CMA Fest Night 2: Surprise Collaborations, The Red Clay Strays Standout & Cody Johnson Finale

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Cody Johnson & Brothers Osborne perform at Nissan Stadium on Friday, June 5, 2026, during CMA Fest presented by SoFi in downtown Nashville. Photo: Kayla Schoen/CMA

CMA Fest continued last night (June 5) at Nissan Stadium, delivering a blend of country legends, breakout stars and memorable collaborations.

The night opened with country hitmaker Jo Dee Messina, who immediately energized the crowd with “I’m Alright” and “Lesson In Leavin’.” She continued with snippets of her new tracks “Some Bridges” and “Message In A Bottle” before welcoming Lauren Daigle for a surprise duet on “Who Else.” Messina then performed “Amazing Grace,” before closing her set with fan favorites “Heads Carolina, Tails California” and “Bye-Bye.”

Blake Shelton followed with a hit-filled performance, kicking things off with “Boys ‘Round Here” before showcasing “Texas.” He balanced fresh songs and catalog staples throughout the set, including “She Wouldn’t Be Gone” and “Let Him In Anyway.” Shelton wrapped with crowd-pleasers “God Gave Me You” and “Honey Bee.”

Keith Urban performs with Michael McDonald at Nissan Stadium on Friday, June 5, 2026, during CMA Fest presented by SoFi in downtown Nashville. Photo: John Russell/CMA

On the platform stage, rising artist Scoot Teasley offered an intimate showcase, performing “The Good News Is” and “Whiskey Burns.”

Genre-blending star Shaboozey continued his meteoric rise with a dynamic set that highlighted both his country and hip-hop influences. He opened with “Cowgirl” and “Amen” before moving into “Move On,” welcoming Kevin Powers to the stage. He then launched into “Born To Die.” Shaboozey then delivered “Good News” before closing with the massive crossover hit “A Bar Song (Tipsy).”

Maggie Antone took over the platform stage, showcasing her emerging catalog with “High Standards” and “Everything You’re Scared Of.”

One of the night’s standout performances came from The Red Clay Strays, whose Southern rock-infused sound resonated throughout the stadium. The group delivered a powerful set featuring “Demons In Your Choir,” “Walking Away,” “If I Didn’t Know You,” and “Down South.” They continued with “Do Today” before finishing with “Sunshine.”

The Band Perry performs at Nissan Stadium on Friday, June 5, 2026, during CMA Fest presented by SoFi in downtown Nashville. Photo: Natasha Moustache/CMA

On the spotlight stage, The Band Perry made a notable appearance, blending nostalgia and new music with performances of the career-defining “If I Die Young” and the newer “Psychological.”

Keith Urban brought his trademark musicianship and star power to the main stage, opening with “Steal Away” and “Blacktop.” Urban slowed things down with the emotional “Blue Ain’t Your Color” before welcoming Michael McDonald to the stage for a performance of “We Go Back.” Urban ended his set with favorites “Who Wouldn’t Wanna Be Me” and “Long Hot Summer.”

Closing the evening, Cody Johnson delivered a set that balanced emotion, authenticity and arena-sized energy. Johnson opened with a powerful rendition of “Travelin’ Soldier” before moving into “The Fall.” He continued with “Foolproof,” where he welcomed Brothers Osborne for a collaborative performance. Johnson then treated fans to “Dirt Cheap” and “The Painter” before ending the night with his signature anthem “Til You Can’t.”

CMA Fest continues tonight (June 6) with performances from Sara Evans, Carly Pearce, Kaitlin Butts, Zach Top, Emily Ann Roberts, Jordan Davis, Lainey Wilson and Tim McGraw.

The Red Clay Strays perform at Nissan Stadium on Friday, June 5, 2026, during CMA Fest presented by SoFi in downtown Nashville. Photo: Josh Brasted/CMA

Maggie Antone performs on the VIP Platform at Nissan Stadium on Friday, June 5, 2026, during CMA Fest presented by SoFi in downtown Nashville. Photo: Addison Hilton/CMA

Shaboozey & Kevin Powers perform at Nissan Stadium on Friday, June 5, 2026, during CMA Fest presented by SoFi in downtown Nashville. Photo: Natasha Moustache/CMA

Scoot Teasley performs at Nissan Stadium on Friday, June 5, 2026, during CMA Fest presented by SoFi in downtown Nashville. Photo: Lorenzo Huerta/CMA

Blake Shelton performs at Nissan Stadium on Friday, June 5, 2026, during CMA Fest presented by SoFi in downtown Nashville. Photo: John Russell/CMA

Jo Dee Messina and Lauren Daigle perform at Nissan Stadium on Friday, June 5, 2026, during CMA Fest presented by SoFi in downtown Nashville. Photo: John Russell/CMA

Madison Hahnen
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