Introduction
Brooks & Dunn ignited the first night of CMA Fest 2025 with an electrifying performance at Nashville’s Nissan Stadium. Launching into their set, the legendary duo surprised fans by inviting Lainey Wilson onstage for a spirited take on their classic hit, “Play Something Country.”
Wilson’s unannounced appearance sent the crowd into a frenzy—she wasn’t listed on the official lineup, making her cameo all the more thrilling. The starlet, who originally lent her voice to the song on Brooks & Dunn’s Reboot II collaboration album, shared a fresh, country-rock twist that perfectly honored the duo’s signature sound.
Moments before taking the stage, Lainey Wilson described CMA Fest as “one of the happiest times of the year.” Reflecting on sharing the spotlight with country icons, she admitted, “It’s incredible to feel like they’re wrapping their arm around you. I’m nervous, but I know it’s going to be amazing.”
Joining Brooks & Dunn later in the evening was guitar virtuoso Marcus King, who added his soulful flair to “Rock My World (Little Country Girl).” King, whose version of the track also appears on Reboot II, called the opportunity “a real big thrill” and confessed that he was “floored” when invited to perform alongside the country legends.
King went on to share how the collaboration came to be: “My good friend, producer Robert Deaton, invited me to join Reboot II, and I got to cut a rock-infused rendition of ‘Rock My World.’ Playing it live at CMA Fest for all these amazing fans—it doesn’t get better than that.”
2025 CMA Fest Highlights
Branded as “The Music Event of Summer,” CMA Fest Presented by SoFi delivered over 30 standout performances from today’s hottest country acts, including Kelsea Ballerini, Dierks Bentley, Luke Bryan, Cody Johnson, Riley Green, Jason Aldean, Trace Adkins, Jordan Davis, Ella Langley, Megan Moroney, Parker McCollum, Ashley McBryde, Rascal Flatts, The Red Clay Strays, Dylan Scott, Zach Top, Keith Urban, and many more.
The three-hour broadcast also featured unforgettable duet moments: Dierks Bentley teamed up with Zach Top on “Free and Easy (Down the Road I Go)” and a spirited “Mountain Music” medley; Cody Johnson joined Carín León for “She Hurts Like Tequila”; Brandon Lake and Jelly Roll delivered anthemic power on “Hard Fought Hallelujah”; Jason Aldean partnered with Travis Tritt for “It’s a Great Day to Be Alive”; Blake Shelton and Trace Adkins reunited on “Hillbilly Bone”; and Bailey Zimmerman and BigXthaPlug debuted their new duet, “All The Way.”
CMA Fest was filmed live at Nissan Stadium during Music City’s four-day celebration of country music, which ran from Thursday, June 5 through Sunday, June 8, 2025. This broadcast marked the 22nd consecutive year that CMA has produced a prime-time summer concert special—an enduring testament to the event’s legacy. Produced by the Country Music Association and executive produced and written by Robert Deaton, with direction by Alan Carter, the 2025 edition once again brought the spirit of Nashville to audiences nationwide.