t just perform “Rattlesnake Preacher,” she embodied it. It was a bold declaration of artistic fearlessness and Southern grit, and a reminder that when McBryde steps onstage, she’s not just singing songs, she’s testifying.

Megan Moroney – “Am I Okay?”

Megan Moroney brought vulnerability and unexpected joy to Nissan Stadium with her performance of “Am I Okay?,” a tender, introspective standout from her latest album. Known for her “emo cowgirl” aesthetic and breakup anthems, Moroney flipped the script live at CMA Fest 2025 with a track that explores the dizzying high of falling for the right person.

Co-written with Jessie Jo Dillon and Luke Laird, “Am I Okay?” captures the confusing bliss of realizing love doesn’t have to hurt. Delivered with her signature rasp and emotional nuance, Moroney glided through the verses like a diary entry read out loud, recounting all the “weird” little things that have her questioning if this happiness is too good to be true.

Her live vocals, both fragile and resolute, breathed new life into the already poignant lyrics:
“I think I’m really happy, I think I want to stay / Oh my God, am I okay?”

Fans lit up the stadium with phones swaying and voices echoing as Moroney leaned into the song’s blend of self-doubt and giddy realization. CMA Fest 2025 gave this track a bigger stage, and Moroney proved she’s more than the heartbreak girl. She’s the voice of a generation learning to trust love again.

Zach Top – “I Never Lie”

Zach Top brought humor, heartbreak, and honky-tonk swagger to CMA Fest 2025 with his standout performance of “I Never Lie.” One of the most buzzed-about tracks from his debut album Cold Beer & Country Music, the song is a tongue-in-cheek masterclass in neo-traditional country, and live in Nissan Stadium, it hit like a modern classic.

Drenched in ‘90s twang and dripping with irony, Top’s delivery was as charismatic as it was clever. With every line, “I sleep like a baby / I never show up late for work…”, the crowd leaned in, fully aware that the singer’s bravado was a thin veil for heartbreak. His nasal tone, classic country phrasing, and sly grin elevated the sarcasm, transforming the verses into a charming act of self-deception.

Live, the band added texture to the melancholy humor, with pedal steel, acoustic strums, and crisp percussion that gave the song its timeless feel. Top’s storytelling felt both familiar and fresh, pulling influence from greats like Tracy Lawrence while carving out a lane of his own.

By the time he hit the final line, “Wish I could say I miss you, oh, but you know I never lie” it was clear that Zach Top wasn’t just paying tribute to classic country. He’s redefining it for a new generation, and judging by the reaction at CMA Fest, fans are all in.

Riley Green – “Worst Way”

Riley Green’s CMA Fest 2025 performance of “Worst Way” highlights a bold new direction for the Alabama native. Pulled from his Way Out Here EP (released April 2024), the Platinum-certified single ditches tailgates for tension and intimacy. Drawing inspiration from early-2000s slow jams like Billy Currington’s “Must Be Doin’ Something Right,” “Worst Way” leans into romantic desire with lyrics that simmer: “I want you in the worst way / My hands are needin’ your hips…”

The track’s sultry tone, co-written by Green, pairs perfectly with his Southern drawl and a slow, pulsing beat, and the live CMA Fest setting only intensified its emotional impact. Fans at Nissan Stadium were treated to a performance full of smoky charm and palpable chemistry, a standout moment that showed Green’s ability to pivot while staying true to his roots.

“Worst Way” also gained attention for its steamy official video featuring model Stephanie Ludwig, a familiar face from Green’s “In Love by Now.” Their on-screen chemistry, matched with the song’s late-night feel, helped fuel fan buzz and elevated the track into one of his most talked-about releases to date.

Check out our in-depth article on Riley Green’s The Worst Way.

We also interviewed Riley at the ACMs this year, and you can check that out right here.

Dierks Bentley – “She Hates Me”

Dierks Bentley turned heartbreak into hilarity with his riotous CMA Fest 2025 performance of “She Hates Me,” delivering a breakup song that was as sarcastic as it was sharp. With his signature mix of mischief and charm, Bentley had the Nissan Stadium crowd laughing, singing, and shouting along to every biting line of this rock-leaning country anthem.

