CMA Fest Night 2: Tanya Tucker, Lainey Wilson, Cody Johnson & More Wow The Crowd

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Elle King and Tanya Tucker perform with Lainey Wilson at Nissan Stadium on Friday, June 9 during CMA Fest 2023 in downtown Nashville.

Country music lovers packed Nissan Stadium once again on Friday evening (June 9) for CMA Fest’s second night lineup.

With the beloved three-day event’s 50th anniversary celebration in full swing, a sparkling Tanya Tucker took the stage. Draped in a metalic ensamble trimmed with snow white fur, she serenaded the stadium with classics including “Delta Dawn,” pausing to let the audience take the mic. Appreciative tears welled in her eyes and she dabbed them away with a glittery handkercheif as she finished her set.

Reba performs with Cody Johnson at Nissan Stadium on Friday, June 9 during CMA Fest 2023 in downtown Nashville.

The Tennessee Titans’ newly drafted rookies were on deck to toss some footballs to fans in between acts.

Lainey Wilson then emerged in dark-colored hat and yellow top paired with a rose-toned sequin pair of her signature bell bottoms, singing “Hold My Halo.” Lights of the same lemony essence flashed across the smiling faces swaying along as she moved to “Smell Like Smoke.”

“50 years of CMA Fest how about it, y’all” said Wilson addressing the crowd. “I’ve been coming every year since I was 14 years old and [would sit] way up [at the top of the stadium] and [dream] about being right here [on stage]. I’ve got news for you, don’t let anybody tell you no, don’t let anybody tell you you can’t do it. If they do, that should make you want it even more.”

Turquoise lights gleamed through the venue and a matching CMA Fest 50 logo shined underneath Wilson on the screens raised above both sides of the main stage as she refreshed fans with “Watermelon Moonshine,” her smooth southern sound coating the crowd. Before performing her very first No. 1 “Things A Man Oughta Know,” she shared that lately “[she’s] been watching her dreams come true right before [her] eyes,” and thanked everyone for giving her the opportunity to live out her dreams.

Wilson welcomed Elle King, dressed in a powder blue set, to the stage and shimmery Tucker returned to join them for her song “Texas (When I Die).” The ACM Female Artist of the Year and Album of the Year winner ended with hit “Heart Like A Truck,” which had the fans belting the lyrics alongside Wilson with just as much passion as the talent herself.

Miranda Lambert and Elle King perform at Nissan Stadium on Friday, June 9 during CMA Fest 2023 in downtown Nashville.

All heads turned to Hailey Whitters as she graced the platform below the main stage. Dawning a blue patch-covered maxi skirt and deep blue babydoll crop top, she coated Nissan with her sweet and classic country style, performing “How Far Can It Go?,” which she recorded with Trisha Yearwood, and her first top 20 tune “Everything She Ain’t.”

Cody Johnson took the big stage and had fans light up the dark night with their flashlights during “Dear Rodeo,” encouraging them to sing along.

Red lights radiated along with the strums of his guitar as Johnson put his incredibly skills on full display with “Me and My Kind,” dressed in blue jeans and a muted red button down and light-colored cowboy hat.

He then touched each attendee with his hit “Human” and the story behind it.

“The reason I released this song to radio was not for a No. 1 hit. It was not for fame, it was not for money. The reason I released this song to country radio is because I wanted to send a message,” stated Johnson. “I don’t care what color you are, I don’t care what gender you are, I don’t care how much money you make, I don’t care where you’re from. At the end of the day, we’re all human and we’re all still trying to figure it out.

“Your problems may be different then my problems, but they’re still the same problems. We’re just a bunch of human being right here on God’s green earth trying to figure out how to make this whole thing work, am I right? I believe in country music and I hope this song speaks to your soul the way it speaks to my soul.”

Keith Urban performs at Nissan Stadium on Friday, June 9 during CMA Fest 2023 in downtown Nashville.

Johnson surprised the crowd with Reba McEntire and the two blessed everyone with their intertwined vocals on her song “Whoever’s In New England.” Fans went wild as he wrapped with his inspiring smash “‘Til You Can’t,” high-fiving the ones below as he sang.

Dalton Dover was next to take the stage placed among music lovers. He exhibited his raw talent with “Giving Up On That” and his cover of Alicia Keys’ “If I Ain’t Got You.”

Miranda Lambert made her way onto the main stage dressing in a black dress garnish with hot pink fringe. She started by soothing the stands with “Bluebird,” and proceeded to bring on an array of guests. Leon Bridges accompanied her for their silky new single “If You Were Mine.” Lambert switched gears and began to rock the mass as red lights beamed for “Mama’s Broken Heart” and “Little Red Wagon.” King came back, complimenting Lambert in hot pink pants and a jacket striped with the same pink, purple and white, to join her for their jam “Drunk (And I Don’t Want To Go Home).” Lambert kept the vibes high and the crowd rowdy with “Gunpowder & Lead.”

The collaboration on the night occurred when she and Avril Lavigne united for Lavigne’s “Sk8er Boi”— a moment nothing short of iconic and something us audience members didn’t know we needed.

Jelly Roll maintained that high energy as he does with every performance, turning it down a tad for his No. 1 “Son Of A Sinner.” He followed with “Need A Favor,” the crowd repeating the chorus right on beat.

Hardy performs at Nissan Stadium on Friday, June 9 during CMA Fest 2023 in downtown Nashville.

Wilson then introduced triple-threat superstar Keith Urban, who amplified the atmosphere with his insane guitar talent and comforting sound. Urban kicked off his set, fire colors surrounding him, with “Wild Hearts.” He continued with “Somebody Like You” and led either side of the stands in cheers. Blue lights took over as he transitioned into “Blue Ain’t Your Color” and walked to the fans lined underneath the stage. Urban made his way back up to the main stage and grabbed a deep red guitar for “Long Hot Summer,” quicky getting guests on their feet and dancing. He left us all electrified as he closed with “Wasted Time.”

The second night of CMA Fest ended on a high note as Hardy took the stage. Red lights returned with intensity as the hitmaker emerged to the pulsing beat of “Sold Out.” The country rock fusionist made complete use of the space provided as he ran to either side jumping up and down, motivating the remaining attendees to rage with him as he performed “Truck Bed” and more. Wilson returned for their award-winning No. 1 “Wait in the Truck” and Lauren Alaina and Devin Dawson joined Hardy for “One Beer.” The country rock fusionist then dedicated “Give Heaven Some Hell” to everyone who has lost someone close to them. He went out with a bang as he wrapped the evening with “Boots” and “Kill Sh!t Till I Die.”

Saturday night’s lineup will feature Eric Church, Little Big Town, Old Dominion and more.

Liza Anderson
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