CMA Fest 2025 Kicks Off With Star-Studded Surprises At Nissan Stadium
The 52nd annual CMA Music Festival is officially underway in Nashville, Tennessee, drawing an estimated 90,000 daily fans from around the world. With more than 300 artists performing on stages across Music City from June 5–8, this four-day country music celebration is already delivering unforgettable moments.
Brooks & Dunn Headline With High-Energy Set
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On opening night, the legendary duo Brooks & Dunn lit up Nissan Stadium with a powerhouse performance. Ronnie Dunn (72) and Kix Brooks (70), still going strong after more than 30 years together, thrilled fans with their iconic hits—and one incredible surprise.
As fans sang along to “Red Dirt Road” and “Boot Scootin’ Boogie,” the energy reached its peak when Lainey Wilson—the reigning CMA Entertainer of the Year—stepped on stage unannounced.
Lainey Wilson Joins Brooks & Dunn For “Play Something Country”
The crowd erupted as Lainey joined the duo for a surprise rendition of “Play Something Country.” Though Wilson wasn’t listed on the official CMA Fest lineup, her appearance was part of a secret plan tied to her recent collaboration with Brooks & Dunn on Reboot II, a reimagined album of the duo’s biggest hits.
Originally released in June 2005, Play Something Country became Brooks & Dunn’s 20th and final No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. Wilson’s gritty, powerhouse vocals gave the classic hit a fresh twist, earning cheers and a standing ovation from the massive audience.
CMA Fest Delivers Unforgettable Collaborations
Lainey Wilson’s cameo wasn’t the only surprise of the night. Jason Aldean brought out Travis Tritt for a fiery duet, and other stars teased unexpected guests to come throughout the weekend.
As CMA Fest 2025 continues, fans can expect more once-in-a-lifetime moments—especially as Music City’s biggest party keeps getting bigger.