Co-written with hitmakers Ashley Gorley, Ross Copperman, and Chase McGill, “She Hates Me” leans into the absurd extremes of post-breakup bitterness. Live, Bentley pushed the comedic edge even further, grinning through lines like “She hates my hair, my truck, my dog, my music makes her crazy” as the audience roared in recognition.

The performance was driven by chunky guitars, stomping percussion, and Bentley’s animated stage presence. Equal parts arena rock and classic country storytelling, “She Hates Me” exploded with energy as Bentley prowled the stage, playing up the character of a man who’s lost it all, and maybe deserves it.

Even with its tongue-in-cheek tone, the song landed with emotional resonance, poking fun at love gone wrong while nodding to Bentley’s knack for honest songwriting. The crowd ate it up, singing the chorus like a punchline they’d been waiting to deliver.

“She Hates Me” may have started as a joke in a writing camp, but at CMA Fest 2025, it became a standout moment, proof that after two decades in country music, Dierks Bentley can still surprise, entertain, and connect… bar none.

Blake Shelton – “Stay Country or Die Tryin’”

Blake Shelton reminded fans why he’s still a pillar of modern country with a powerhouse performance of “Stay Country or Die Tryin’” at CMA Fest 2025. Gritty, playful, and packed with Southern swagger, the live version of his latest single roared through Nissan Stadium like a bonafide country anthem.

Drenched in down-home pride, Shelton delivered the song with a wink and a stomp, letting the crowd in on every backwoods reference and tongue-in-cheek turn of phrase. With lines like “From the red, white and blue flyin’ high at the farm / To the Boone and Crockett stud on the wall in the barn,” he doubled down on what fans love most about him: his unapologetic roots and sense of humor.

Backed by thick guitars and swampy rhythms, Shelton’s performance was equal parts declaration and celebration, a rallying cry for the faithful. As he paced the stage, grinning and raising a red Solo cup, it was clear: this wasn’t just a song, it was a lifestyle. “Stay Country or Die Tryin’” landed as both a personal credo and a crowd-unifying moment, complete with fans shouting back every word.

With this rowdy performance, Shelton proved he’s not just staying country, he’s making sure the genre stays fun, loud, and proudly rebellious.

Trace Adkins – “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk”

Leave it to Trace Adkins to bring the party to Nissan Stadium with one of country music’s most iconic (and cheekiest) tracks. When the thumping bass line of “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk” dropped, the energy shifted instantly, part nostalgia, part dance break, all fun.

Nearly two decades after it first stormed the charts, Adkins’ 2005 hit proved it’s still a crowd-mover. His booming baritone, equal parts menace and mischief, turned the CMA Fest stage into a late-night honky-tonk, with the crowd clapping, shouting, and yes, shaking what their mamas gave them. Adkins leaned into the humor with a knowing grin, punctuating every over-the-top lyric with the timing of a seasoned showman.

Backed by a tight band that gave the Seinfeld-style bass riff a new jolt of life, the live arrangement doubled down on the funk and swagger that made the original a crossover smash. The crowd sang every word of the infamous chorus, “Got it goin’ on like Donkey Kong / And oo-wee, shut my mouth, slap your grandma…” proving that campy, clever country still has its place in the spotlight.

As lights flashed and dancers twirled across the stage, “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk” became more than just a novelty moment, it was a celebration of country music’s ability to have a little fun with itself. In a weekend packed with emotional ballads and serious statements, Trace Adkins brought comic relief and infectious charisma. And judging by the roar of the crowd, the badonkadonk is still alive and well.

Rascal Flatts – “Life Is A Highway”

This stadium-wide singalong was a standout, combining classic Rascal Flatts energy with a crowd that knew every word.

Rascal Flatts and Carly Pearce – “My Wish”

One of the most emotionally powerful moments of CMA Fest 2025 came when Rascal Flatts reunited on the Nissan Stadium stage to perform their timeless hit “My Wish” joined by special guest Carly Pearce. A ballad that has transcended country music to become a universal anthem for graduations, weddings, and milestone moments, “My Wish” took on fresh life in this moving duet.

