On a warm June evening in Nashville, the Nissan Stadium was alive with the sounds of country music as nearly 70,000 fans gathered for the 2025 CMA Fest, famously dubbed "The Music Event of Summer." Among the highlights was a heartfelt reunion between Blake Shelton and Trace Adkins, two longtime friends and country music heavyweights, who took the stage together to perform their 2009 hit "Hillbilly Bone." The performance was a standout moment in a festival packed with star-studded appearances and unforgettable collaborations.
Blake Shelton had not graced the main stage at CMA Fest in several years, making his return all the more special. Before the show, Shelton revealed he had a "secret weapon" lined up for the night—none other than Trace Adkins. "Trace Adkins is gonna come out and perform ‘Honky Tonk Badonkadonk,’ which it’s [the] 20 year anniversary of that song becoming a hit," Shelton shared, highlighting the milestone for Adkins’ fan-favorite track. But the surprises didn’t stop there; Shelton promised to keep Adkins on stage for multiple songs, including their joint hit "Hillbilly Bone" and "Hell Right."
"He’s one of my best friends in the world," Shelton said, his affection clear. "He’s literally like — he is a brother to me, you know." Their camaraderie was palpable as they sang the chorus of "Hillbilly Bone," a tune celebrating the unshakable country spirit inside everyone, no matter their background. The crowd enthusiastically joined in, hollering "yee-haw!" and reveling in the infectious energy of the performance.
Trace Adkins also delivered a solo performance of "Honky Tonk Badonkadonk," a song that has become synonymous with his name over the past two decades. Meanwhile, Shelton energized the audience with his latest single, "Stay Country or Die Tryin’," from his recent album For Recreational Use Only. This blend of nostalgia and fresh material perfectly encapsulated the spirit of the 2025 CMA Fest.
The festival itself was a sprawling celebration of country music’s past, present, and future, featuring over 30 performances from an impressive roster of artists. Fans were treated to sets by Kelsea Ballerini, Dierks Bentley, Luke Bryan, Cody Johnson, Riley Green, Jason Aldean, Jordan Davis, Ella Langley, Megan Moroney, Parker McCollum, Ashley McBryde, Rascal Flatts, The Red Clay Strays, Dylan Scott, Zach Top, Keith Urban, and many more.
One of the evening’s highlights was a series of remarkable collaborations that showcased the genre’s dynamic range. Brooks & Dunn joined Lainey Wilson for the spirited "Play Something Country" and teamed up with Marcus King for "Rock My World (Little Country Girl)." Dierks Bentley and Zach Top performed both "Free and Easy (Down the Road I Go)" and a "Mountain Music" medley, while Cody Johnson and Carín León delivered a heartfelt rendition of "She Hurts Like Tequila." The festival also featured powerful performances from Brandon Lake and Jelly Roll with "Hard Fought Hallelujah," Jason Aldean and Travis Tritt’s "It’s A Great Day To Be Alive," and Bailey Zimmerman and BigXthaPlug’s new duet, "All The Way." These moments underscored the collaborative spirit that makes CMA Fest so special.
The 2025 CMA Fest special, presented by SoFi, was filmed during the four-day festival held from June 5 through June 8 at Nashville’s iconic Nissan Stadium. This marked the 19th consecutive year the Country Music Association produced a summer concert TV special, and the 22nd year of its annual broadcast. The three-hour program was executive produced and written by Robert Deaton and directed by Alan Carter, ensuring a polished and engaging viewing experience.
Country music fans across the nation were able to witness the festival’s magic on ABC on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at 8 p.m. Eastern Time (7 p.m. Central). Hosted by country stars Cody Johnson and Ashley McBryde, the broadcast brought the excitement of Nashville’s biggest country music event into living rooms everywhere. For those who missed the live airing, the special became available on-demand the following day via Hulu, extending its reach and allowing fans to relive the performances at their leisure.
Looking ahead, the 53rd CMA Fest is scheduled to take place again in Nashville from June 4 to June 7, 2026. Four-night stadium passes went on sale on June 26, 2025, at 10 a.m. Central Time through Ticketmaster, promising another year of unforgettable music and memories.
Blake Shelton’s reunion with Trace Adkins at the 2025 CMA Fest was more than just a performance; it was a celebration of friendship, legacy, and the enduring power of country music to bring people together. As the crowd roared and the music echoed through Nashville’s summer night, it was clear that the "hillbilly bone" runs deep in the hearts of fans and artists alike.
