The 2025 CMA Fest concluded on Sunday night, June 8, marking the end of an exhilarating four-day celebration of country music, where tens of thousands of enthusiastic fans packed Nissan Stadium in Nashville for a memorable final evening. The atmosphere was electric, as fans reveled in the vibrant sounds and rhythms of their favorite genre, showcasing the unity and passion that defines the country music community.
Throughout this year’s CMA Fest, which took place from June 5 to 8, ominous rainclouds lingered over Nashville, creating uncertainty regarding the scheduled musical performances and leading to delays at Nissan Stadium one evening. However, on Sunday night, the weather cleared up, providing a perfect backdrop of clear skies and warm temperatures for a fantastic CMA Fest finale. As the night unfolded, fans danced and sang along to a mix of new releases and timeless classics, exemplifying the rich diversity and depth of sounds that characterize one of music’s most dominant genres.
The Sunday night lineup was not only star-studded but also one of the strongest featured during the fest. The main stage showcased top-tier performances from renowned artists such as Luke Bryan, Dierks Bentley, Zach Top, Ashley McBryde, Rodney Atkins, and Bailey Zimmerman. Each artist brought their unique style and energy, captivating the audience and leaving a lasting impression that highlighted the festival’s commitment to excellence in country music.
“This is the greatest weekend of our lives,” exclaimed Dierks Bentley as he addressed the crowd during his electrifying set. He affectionately referred to it as the “country music singers’ Thanksgiving,” encapsulating the spirit of camaraderie and celebration that permeated the festival atmosphere. The sense of joy and gratitude was palpable among both artists and fans alike, making the night truly unforgettable.
On the Platform Stage, audiences were treated to a remarkable showcase of emerging talent. Artists like Avery Anna, whose dynamic folk-pop storytelling captivated listeners, Kashus Culpepper, known for his blues-infused country, and rising star Tucker Wetmore all left their mark. Additionally, Dylan Scott elevated the energy levels with a crowd-pleasing rendition of his hit “Country Til I Die,” further demonstrating the breadth of talent present at the festival.
In this article, we will delve into the top five unforgettable moments from Sunday evening’s spectacular show at Nissan Stadium.
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Rodney Atkins and Son Elijah Create a Heartwarming Family Moment on Stage
Rodney Atkins kicked off the evening with powerful renditions of his beloved hits like “If You’re Going Through Hell.” However, the night reached an emotional peak when he invited his 24-year-old son, Elijah, onstage to perform together. They delivered a touching rendition of “Watching You,” a heartfelt song reflecting a young boy’s admiration for his father’s choices—both good and bad—and his aspiration to follow in his footsteps. This song holds special significance, as Atkins initially wrote and recorded it when Elijah was only four years old, making their collaboration two decades later a profoundly sentimental moment for the audience.
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Ashley McBryde Captivates with a Unique Cover of Don Henley’s Classic
Grammy-winning artist Ashley McBryde has established herself as a powerhouse in the music industry, known for her exceptional songwriting and electrifying performances infused with her trademark wit and warmth. Her set at CMA Fest showcased her versatility, as she not only performed her own hits, including “One Night Standards,” but also introduced the talents of the Roots of Music marching band. A standout moment was her captivating cover of Don Henley’s 1984 classic “Boys of Summer,” where McBryde’s commanding vocals transformed the rock anthem into a refreshing rendition that resonated with the audience.
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Zach Top Takes Center Stage with a Nostalgic Performance
Last year, Zach Top graced the Platform Stage at Nissan Stadium, and this year, he made a triumphant leap to the main stage, thanks to the success of his debut country album Cold Beer and Country Music—which infused country music with an ’80s and ’90s vibe through breakout hits like “Sounds Like The Radio” and “I Never Lie.” His nostalgic sound evokes images of rustic honky-tonks and warm summer nights, while also feeling refreshingly contemporary, creating an infectious party atmosphere on the grand stage. His laid-back performance style and exceptional musicianship make him a captivating performer capable of engaging any audience.
“This feels like a fun, full-circle moment,” he expressed, using this significant opportunity at CMA Fest to unveil a new summer anthem titled “Good Times and Tan Lines,” which he had just released shortly after his performance. This catchy track is part of Top’s upcoming new album, Ain’t In It For My Health, which is set to be released on August 29, further showcasing his growing influence in the country music scene.
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Bailey Zimmerman and BigXThaPlug Deliver a High-Energy Collaboration
Bailey Zimmerman electrified the crowd at Nissan Stadium with his vibrant energy, further amplifying the excitement by welcoming BigXThaPlug for a dynamic performance of their collaborative top-5 Billboard Hot 100 hit “All The Way.” This collaboration exemplified the genre’s evolving landscape, blending elements of rap and country into a seamless hybrid that captivated the audience. Following this, Zimmerman performed his first Hot 100 top 10 hit, the intense and emotional “Rock and a Hard Place,” igniting the arena as fans lit up their phones and passionately sang along, driven by Zimmerman’s compelling vocal delivery.
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Dierks Bentley and Zach Top Unite for a Memorable Mountain Music Tribute
Dierks Bentley infused the night with a blend of humor and humility during his CMA Fest performance, taking a moment to appreciate “the all-star fans” early in his set. He showcased a mix of hit songs, both new and classic, including “Gone,” “Free and Easy (Down The Road I Go),” and “Drunk on a Plane,” while also giving a sneak peek at “She Hates Me” from his upcoming album Broken Branches, set to release on June 13.
As is tradition at CMA Fest, the collaborations between artists are a highlight, and Bentley delivered one of the evening’s finest moments by inviting his tourmate Zach Top back to the stage for a heartfelt cover of Alabama’s 1982 classic “Mountain Music.” Top contributed impressive lead guitar runs, enhancing the performance’s nostalgic feel. In addition to being a consistent hitmaker, Bentley is known for championing emerging artists, and he proudly remarked about Top, saying, “Let me tell you something about this guy… this is the future of country music right here, Zach Top.”
