The lights came on at the Nissan Stadium in Nashville for this year’s CMA Fest with an opening performance by Jason Aldean. We’ll let you guess what he sang to introduce the fans to one of country’s most electric and star-studded nights.
Hosts for the evening were Thomas Rhett and Brett Eldredge, who both transitioned from announcers to performers throughout the night as they sang their hit singles “T-Shirt” and “Wanna Be That Song.” During those times, the country stars had a little help from HGTV’s very own Property Brothers Drew and Jonathan Scott. While this may seem a bit random for some, the Scott Brothers actually released two country songs on HGTV earlier this year, in addition to their current music video “Hold On.”
Backstage, Rhett and Eldredge presented Kelsea Ballerini with her second gold record for her current album, Love Me Like You Mean It. After admitting that she accidentally melted her first one in the backseat of her car, the songstress took the stage to perform her current single “Peter Pan.”
We definitely liked the sound of the first musical collaboration of the night’s television special as Rascal Flatts welcomed Maren Morris onto the stage to sing “My Church” from her Hero album.
Then, in ombre shades and a badass leather jacket, the husky voice of Eric Church took the stage to perform “Record Year” for the fans. But, honestly, whose heart didn’t melt a little as Cole Swindell thanked the fans during his performance for all the cell-phone-lights-turned-lighters displayed in the crowd. In the midst of singing his heartfelt hit “You Should Be Here,” he told fans outright, “This is the most amazing moment of my life.”
BRB, currently swooning Swindell.
The second collaboration of the night came as Dierks Bentley performed two songs from his new album, Black, alongside country artist Elle King. With wild blue hair and a gold plated banjo, Elle King harmonized with Bentley on his track “Different For Girls.”
Backstage once more, we found out that Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley will carry out their CMA Awards hosting duties for this year’s 50th Anniversary show. Underwood says to Rhett and Eldredge, “We take our job very seriously,” as she admitted the weight of this year’s showing being a celebration of not just one year of country music, but the 49 that have defined the genre thus far.
Then, in a studded black tank, fringed vest and ripped skinny jeans, Underwood took the stage to perform a song from her sold out tour Storyteller. Her most memorable performance of the night was later when she reemerged with a harmonica in her hands, jamming to the beat of “Choctaw County Affair.” Once more affirming, there’s not anything this blonde bombshell can’t do.
One of the most electric collaborations of the night was Luke Bryan and Keith Urban’s rendition of “Huntin’, Fishin’, and Lovin’ Every Day.” The good lord answered our country lovin’ prayers as Luke introduced Keith by saying to the crowd, “I get known for the guy who shakes his butt all the time.” To the tune of a thousand fangirl cheers, Luke joked, but “I’m the best guitar player out here.”
As Urban is known for his electric guitar skills, the Aussie took the stage to participate in an all out jam sesh of electric and acoustic guitar riffs. Luke Bryan whispers to Urban after the final chord, “That was awesome.” Our sentiments exactly, Mr. Bryan.
Even Pharrell Williams joined country music for the night during his collaboration with Little Big Town as they sang “Send It On.” Nothing was as hot as the band’s performance of “Wish We Could Stay All Night.” Well, besides Karen Fairchild’s thigh high black studded stilettos.
Afterwards, two boys, a powerhouse brunette and a curly blonde hit the stage. Wait, didn’t we just cheer Little Big Town off the stage? The lookalike band was, in fact, Cam and Lady Antebellum collaborating on Cam’s hit single “Burning House,” which hushed the crowd into a solemn awe.
An awe that could’ve only been artfully interrupted by CMA Awards’ New Artist of the Year, Album of the Year AND Male Vocalist winner. Singing “Might As Well Get Stoned,” Chris Stapleton took the CMA Fest stage to the delight of his Traveller album’s fans.
Country music saw a little rock n’ roll as Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler graced Nashville’s stage alongside country legend Martina McBride to sing ‘Cryin’.” Prior to this collaboration, Tyler performed the title song from his new country album We’re All Somebody From Somewhere. And thus, country music gets the beautifully screeching vocals from rock n’ roll’s finest.
The great Blake Shelton also performed a few songs from his latest cringe-worthy album If I’m Honest, which was written in the wake of his divorce from fellow country powerhouse, Miranda Lambert. As Shelton touches on elements of lying, cheating and ‘low blows’ in his song “She’s Got A Way With Words,” we couldn’t help but see some steam rising backstage as Lambert prepared to bring the house down at this year’s CMA Fest.
With an interlude performance from country music’s choice duo, Florida Georgia Line, Miss Miranda Lambert then helped close the night’s performances with a cover of Linda Ronstadt’s song “Willin’.” Late last night, Miranda joined Jimmy Kimmel Live! to debut her new post-divorce single, “Vice.”
CMA Fest was an emotional crowd-pleaser with sets of love, heartbreak and faith. A soulful story only country music can capture.
God bless and see you next year, Nashville.
