Country music fans have a reason to celebrate this week as ABC airs the much-anticipated CMA Fest 2025 special on Thursday, June 26, at 8 p.m. ET. Hosted by country music stars Cody Johnson and Ashley McBryde, this three-hour primetime concert event showcases highlights from the 52nd annual CMA Fest, which electrified Nashville earlier this month.
The festival, held from June 5 to June 8, 2025, transformed Nashville into a country music haven, with packed crowds at Nissan Stadium and performances spilling over to the Ascend Amphitheater. This year’s event featured a stellar lineup of country legends and rising stars, creating unforgettable moments for fans and artists alike.
The CMA Fest special on ABC promises to bring those moments back to life, featuring select performances from the main stage. Among the many artists included are Trace Adkins, Jason Aldean, Kelsea Ballerini, Dierks Bentley, Brooks & Dunn, Luke Bryan, Jordan Davis, Riley Green, Jelly Roll, Cody Johnson himself, Marcus King, Parker McCollum, Scotty McCreery, Megan Moroney, Rascal Flatts, The Red Clay Strays, Darius Rucker, Dylan Scott, Shaboozey, Blake Shelton, Travis Tritt, Keith Urban, and Lainey Wilson. With such a powerhouse roster, the special is set to be a country music extravaganza, filling approximately three hours with performances and collaborations that fans won’t want to miss.
Cody Johnson and Ashley McBryde, who are not only hosting but also performing, bring authentic country flair and energy to the event. Their presence as hosts adds a personal touch, bridging the gap between the stage and viewers at home. The pair’s involvement highlights the festival’s blend of tradition and contemporary country music.
One of the standout moments includes Dylan Scott’s performance of “Country Til I Die,” which will be featured during the special. Scott, who played the main stage at Nissan Stadium during CMA Fest 2025, shared his joy on social media about attending the festival with his children, saying, “Felt good to take my kids with me to #CMAFest! Makes a daddy’s heart feel good.” He also expressed gratitude to fans, adding, “Also, y’all keep making an ol’ boy feel good showing up to these shows, it’s like we’re just getting started!!!!” This heartfelt message underscores the deep connection between artists and their audiences at CMA Fest.
For viewers in the United States, the special will air on ABC and can be streamed the following day on Hulu, which offers subscriptions starting at $9.99 per month for the basic plan or $18.99 for an ad-free experience. Hulu is also available as part of the Disney Bundle, which includes Disney Plus for $10.99 per month with options for ad-free tiers and ESPN Plus, providing great value for entertainment and sports fans alike.
Canadian viewers can enjoy the CMA Fest 2025 special on CTV at the same time as the U.S. broadcast, with free streaming available on the CTV app after airing. For those abroad or traveling, virtual private networks (VPNs) like NordVPN offer a way to access these broadcasts by allowing devices to appear as if they are in their home country, ensuring fans don’t miss out on the festivities no matter where they are.
Meanwhile, in the United Kingdom, fans might have to wait a little longer. Last year, BBC iPlayer broadcast the show in early August, but no official announcement has been made yet for the 2025 airing. Australian audiences will have access to the special on Stan, with the program scheduled to drop at 10 a.m. AEST on Friday, June 27. Stan subscriptions range from AU$12 to AU$22 per month, and like other regions, Australians traveling abroad can use VPN services to access their usual streaming platforms.
The CMA Fest 2025 lineup is a testament to the genre’s rich diversity and enduring popularity. Fans can expect to see iconic performances such as Trace Adkins’ “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk,” Jason Aldean’s “Whiskey Drink,” and a special collaboration between Jason Aldean and Travis Tritt on “It’s A Great Day To Be Alive.” Kelsea Ballerini’s “Baggage” and Dierks Bentley’s medley with Zach Top, featuring “Free and Easy (Down the Road I Go)” and “Mountain Music,” add contemporary flair to the show.
Brooks & Dunn join forces with Lainey Wilson for “Play Something Country” and with Marcus King on “Rock My World (Little Country Girl),” while Luke Bryan’s “Country Song Came On” and Jordan Davis’ “Bar None” showcase the vibrant new generation of country music stars. The show also features heartfelt performances like Megan Moroney’s “Am I Okay?” and Rascal Flatts’ “Life Is A Highway,” including a duet with Carly Pearce on “My Wish.”
Other memorable moments include Darius Rucker’s rendition of “Wagon Wheel,” Shaboozey and Jelly Roll’s “Amen,” and Blake Shelton’s “Stay Country or Die Tryin’,” with a special duet with Trace Adkins on “Hillbilly Bone.” Keith Urban’s “Straight Line” and Bailey Zimmerman’s collaboration with BigXthaPlug on “All The Way” round out a diverse and dynamic setlist.
With the 52nd annual CMA Fest now immortalized in this broadcast, country music fans have the perfect opportunity to relive the excitement from the comfort of their homes. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the genre, the special offers a comprehensive snapshot of country music’s past, present, and future, all wrapped up in one thrilling night.
As festival season continues to heat up, CMA Fest 2025 stands out as a shining example of the genre’s community spirit, star power, and musical excellence. So mark your calendars for Thursday night and tune in to ABC to experience the best of Nashville’s biggest country music celebration.
