Brooks & Dunn Bring Down the House at CMA Fest with Surprise Guest Lainey Wilson
The 52nd Annual CMA Music Festival kicked off in epic fashion in Nashville, drawing nearly 90,000 fans per day to Music City from June 5–8. With over 300 artists lighting up stages across town, opening night at Nissan Stadium set the tone with a powerhouse lineup featuring Riley Green, Ella Langley, Jason Aldean, Darius Rucker, and the legendary duo Brooks & Dunn.
A Night of Surprises: Lainey Wilson Joins Brooks & Dunn
As always, CMA Fest delivered its trademark twists—unexpected guests and unforgettable collaborations. Jason Aldean stunned the crowd by bringing out Travis Tritt, but it was Brooks & Dunn who delivered one of the night’s most talked-about surprises.
In the middle of their electric set, Lainey Wilson took the stage unannounced, joining the iconic duo for a fiery rendition of “Play Something Country.” The crowd erupted as the 2024 ACM Entertainer of the Year delivered powerhouse vocals alongside Kix Brooks (70) and Ronnie Dunn (72).
A Hit Reimagined for a New Era
Originally released in June 2005, “Play Something Country” became Brooks & Dunn’s 20th and final No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. Now, nearly two decades later, it’s getting a fresh spin as part of the duo’s upcoming Reboot II album—this time featuring Lainey Wilson.
Though Wilson wasn’t listed on the CMA Fest lineup, her surprise appearance added a jolt of star power and cross-generational magic. Her bold energy and signature twang meshed effortlessly with the iconic anthem, creating a moment that had the entire stadium singing and stomping along.
Still Kings of the Stage
With over 30 years of hits, Brooks & Dunn proved they’re still a must-see act. Their set was packed with fan favorites, flawless harmonies, and the kind of stage presence that only decades of chemistry can produce.
And with guests like Lainey Wilson sharing the mic, it’s clear the duo isn’t just celebrating country music’s past—they’re helping shape its future.
🎥 Watch Lainey Wilson’s show-stealing performance with Brooks & Dunn below—and relive a CMA Fest moment fans won’t soon forget.
@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