Brooks & Dunn Headline CMA Fest With Surprise Guest Lainey Wilson
The 52nd Annual CMA Music Festival kicked off in grand style this week in Nashville, drawing an estimated 90,000 fans per day from June 5–8. With over 300 artists performing across multiple stages, opening night at Nissan Stadium did not disappoint.
The lineup featured crowd favorites including Riley Green, Ella Langley, Jason Aldean, Darius Rucker, and country legends Brooks & Dunn — and as expected at CMA Fest, surprises were part of the show.
Lainey Wilson Shocks Fans With a Surprise Performance
During Brooks & Dunn’s high-energy headlining set, the crowd erupted when Lainey Wilson walked on stage unannounced to join the duo for a fiery rendition of “Play Something Country.”
The performance wasn’t just nostalgic — it was a nod to the present. Lainey recently recorded a new version of the hit for Reboot II, the duo’s upcoming collaborative project.
Released in 2005, “Play Something Country” became Brooks & Dunn’s 20th and final No. 1 hit, and seeing it reborn with Lainey’s powerhouse vocals reminded everyone that legends never fade — they just keep evolving.
Wilson’s appearance came as a total surprise, since she wasn’t listed on the official CMA Fest lineup. Fans quickly took to social media to praise the collaboration, calling it one of the biggest highlights of the night.
More Surprises, More Legends
Earlier in the night, Jason Aldean brought out Travis Tritt, proving that CMA Fest’s magic lies in its mix of iconic moments and unexpected reunions.
Brooks (70) and Dunn (72) continue to prove why they’re one of country music’s greatest duos — and with stars like Lainey Wilson by their side, they’re still shaping the genre’s future.
Watch the unforgettable “Play Something Country” performance now — and see why CMA Fest continues to be the biggest party in country music.
@brettporter13 @Brooks & Dunn brings out @Lainey Wilson to perform ‘Play Something Country’ at CMA Fest! @The Country Wire @Country Music Association @Country Chord **I do not own the rights to the music in this video.** #brooksanddunn #laineywilson #trend #fyp #country #countrymusic #musiccity #nashville #tennesee #cma #cmafest #broadway #downtown #nissanstadium ♬ original sound – Brett Porter