CMA Fest 2024 updates: Lainey Wilson charts her course to superstardom
CMA Fest is halfway over, but do not despair, the best is yet to come.
There's a packed lineup at all of the festival's stages, and organizers closed gates around a couple of stages Friday to control capacity. Desperate to see a performer? Get there early.
As far as weather is concerned, it'll be hot and possibly rainy at times, so plan accordingly.
CMA Fest 2024 full schedule: Here's who's playing when and where in Nashville this weekend
CMA Fest road closures: See which downtown Nashville streets are closed
Follow along for updates throughout the day.
Everyone dances to Keith Urban
Foot-tapping and chord-ripping country legend Keith Urban delivered a supreme CMA Fest set, per usual, highlighting his classic tunes and introducing some new hooks.
The singer, in a black shirt that said “22”, opened with “Straight Line” before debuting “Messed Up As Me,” a spick-and-span track from his brand-new album out this fall.
Urban brought out Lainey Wilson to polish off their newest single “GO HOME W U.”
“Keith Urban!” she shouted at the end as the fringe on her leather vest swayed to the bass.
“Lainey Wilson, the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry,” Urban said as she exited.
Blue lights painted the audience as he sang “Blue Ain’t Your Color.” Urban shredded multiple guitar solos, making it impossible not to move.
The audience danced during “Better Life” and “Long Hot Summer.” Hands bopped in the air and arms followed the addictive rhythms. Even fans who walked to their seats couldn’t help but boogie down the arena stairs and two-step shuffle along the floor.
“Let’s keep it going,” the Aussie shouted, running on to the floor. He was lost among a sea of overreaching arms with cellphones hoping to capture the country star’s close encounter.
Urban’s security guards surrounded him as he made his way back to the stage only inches from fans. But before reaching the barricade, he side-leapt up the stairs into the audience and grabbed a white cowboy hat from a fan and placed it on his own head.
Urban hopped on a chair in the first ring level of the arena and made up his own impromptu words to the looped beat of “Long Hot Summer.”
He ran back to the stage to close out the song and thanked the crowd as they tried to process what just happened.
Sing along with Brittney Spencer
"Welcome to my disco hoedown," Baltimore native Brittney Spencer stated, striding into Nissan Stadium in her all-denim outfit with gold shoulder sleeves.
Her free and jubilant spirit soared during the five-minute set sandwiched between Lainey Wilson and Keith Urban.
Dancing the electric slide during “I Got Time,” Spencer led the audience in a karaoke duet.
“Ooh you make me wanna dance all night,” the crowd crooned as the words flashed on the main stage screens.
“Thank you so much CMA Fest,” Spencer said, waving.
Lainey Wilson develops the tools to define her superstar turn
When Lainey Wilson, the reigning Country Music Association Entertainer of the Year first attended CMA Fest in 2006, Taylor Swift and Eric Church were playing on the Riverfront Stage. Carrie Underwood was a year into her career and already a Nissan Stadium headliner.
True to her statement, from that date forward, the multi-platinum-selling performer keenly took notes on how to replicate and extend that success.
Wilson sauntered on to Nissan Stadium's stage to the strains of her forthcoming "Whirlwind" album track "Hang Tight Honey" — all turquoised and rhinestoned to the nines and singing into a microphone that was wrapped in scarves, à la peak-era Aerosmith lead singer Steven Tyler.
Wilson combines influences as diverse as swamp rock, gospel, soul and '90s country into an ear-worming sing-along blend. And once she added cowbell and Terri Clark hit the stage to perform a duet of "Poor Poor Pitiful Me," the crowd began to stir.
Then she took it up a notch, following "Heart Like A Truck" with "Watermelon Moonshine," drawing broad smiles and screams of glee from the audience.
"Y'all look beautiful, take it in," she said.
