CMA Fest 2025 Night 1: Jason Aldean, Brooks & Dunn, Riley Green & More Deliver A Big Kickoff

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Brooks & Dunn performs at Nissan Stadium on Thursday, June 5, 2025, during CMA Fest presented by SoFi in downtown Nashville.

The 52nd CMA Fest kicked off on Thursday (June 5) with a packed night of performances at Nissan Stadium, as fans from around the globe gathered for country music’s biggest party.

Singer K. Michelle opened the evening with a powerful rendition of the national anthem, setting the tone for an emotional and celebratory night.

Jason Aldean performs at Nissan Stadium on Thursday, June 5, 2025, during CMA Fest presented by SoFi in downtown Nashville.

Charles Esten was first to take the stage. The singer-songwriter and Nashville TV star welcomed former castmates Clare Bowen, Jonathan Jackson and Sam Palladio to join him for a nostalgic reunion, including a performance of “Down the Road.”

Buzzy newcomer Ella Langley followed, holding her own with stadium-ready vocals on “Paint The Town Blue,” “Girl You’re Taking Home” and “Weren’t For The Wind.” She amped up the energy by inviting Riley Green out for their chart-topping, ACM Award-winning duet “You Look Like You Love Me.”

Green kept the momentum going with a well-received set that included fan favorites “Different ’Round Here,” “There Was This Girl” and “I Wish Grandpas Never Died.” He brought a hush over the crowd with “Jesus Saves,” a solo write inspired by “a guy sitting on the side of the road here in Nashville, Tennessee.” Langley returned to join him on another duet, “Don’t Mind If I Do,” and Green closed with the swoon-worthy “Worst Way,” earning cheers from the women shown on the big screen.

Riley Green performs with Ella Langley at Nissan Stadium on Thursday, June 5, 2025, during CMA Fest presented by SoFi in downtown Nashville.

Throughout the night, fans were treated to additional performances on a satellite stage in the stadium. Sister duo Tigirlily Gold energized with “Shoot Tequila” and “Forever From Here,” while Max McNown shared his country-folk style on “A Lot More Free” and “Better Me For You (Brown Eyes).”

Scotty McCreery also took to a special stage in the middle of the stadium floor, delivering beloved hits “Five More Minutes” and “Damn Strait.”

Darius Rucker kept things warm and nostalgic with “When Was the Last Time,” “Come Back Song,” “Alright,” and “Beers and Sunshine.” He thrilled fans with the Hootie classic “Only Wanna Be With You,” and closed with his Diamond-certified smash “Wagon Wheel,” turning the stadium into a full-on singalong.

The energy climbed even higher when Country Music Hall of Famers Brooks & Dunn hit the stage. They opened with “Play Something Country” and a surprise appearance from Lainey Wilson. Their run of timeless hits—including “Red Dirt Road,” “Ain’t Nothing ’Bout You,” “Neon Moon” and “My Maria”—was full of playful moments, from the lingering last note of “Neon Moon” to the soaring falsettos of “My Maria.” In another standout moment, they brought out country-rocker Marcus King for a fiery take on “Rock My World (Little Country Girl).”

Darius Rucker performs at Nissan Stadium on Thursday, June 5, 2025, during CMA Fest presented by SoFi in downtown Nashville.

Just after midnight, Jason Aldean took the stage to close the night with a jolt of energy. He powered through hits like “Hicktown,” “Dirt Road Anthem,” “My Kinda Party,” and his new chart-topper “Whiskey Drink,” which became his 30th No. 1 just last week. He capped his set by inviting fellow Georgia native Travis Tritt to join him for a rousing rendition of “It’s a Great Day to Be Alive.”

The music continues tonight, as CMA Fest rolls on with another full day and night of unforgettable moments.

LB Cantrell
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