CMA Fest just wrapped up its festivities in Nashville after an exciting weekend of Country music. This long-running and largest Country Music Festival began on Thursday, June 6th and lasted until Sunday, June 9th, leading the way into CMA Fest’s next 50 years.
The festival consists of seven daytime stages and three nighttime stages where over 300 performers put on a show for fans who travel from all across the country and the world to see their favorite artists perform. This year featured a much more inclusive and diverse line-up, including men and women from all walks of life and backgrounds and in all stages of their careers.
Host duo Jelly Roll and Ashley McBryde brought the crowd together to celebrate community and music at the Nissan Stadium. From surprise performances to meet and greets, CMA Fest 2024 had tons of sensational moments. It would take us all day to tell you about everything we experienced, so here are some of our favorite moments:
Dolly Parton Kick-Off
Dolly Parton started the festival off right on the CMA Close Up stage at Music City Center. She announced a new hotel she will be opening in Nashville called The Songteller. That wasn’t the only surprise she had in store. Dolly is also working on a new album, created her own wine brand, has a new Broadway musical about her life, and her own documentary.
Dolly also had an exhibit called The Dolly All Access pop-up experience at Fan Fair X. Guests could walk through a merchandise store, view some of Dolly’s clothes and memorabilia, and catch a cooking demonstration by her sister, Rachel George Parton. Fans lined up in the early hours of the morning on Thursday to make sure they got a spot to see Dolly.
Post Malone And Blake Shelton Surprise Fans
After Thomas Rhett performed on Thursday night at Nissan Stadium, Post Malone came out for a surprise appearance where he brought out Blake Shelton to sing their new song “Pour Me A Drink.” They played the center satellite stage in the middle of the stadium surrounded by fans. Both of the music stars jammed out on their acoustic guitars and even shared a hug onstage.
If the performance wasn’t exciting enough, Post Malone also announced that he will be releasing his own Country music album, something he has been wanting to do since he started his career.
Celebrating 20 Years Of “Redneck Woman” With Gretchen Wilson
During her headlining set, Ashley McBryde brought out Gretchen Wilson to celebrate the anniversary of “Redneck Woman,” on Thursday night. The pair took turns singing the verses with each other as the crowd sang along. The song has become known as Wilson’s signature song and her highest-charting single, winning her a handful of awards and chart placements since its release in 2004. Gretchen also played the hit during her own full set at Nissan Stadium on Friday night.
Killin’ Time With Clint Black And Jon Pardi
On Friday, Clint Black made a special CMA comeback appearance with Jon Pardi performing his popular 1989 song “Killin’ Time.” The crowd erupted into song with Pardi and Black, making everyone forget that the song came out over three decades ago. Pardi also performed his own set, singing hits including “Dirt on My Boots,” “Head Over Boots” and “Heartache on the Dance Floor.”
Lainey Wilson Headlines The Main Stage
Lainey Wilson and Friends rocked the Nissan Stadium on Saturday night. Jelly Roll headlined the night but Lainey did a full set and also did guest spots with Terri Clark for a rendition of the 90’s hit “Poor, Poor Pitiful Me,” Keith Urban for their new song “GO HOME W U,” and Jelly Roll for their fan-favorite song “Save Me.”
The CMA and ACM Entertainer of the Year also performed some of her chart-topping tunes and newly released songs “Wildflowers and Wild Horses” as well as “Hang Tight Honey.” The crowd just couldn’t get enough of the country music star.
Jelly Roll’s CMA Fest Main Stage Debut
As the crowd roared for him, host and headliner of CMA Fest day three recalled coming to the Nissan Stadium as a kid with his Dad to see the Titans play and how special that makes him feel now. He also mentioned that when he struggled with addiction as a young teen, he spent time at the Juvenile Detention Center right next to the Stadium, and made the crowd engage in a round of applause for the kids going through difficult times there. He expressed how truly embraced he feels by the Nashville community.
Photo Credit: Amy Harris/The Travel AddictAfter an energetic throwback medley of 90’s hip-hop songs in honor of the music he would hear his brother play as a kid, he rolled into a set of his recent hits. Songs like “Son of a Sinner,” and “Save Me” rang out through the stadium as fans sang along in the crowd. He even brought out his wife Bunnie XO for a kiss at the end of “Wild Ones.” The performance was a great end to night three.
Kelsea Ballerini Rolls Out The Welcome Mat For Nissan Stadium
Kelsea Ballerini took to the stage in a denim inspired look for her main stage set at Nissan Stadium. She played her iconic hits like “Dibs” and also dove deep into her EP “Rolling Up The Welcome Mat” for fans to hear her heartfelt songs about breakup as she enters her new era of love and happiness. With dazzling visuals and seamless transitions, Kelsea’s set was a masterclass in modern country pop, solidifying her status as a festival highlight.
Keith Urban And Jelly Roll Sing A No. 1 Song
In the middle of his headlining set, Jelly Roll brought out “his buddy” Keith Urban to sing “Halfway to Hell.” The song is currently sitting at No. 1 on Country radio. As Urban came onto the stage in his usual t-shirt and jeans, he shared a hug with Jelly Roll and the pair rolled right into the song. Urban jammed out on an electric guitar solo while Jelly Roll hyped him up and fans cheered.
Tucker Wetmore Makes His CMA Fest Debut
Tucker Wetmore performed for a giant crowd for his debut at CMA Fest at the Hard Rock Stage. The crowd that gathered on Lower Broadway started spilling onto other streets as fans rushed up to see him perform. We see big things for him in his future after the strong debut of his first two singles “Wine Into Whiskey” and “Wind Up Missing You.” We know he is headed to a bigger stage in 2025 and even more country music festivals. Don’t sleep on this one. He will be playing the big stages soon.
Megan Moroney On The Riverfront Stage
Megan Moroney stole the show on Sunday playing at the Riverfront Stage on a diamond bedazzled guitar, in silver shorts and a blue shirt that read “I Think I’m Really Happy.” She performed her new song “No Caller ID” to an emotional crowd that knew all the words and the emotions behind them. She then went on to playfully sing one of her songs off her new album, “Man on the Moon” while parading around the stage.
Broadway Gets Tipsy With Shaboozey
Shaboozey had a viral moment performing his song “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” on the Reverb Stage on 5th and Broadway in downtown Nashville. The artist, full of energy danced around the stage and sprayed water onto fans as they all jammed out to his hit song. The song is a creative country-fied version of the 2009 song “Tipsy” by rapper J-Kwon. This song is definitely the song of the summer. Shaboozey also had an emotional moment during his song “Vegas” where he recalled sleeping on floors trying to pursue his dreams.
HARDY Closes Out CMA Fest
Wrapping up CMA Fest was HARDY who performed his newest single “SIX FEET UNDER (Caleigh’s Song)” that he wrote about his wife. The lyrics recount his bus crash in 2023 and not knowing if he would see his wife again after the traumatic event. HARDY also welcomed onto the stage with him special guests Lauren Alaina, Carly Pearce, and finally Big & Rich for the classic song “Save A Horse (Ride A Cowboy).” HARDY brought all the energy to the stadium to close out the 2024 CMA Fest.
If you weren’t lucky enough to experience CMA Fest this year, don’t worry! The Three-Hour Primetime Special of CMA Fest will air on ABC June 25 at 8/7c so you can watch all of the best moments.
Words by Emily Cigan @emily.cigan and Amy Harris @thetraveladdictig