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 5â8, this four-day country music celebration is already delivering unforgettable moments.
Brooks & Dunn Headline With High-Energy Set
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 hitsâand one incredible surprise.
As fans sang along to âRed Dirt Roadâ and âBoot Scootinâ Boogie,â the energy reached its peak when Lainey Wilsonâthe reigning CMA Entertainer of the Yearâstepped on stage unannounced.
Lainey Wilson Joins Brooks & Dunn For âPlay Something Countryâ
The crowd erupted as Lainey joined the duo for a surprise rendition of âPlay Something Country.â Though Wilson wasnât 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 duoâs biggest hits.
Originally released in June 2005, Play Something Country became Brooks & Dunnâs 20th and final No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. Wilsonâs 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 Wilsonâs cameo wasnât 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 momentsâespecially as Music Cityâs biggest party keeps getting bigger.
Watch Lainey Wilsonâs unexpected performance with Brooks & Dunn at CMA Fest right below!