Gary LeVox’s unmistakable vocals carried the heart of the song with warmth and soul, while Carly Pearce brought tender sincerity to her verses, adding a new emotional dimension to the performance. Their harmonies soared with genuine affection, bridging generations of country music and reminding the audience why this song continues to resonate so deeply nearly two decades after its release.

The stadium lights dimmed to a sea of phone flashlights as the pair sang lyrics like “My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to,” turning the massive venue into an intimate moment of connection. With Pearce’s graceful presence and LeVox’s heartfelt delivery, the performance felt like a blessing shared directly with the audience.

As a celebration of legacy, growth, and the bonds between artists and fans, “My Wish” stood out as one of CMA Fest’s most heartfelt highlights, a generational handoff wrapped in gratitude and grace.

The Red Clay Strays – “No One Else Like Me”

The Red Clay Strays lit up CMA Fest 2025 with a soulful, stirring performance of “No One Else Like Me,” a track that’s quickly become a fan-favorite from their Made By These Moments album. Taking the stage with a slow-burning intensity, frontman Brandon Coleman eased into the opening lines with a voice full of ache and defiance, drawing the Nissan Stadium crowd into the emotional undercurrent of the song.

A masterclass in Southern rock storytelling, the live rendition amplified the song’s anthemic message of individuality and self-worth. Coleman’s vocals, gritty, wounded, and resolute, served as a rallying cry for anyone who’s ever felt boxed in by comparison. The lyrics poured out like confessionals: “I’m a broken rider, I’m a restless fighter / And I’m looking for a little hope,” resonating with both raw vulnerability and unshakable pride.

As the band locked into the track’s rolling groove, dual guitars soared and spiraled into an extended jam, turning Nissan Stadium into a Southern gospel revival laced with rock-and-roll edge. The crowd, clearly moved by the fusion of personal lyricism and explosive instrumentation, responded with one of the night’s loudest ovations.

The Red Clay Strays didn’t just perform “No One Else Like Me” they embodied it. In a festival packed with hits and stars, this moment stood apart as a declaration of identity, artistry, and soul-deep conviction.

Shaboozey and Jelly Roll – “Amen”

At CMA Fest 2025, Shaboozey and Jelly Roll brought raw vulnerability and grit to the Nissan Stadium stage with their first-ever live performance of “Amen.” The duet, featured on the deluxe edition of Shaboozey’s Where I’ve Been Isn’t Where I’m Going, marked a powerful meeting point for two of country music’s most emotionally open voices.

Rooted in desperation and redemption, “Amen” finds both artists searching for mercy in a world where old vices no longer numb the pain. “Somebody say a prayer for me / ‘Cause the pills ran out and I still can’t sleep…” they sang in unison, their voices wrapped around the song’s plea for grace.

Though both artists are known for walking the line between country, hip-hop, and gospel, it’s their shared sense of struggle that gives “Amen” its impact. At CMA Fest, their combined delivery offered a moving high point in a weekend full of celebration, a moment of catharsis, honesty, and connection through music.

Dierks Bentley and Zach Top – Medley

This surprise medley included classic hits and a cover of Alabama’s “Mountain Music,” blending generations and showcasing true chemistry.

Kelsea Ballerini – “Baggage”

At CMA Fest 2025, Kelsea Ballerini brought vulnerability, wit, and self-awareness to the Nissan Stadium stage with her performance of “Baggage.” A standout track that reflects on the emotional weight we carry from past relationships, “Baggage” uses clever metaphors and vivid imagery to transform personal history into a universal message of resilience and romantic hope.

Singing lines like “I got some bones of old skeletons / From the old house at the dead end / I got baggage, but I’m movin’ in,” Ballerini addressed her past head-on, including a high-profile first marriage, while affirming her readiness to move forward. Framed as a conversation with a new love interest, the song calls for acceptance and shared space, both literally and emotionally.

With its infectious chorus and metaphor-rich lyrics, “Everything that’s heavy, I check it at the door / Kind of feel like I don’t need it anymore” – “Baggage” resonated with fans looking for honesty wrapped in melody. Ballerini’s performance turned personal history into empowerment, delivering one of the weekend’s most emotionally relatable and musically compelling moments.

