The 52nd Annual CMA Music Festival is officially underway in Nashville, Tennessee, and it’s already living up to the hype. With over 90,000 fans packing Music City each day from June 5–8, this four-day celebration of country music is bringing heat, heart, and history.
Brooks & Dunn Bring the Fire to Opening Night
Country legends Brooks & Dunn electrified Nissan Stadium on opening night with a high-energy set that had the crowd two-stepping from the first note. At 72 and 70, Ronnie Dunn and Kix Brooks are showing no signs of slowing down. The duo powered through their classics like “Red Dirt Road” and “Boot Scootin’ Boogie,” reminding fans why they’re icons.
But the night had one more surprise in store.
Lainey Wilson Stuns With Surprise Duet
In one of the most talked-about moments so far, Lainey Wilson—reigning CMA Entertainer of the Year—unexpectedly stepped on stage during “Play Something Country.” The crowd erupted.
Wilson, known for her gritty vocals and unshakable stage presence, brought fresh fire to the 2005 chart-topper. Her appearance wasn’t listed on the official CMA Fest lineup, but fans quickly learned it was no accident. The surprise duet ties into her recent collaboration with Brooks & Dunn on Reboot II, a new album reimagining the duo’s biggest hits.
Their chemistry on stage? Instant. The reaction? A stadium-sized standing ovation.
CMA Fest Keeps the Surprises Coming
And that was just the beginning. Jason Aldean shocked fans with a Travis Tritt cameo, and rumors are already swirling about more surprise guests throughout the weekend.
From legends to rising stars, CMA Fest 2025 is proving that Nashville still knows how to throw a party—and this one’s just getting started.
