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Country Stars Light Up Nashville at CMA Fest
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The 52nd CMA Fest concluded Sunday night,showcasing both established and rising country music artists. From heart-on-sleeve passion to stellar musicianship, the festival delivered memorable moments for fans in Music City.
Honky-Tonk Hero: Zach Top
With co-signs from country legends like Alan Jackson and Dierks Bentley, Zach Top brought classic honky-tonk vibes to Nissan Stadium. His performance of “Sounds Like The Radio” had the crowd two-stepping in no time.
Top’s set highlighted his ability to blend top-tier musicianship with deceptively simple songwriting. Songs like “Bad Luck,” “I never Lie,” and “Use Me” showcased the emotional range of his work, appealing to a wide range of country music fans.
He also debuted a new song, “Good Times & Tan Lines,” which was well-received by the audience. The crowd’s approval of its honky-tonk twang suggests it could be the next great summer country anthem.
Did you know? Honky-tonk music originated in the early 20th century in the Southern United States,characterized by its lively rhythms and themes of working-class life.
Ashley McBryde: Southern Rock Swagger
Ashley McBryde, known for co-hosting CMA Fest, brought her signature swagger to the stage. Dressed in leather pants, she delivered a blend of rootsy and heartfelt sounds, captivating the audience with her energy.
Her set included “Rattlesnake Preacher,” “Made For This,” and “Devil I Know.” A surprise cover of Don Henley’s “Boys of Summer” became a sing-along moment, showcasing her ability to defy genre expectations and excite the crowd.
Before playing “Tired Of Being Happy,” McBryde shared her love for country music, “The thing I love about country music is that sad songs keep us happy and cheating songs keep us faithful.”
McBryde closed her set by welcoming the New Orleans roots of Music band to the stage, promoting the city’s musical heritage through education and mentorship.
Rising Stars: Avery Anna and Kashus Culpepper
avery Anna, a 21-year-old rising star, achieved her dreams by performing on CMA Fest’s platform stage. Overwhelmed with emotion, she delivered a vulnerable rendition of “Indigo,” her duet with Sam Barber.
kashus Culpepper, another success story, performed “After Me?” and “Pour Me Out,” impressing the crowd with his soulful delivery. “Blows my mind,”
the rising star said, expressing his gratitude.
Dierks Bentley: ‘Greatest Weekend of Our Lives’
Dierks Bentley ignited the stage with his energy, declaring, “This is the greatest weekend of our lives, we call it the ‘Country Music singers’ Thanksgiving.'”
He performed hits like “Burning Man,” “Gone,” and “Free and Easy (Down the Road I Go),” engaging the audience with his gravel-edged voice.Bentley also offered a taste of his upcoming album,”Broken Branches,” with the song “She Hates Me.”
Bentley brought Zach top back to the stage for a performance of Alabama’s “Mountain Music,” praising him as “the future of country music.”
He closed his set with “Drunk on a Plane,” leaving the crowd energized.
Pro Tip: Check out local Nashville venues like The Bluebird Cafe or The Station Inn to discover emerging country artists and experience the heart of Nashville’s music scene.
Luke Bryan Shakes It Up
Luke Bryan, with 30 No. 1 hits, closed CMA Fest with a set of recognizable anthems, including “Love You, Miss You, Mean It.” He opened with “I Don’t Want This Night to End” and “Kick the Dust Up.”
According to statista, country music is one of the most popular genres in the United States, with over 88 million listeners in 2024 (Statista).
Bryan played an electric guitar and performed “What Makes You Country,” showcasing his vocal and instrumental abilities.He also played the piano for “Strip It Down.”
His hip-shimmying cheekiness during “Knockin’ Boots” and “That’s My Kind of Night” resonated with the crowd. He ended the night with “Country Girl Shake It For Me,” inviting a security guard and a fan onstage to dance.
Bryan concluded the festival,