Luke Bryan – “Country Song Came On”

Luke Bryan delivered a laid-back yet resonant moment at CMA Fest 2025 with his performance of “Country Song Came On,” a reflective track from his upcoming album Mind Of A Country Boy. The song, penned by Ryan Beaver, Dan Alley, and Neil Medley, follows a familiar scene, a man intending to head home after work but getting pulled into a night at the bar by the irresistible pull of a well-timed country tune.

With lyrics like “Wasn’t gonna let the bar twist my arm / But I’m helpless in a honky tonk,” Bryan leaned into his trademark charm and relatability, showcasing the song’s conversational storytelling and understated production. A departure from his earlier bro-country hits, this performance showed a more introspective side, one that’s become increasingly central to his evolving sound.

The stripped-down arrangement let the lyrics shine, connecting with fans who’ve found themselves making the same detours, drawn in not by plans, but by a melody. In a weekend filled with big anthems, Bryan’s performance of “Country Song Came On” stood out as a subtle, feel-good moment that celebrated the quiet power of music to shift a mood and change a night.

Jason Aldean – “Whiskey Drink”

Jason Aldean turned Nissan Stadium into a victory lap with his performance of “Whiskey Drink,” fresh off its ascent to No. 1 on country radio, his 30th chart-topping hit. As one of just a handful of artists in country history to reach that milestone, Aldean’s CMA Fest appearance felt like a celebration of two decades of unapologetic grit and genre-defining sound.

Pulled from his album Highway Desperado, the song arrived at a pivotal time, marking Aldean’s place alongside legends like George Strait and Reba McEntire. With his signature swagger and arena-tested command, Aldean powered through the track with confidence and clarity, honoring his roots while eyeing the future.

As he told fans earlier in the week, “I don’t plan on going anywhere anytime soon,” and it showed. The crowd roared with every chorus, underscoring that this wasn’t just another hit, it was a career milestone delivered live in front of thousands, on the same stage where his legacy continues to grow.

Jason Aldean and Travis Tritt – “It’s A Great Day To Be Alive”

CMA Fest 2025 delivered a multigenerational moment of pure joy when Travis Tritt took the stage with Jason Aldean to perform “It’s a Great Day to Be Alive.” Originally released by Tritt in 2000, the feel-good anthem lit up Nissan Stadium with its timeless message of optimism and gratitude.

With Tritt’s bright vocal delivery and playful guitar and violin melodies anchoring the performance, the song reminded fans that even in hard times, there’s always something worth smiling about. Aldean’s presence added a modern edge to the classic, bridging eras with easy camaraderie.

The crowd sang every word, from “I’m feeling pretty good and that’s the truth” to “Why can’t every day be just this good”, turning the set into a collective celebration. Decades after it first hit the charts, this performance proved the song’s enduring power to uplift, unify, and inspire.

Cody Johnson and Carín León – “She Hurts Like Tequila”

One of the most talked-about duets of the weekend, this bilingual ballad fused country with regional Mexican flavor and genuine emotion.

Keith Urban – “Straight Line”

Keith Urban’s return to the CMA Fest main stage came with a burst of energy and introspection as he delivered his latest single “Straight Line,” the first taste of a new chapter in his career. Written by Urban alongside Chase McGill, Jerry Flowers, and Greg Wells, the song leans into his signature blend of country, pop, and rock – and live in Nissan Stadium, that fusion hit full throttle.

Fueled by an up-tempo drive and a restless spirit, Urban channeled the track’s theme of wanting more from life than just going through the motions. Lines like “Why we livin’ every day in circles” and “Startin’ now, takin’ a straight line” landed with clarity, as Urban’s emotive delivery and infectious melody pulled the crowd into the story of two people ready to break free and chase something bigger.

With a nod to the Eagles’ “Hotel California” and a chorus built for stadium singalongs, “Straight Line” struck a chord with fans caught between comfort and change. Though the song lyrically never quite leaves the ground, its performance soared – signaling that Urban’s next chapter is just beginning, and it’s going to be wide open.

Scotty McCreery – “Five More Minutes”

Scotty McCreery turned in one of the most emotional performances of CMA Fest 2025 with “Five More Minutes,” a self-released ballad that once symbolized his fight to stay in the spotlight. With a restrained, reflective arrangement that gradually swells with steel guitar, electric riffs, and live drums, the song found new power on the Nissan Stadium stage.

