Blake Shelton & Trace Adkins Bring the House Down With “Hillbilly Bone” at CMA Fest
Blake Shelton and Trace Adkins proved they’re still one of country music’s most unstoppable duos when they stormed the CMA Fest stage with a throwback performance of their hit “Hillbilly Bone.” Even 15+ years after its release, the song still hits like pure country adrenaline — and the Nissan Stadium crowd sang every word like it was 2010 all over again.
Shelton kicked things off on his own before surprising fans with a longtime friend and partner-in-mischief: Trace Adkins. The stadium erupted as Adkins strutted out to deliver “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk” — celebrating the song’s 20th anniversary — before the two launched into their iconic duet.
With the band rolling and fans hollering, the pair tore through the chorus:
“We all got a hillbilly bone down deep inside
No matter where you’re from, you just can’t hide it…”
Nissan Stadium turned into one giant “yee-haw,” with tens of thousands shouting the hook back at them. If CMA Fest is known for anything, it’s legendary collaborations — and this one was an instant highlight.
Shelton Called Adkins His “Secret Weapon”
Before stepping out onstage, Shelton teased that he had something special planned:
“Trace Adkins is going to come out and perform ‘Honky Tonk Badonkadonk,’ and once he’s out there, I’m keeping him on stage with me.”
And he meant it.
Shelton lit up when talking about Adkins, calling him “one of my best friends in the world.” The two have toured together, collaborated on hits, and spent years cracking jokes at each other’s expense. Their chemistry is undeniable, and it showed in every grin, wink, and harmony they shared.
“He is a brother to me,” Shelton added. “Anytime I get him on stage, I want to keep him out there.”
Shelton Showcases New Music Too
Alongside the nostalgia, Shelton also gave fans a taste of the present. He performed his newest single, “Stay Country or Die Tryin’,” from his album For Recreational Use Only, marking one of his first big stadium performances of the track.
A Night Full of Country Music Powerhouses
The three-hour CMA Fest broadcast packed in performances from the biggest names in the genre. Alongside Shelton and Adkins, viewers were treated to sets from:
Jason Aldean • Kelsea Ballerini • Brooks & Dunn • Luke Bryan • Jordan Davis • Riley Green • Jelly Roll • Cody Johnson • Ella Langley • Parker McCollum • Megan Moroney • Keith Urban • Lainey Wilson • Bailey Zimmerman • And dozens more
CMA Fest is always a celebration of country music’s past, present, and future — but Blake Shelton and Trace Adkins brought a special kind of electricity, a reminder of why their friendship and their music have lasted for decades.