Just when the crowd thought the night was winding down, Blake Shelton did what only Blake Shelton can do—he lit the place up, country style. Without warning, he brought out longtime friend and collaborator Trace Adkins, and the stadium erupted. What followed was more than a performance. It was a party, a memory, and a masterclass in why country music still reigns supreme on a live stage.
A Night to Remember at Nashville’s Nissan Stadium
Last weekend, at Nashville’s iconic Nissan Stadium, fans were treated to a surprise they won’t soon forget. As part of the CMA Fest broadcast on ABC and Hulu, Shelton stunned the audience by bringing out Adkins for a high-voltage rendition of their 2009 smash hit “Hillbilly Bone.”
The Performance
The second the opening chords rang out, the energy shifted. The crowd transformed from loud to deafening. Shoulder to shoulder, fans shouted every word as Shelton and Adkins traded verses, their grins as big as the moment itself.
“We all got a hillbilly bone down deep inside…” echoed across the stadium as the crowd roared back in perfect unison.
Earlier that night, Adkins had already set the tone with his crowd-pleaser “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk,” celebrating its 20th anniversary. But nothing prepared the audience for what came next. When the duo launched into “Hillbilly Bone,” it was pure electricity—rowdy, heartfelt, and absolutely unforgettable.
Friends First, Stars Second
Introducing Adkins, Shelton told the crowd, “This guy is my secret weapon and one of my best friends in the world.” Their banter was as much a part of the show as the music, with Blake adding, “He’s literally like a brother—and I’m not sending him home any time soon.”
The Song That Started It All
Released in 2009, “Hillbilly Bone” became an instant country anthem. Written by Luke Laird and Craig Wiseman, the song shot to the top of the country charts and won the ACM Vocal Event of the Year in 2010. Its message—celebrating simple, small-town pride—still resonates deeply with country fans everywhere.
Performance Highlights
Duet Energy: Shelton and Adkins delivered the same playful, infectious chemistry that made the song a hit 15 years ago. Fan Connection: Every chorus became a singalong. The stadium felt less like a crowd and more like one giant front porch. CMA Fest Showcase: Their surprise performance was one of the standout moments in a lineup filled with heavy hitters, including Brooks & Dunn with Lainey Wilson and Brandon Lake with Jelly Roll.
Where to Watch
The performance aired June 26 on ABC as part of CMA Fest Presented by SoFi, and is now streaming on Hulu. Fans can catch not only this fiery duet but also Adkins’ solo throwback and Shelton’s newest single, “Stay Country or Die Tryin’.”
Final Take
Blake Shelton and Trace Adkins proved once again that the magic of country music isn’t just in the songs—it’s in the camaraderie, the storytelling, and the energy of a crowd that knows every word. Their revival of “Hillbilly Bone” wasn’t just nostalgia. It was a reminder that when country’s finest step onstage together, they don’t just perform. They throw a party—and everyone’s invited
