Blake Shelton Reunites with Trace Adkins at CMA Fest for a Show-Stopping “Hillbilly Bone” Duet
Country fans at Nashville’s Nissan Stadium got more than they bargained for last weekend when Blake Shelton surprised the crowd by bringing out none other than Trace Adkins during his set at CMA Fest 2024. The longtime friends and collaborators turned up the heat with a high-energy performance of their 2009 hit “Hillbilly Bone” — and the stadium lit up.
A Throwback Banger, Reignited
As part of the nationally broadcast CMA Fest special on ABC and Hulu, Shelton and Adkins launched into their chart-topping duet with the same gritty charm and playful energy that made the track a fan favorite over 15 years ago. The crowd erupted as the familiar chorus echoed through the arena:
“We all got a hillbilly bone down deep inside…”
Earlier in the evening, Adkins treated fans to a solo performance of his cheeky classic “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk,” celebrating its 20th anniversary. But the highlight of the night came when he stuck around for a fiery, feel-good reunion with Shelton.
More Than Just a Duet — A Brotherhood
Before launching into the song, Shelton introduced Adkins as “my secret weapon” and “one of my best friends in the world.” The bond between the two artists was clear, with Shelton adding, “He’s like a brother to me — and I’m not sending him home anytime soon.”
A Song That Still Resonates
Written by Luke Laird and Craig Wiseman, “Hillbilly Bone” originally topped the charts in 2009 and earned the duo the ACM Vocal Event of the Year in 2010. Its blend of electric guitars, down-home lyrics, and country pride still resonates — especially live, where it turns into a full-blown singalong anthem.
A Night to Remember at CMA Fest
The Shelton-Adkins duet was just one of several standout moments during CMA Fest’s star-studded broadcast, which featured over 30 performances, including dynamic collaborations like Brooks & Dunn with Lainey Wilson, Brandon Lake with Jelly Roll, and of course, Shelton and Adkins reviving one of country’s most beloved buddy anthems.
Fans tuning in — and those lucky enough to be there — got a reminder of what country music does best: bring people together, celebrate roots, and make a stadium feel like a backyard party.