Though the lyrics lean on familiar country staples – creekside fishing, porch-sitting, high school football, and a final goodbye – McCreery’s delivery gave them fresh weight. His earnest, heartfelt vocals brought a raw sincerity to each verse, proving why he first captivated America as an Idol winner.

McCreery didn’t need flashy production or guest stars. His CMA Fest moment relied entirely on vocal strength and emotional clarity – and he delivered. “Five More Minutes” reminded everyone that, even if the industry once counted him out, Scotty still has the talent and presence to move a crowd and command a main stage.

Darius Rucker – “Wagon Wheel”

A perennial crowd-pleaser, “Wagon Wheel” once again had the CMA Fest audience singing along en masse as Darius Rucker took the stage. Despite earlier critiques of the studio version – including a vocal that some found lacking in grit and a chorus guest spot from Lady Antebellum that leaned more pop than roots – Rucker’s live delivery leaned into the song’s undeniable charm.

Originally stitched together from a Bob Dylan sketch and revitalized by Old Crow Medicine Show, the track has become a modern classic. Rucker’s version may have drawn mixed reviews in its original form, but the timeless quality of the melody and the vivid simplicity of the lyrics shone through in performance.

With a chorus built for stadium-wide harmonies and a melody designed for swaying shoulders and raised beers, “Wagon Wheel” proved once again why it’s become a staple of Rucker’s catalog – and a must-play moment on any festival stage.

Brandon Lake and Jelly Roll – “Hard Fought Hallelujah”

One of the weekend’s most spiritual moments, this performance delivered chills with its gospel influences and heartfelt vocals.

Blake Shelton and Trace Adkins – “Hillbilly Bone”

A rowdy reunion of two country titans, this song turned the stadium into a boot-stomping, fist-pumping party to remember.

Dylan Scott – “Country Till I Die”

With fists in the air and boots stomping, Dylan Scott ignited CMA Fest 2025 with his high-octane anthem “Country Till I Die.” The song – a rowdy, up-tempo tribute to his upbringing and values, proved tailor-made for a festival stage, with its chant-ready chorus and unapologetic attitude electrifying the crowd from the first beat.

Built around a pulsing, genre-blending melody, Scott’s performance brought together modern country swagger and crossover energy. His signature vocal twang grounded the track, while the infectious rhythm had Nissan Stadium bouncing in time. The song’s lyrical hook, “C-O-U-N-T-R-Y, I’ll be country till I die” echoed throughout the venue, rallying fans who knew every word.

Calling it “a fun, up-tempo song that reflects how I grew up and who I am,” Scott emphasized the song’s personal roots and live-show appeal. It’s already become a staple of his setlist, and at CMA Fest, it was clear why. “Country Till I Die” was a moment of pure country pride, delivered with the fiery energy that’s become Scott’s trademark.

Parker McCollum – “What Kinda Man”

Parker McCollum brought a fresh layer of grit and introspection to CMA Fest 2025 with his latest single, “What Kinda Man.” Straddling the line between arena rock swagger and Texas country soul, McCollum’s performance was a standout, a bold venture into new sonic territory that still felt deeply rooted in his signature style.

With a distorted, fading guitar intro and a boot-stomping rhythm pulsing beneath him, McCollum leaned into the mid-tempo track’s rugged sound. The blend of acoustic and electric guitars, underpinned by infectious bass and drums, created a live soundscape that was both fresh and familiar. His lyrics “Forget the man I am, what kinda man do you need?” landed with emotional clarity, revealing a more reflective and vulnerable side of the artist.

McCollum called the song a return to his roots, and it showed. His vocal delivery, raw, confident, and distinctly his, cemented his place as one of the new wave’s most compelling voices. As fans sang along, “What Kinda Man” proved it’s not just a new release – it’s a new staple.

Bailey Zimmerman and BigXthaPlug – “All The Way”

A genre-bending spectacle, this high-energy collaboration fused country-rock with hip-hop flows, capturing the crowd with its infectious chorus and explosive stage presence.