NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Fans from all around the world braved rain delays, enjoyed performances from some of the biggest names in country music and experienced surprise moments from more than 50 brand partners during CMA Fest 2025.

According to the Country Music Association, the four-day music festival — which was presented by SoFi — welcomed an estimated 95,000 fans from all 50 states and 33 countries.

More than 100 artists reportedly made their CMA Fest debuts over the weekend and over 300 performances took place at stages across downtown Nashville.

“What an incredible four days and nights. Even with a few weather interruptions, the energy and spirit of our fans never faded,” said Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “From legendary acts to artists playing CMA Fest for the very first time, this year was a celebration of discovery, connection and community. And the fact that it all helps fund the CMA Foundation’s work in music education makes it even more impactful.” 

Here are some highlights from the four-day festival's 52nd year in Music City.

Thursday, June 5

K. Michelle kicked things off at Nissan Stadium after giving a powerful performance of the national anthem. Ella Langley and Riley Green then graced the stage, performing their hit "you look like you love me."

Darius Rucker performed his signature hits, followed by Scotty McCreery who "connected with fans from center stage." According to CMA, Brooks & Dunn kept the momentum high Thursday night with a set that featured two surprise guests: Lainey Wilson and Marcus King.

Meanwhile, two emerging acts on the rise —Tigirlily Gold and Max McNown—bought energy to the Platform Stage.

Finally, Jason Aldean closed the night with a surprise duet with Travis Tritt on "It's a Great Day to be Alive."

Friday, June 6

CMA officials described Friday's performances at Nissan Stadium as a "genre-blending celebration packed with surprise collaborations and emotional highs."

After Rita Wilson opened the show, Shaboozey brought the crowd to its feet with his smash hit "A Bar Song (Tipsy)" and a surprise duet with Jelly Roll for their viral song "Amen."

Parker McCollum then hit the stage, followed Cody Johnson, who teamed up with Carín León to deliver a standout performance of "She Hurts Like Tequila."

Organizers said the most powerful moment of the night came when Jelly Roll returned to the stage alongside Brandon Lake for a "moving rendition" of "Hard Fought Hallelujah." The performance was also accompanied by a drone display above the stadium.

Kelsea Ballerini surprised fans with duets with Noah Kahan, performing "Cowboys Cry Too" and "Stick Season."

Meanwhile, Kameron Marlowe and Sam Barber gave great performances on the Platform Stage.

Back at Nissan Stadium, Keith Urban closed the night with a set that reportedly kept the crowd on its feet.

Saturday, June 7

Performances brought a mix of nostalgia and new school Saturday night at Nissan Stadium, according to CMA.

Deana Carter set the stage for breakout band The Red Clay Strays and Blake Shelton, who then welcomed Trace Adkins to the stage to perform a solo of "Honky Tonk Badonkadonk," before returning to sing "Hell Right" and "Hillbilly Bone."

Megan Moroney and Jordan Davis both earned cheers from throughout the stadium during their separate performances. The Platform Stage saw fresh energy from Tiera Kennedy and Carter Faith.

To end the night, Rascal Flatts performed their chart-topping favorites, along with a surprise appearance from Carly Pearce to perform "My Wish."

Sunday, June 8

To bring the festival to a close, event organizers said Sunday's lineup blended "rising talent, standout collaborations and fan-favorite headliners."

Country star Rodney Atkins kicked things off with a performance featuring his son, followed by a breakout performance from Zach Top.

Several emerging artists — including Avery Anna, Kashus Culpepper, and Tucker Wetmore — each took turns on the Platform Stage. Meanwhile, Ashley McBryde delivered a powerful set featuring a collaboration with The Roots of Music's Marching Crusaders for "Boogie Wonderland."

Rapper BigXthaPlug surprised fans by joining Bailey Zimmerman on stage for a hard-hitting version of "All the Way." Dylan Scott took center stage, followed by Dierks Bentley, who was joined by Zach Top for a medley of "Free and Easy (Down the Road I go)" and "Mountain Music."

Finally, Luke Bryan brought the weekend to a close with a show-stopping finale.

In addition to the performances, fans also experienced one-on-one moments with both emerging and established artists. Walker Hayes reportedly connected with more than 300 fans at his "Duck Buck" experience.

Local schools were also spotlighted during this year's CMA Fest. Ravenwood High School kicked things off on Thursday with a marching performance; on Friday, Nashville School of Arts student-songwriter Kingston Kharif joined Jordan Dozzi, Mae Estes, RaeLynn, and Emmet Stevens Jr. for a special writers round on the CMA Close Up Stage; on Saturday, the Percy Priest Elementary School House Band helped open Wynonna Judd’s Girls Night Out at Ascend Amphitheater.

In addition, Hillsboro High School's Golden Cadence ensemble took the Chevy Vibes Stage for a performance with MacKenzie Carpenter. Meanwhile, marching bands from Riverdale High School and Stratford STEM Magnet High School also brought excitement to the festival with performances in downtown Nashville,

Organizers announced that the 53rd CMA Fest presented by SoFi will be held in Nashville from Thursday, June 4 to Sunday, June 7, 2026.

Tickets for CMA Fest 2026 will be available for purchase on Thursday, June 26. For presale information and updates, click here.

News Source : https://www.wkrn.com/news/local-news/nashville/cma-fest/cma-fest-2025-highlights/