In her third Nashville appearance in a row (following May 31 and June 1 headlining dates at Ascend Amphitheater), Wilson's "Country's Cool Again" started a hair slower and with a tenor huskier than it should be played. Yet once it was allowed to warm, like bourbon, into its most delicious form, the crowd exploded into applause.
A Wilson tilt of her Black Charlie 1 Horse hat to the camera later, followed by a bluesy Zeppelin guitar, sent her set into the unhinged-feeling rock madness of "Wildflowers and Wild Horses."
One day, the song's galloping drums and scream-ready lyrics will make it Wilson's signature anthem. Currently, it's a barnstorming locomotive erupting across stadiums worldwide.
"The whole world done gone country y'all, and I'm loving every single minute of it," Wilson said, laughing at the end of her set.
For 'Heaven's Sake', it's Dylan Marlowe
On the platform stage, rising star Dylan Marlowe strummed his newest song, “Heaven’s Sake.”
“Thank you for sticking around and not going to get hot dogs while we play right now,” he said before jumping into his radio hit “Boys Back Home.”
The up-and-comer sported a green backward cap and white shirt. He rounded out his five minutes with a quick cover of Secondhand Serenade’s “Fall For You.”
Marlowe’s 27th birthday is tomorrow.
Old Dominion strolls down 'Memory Lane'
Not slowing down a bit, Old Dominion rocked Nissan Stadium between their tour stops of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and San Diego.
The five-man crew kicked off the set with the strains of Gary Glitter's "Rock and Roll Part 2" folding into their instant classic "I Was On a Boat That Day."
The now-capacity crowd — though not "drunk as a skunk eating lunch with a cross-eyed bear" — sang along heartily to the zydeco-influenced country party anthem.
The stadium ricocheted the “whoa's” and “oohs” of “Snapback” and “Hotel Key.”
“I gotta get back on stage for the next one, I can’t be alone,” singer Matthew Ramsey said, running up the stairs from the pit. The lighthearted humor segued into “One Man Band.”
From the classics and the hits, Old Dominion finished with its track title off “Memory Lane,” the band’s newest album, which was released in October.
Buckle up bunny, it's Tanner Adell
Adorned in rodeo prize ribbons, denim and rhinestones, Tanner Adell made her Nissan Stadium debut, proclaiming that she's "Beyoncé with a lasso."
Only three months ago, she would've sung that line in her track "Buckle Bunny," hoping for a social media share from the 32-time Grammy winner's account.
However, she's doing so alongside fellow Saturday night Nissan Stadium-scheduled performers Brittney Spencer, Tiera Kennedy and Reyna Roberts, having appeared on Queen Bey's "Cowboy Carter" album track "Blackbiird."
Imbued with her natural charisma and the confidence rising from a series of awareness-growing moments, she cooed and stomped through the viral hit and new single "Whiskey Blues."
Like Spencer a few years prior, Adell's debut appearance felt like the beginning of the artist being a necessary annual inclusion in CMA Fest's stadium lineups.
The War and Treaty duo hits every high note at Nissan
Welcome to the stage, in their CMA Fest Nissan Stadium debut, The War and Treaty.
The husband and wife dynamic duo of Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter performed a five-song set showcasing their rich vocals, gospel-country soundscapes and endearing love.
“We love everybody, how about that?” Michael said, grabbing his wife’s hand and raising it into the air. “Doesn’t Tanya look lovely y’all?”
“Doesn’t Michael look handsome?” she returned, turning him to show off his gold-and-black studded vest that read “PRIDE LIKE CHARLEY” on the back.
The Trotters have been crushing the country scene in 2024. They were nominated for two Grammys this year: Best American Roots Song for “Blank Page” and Best New Artist. They’ve also received nominations for the ACMs, CMAs and CMTs.
In “Yesterday’s Burn,” the two harmonized for about 20 seconds before Michael kissed his wife on the cheek. At the end, they shared a sweet kiss that led into their next song, “Stealing a Kiss.”
The two voices pierced every high note, lighting the arena on fire as the audience danced along to “Called You By Your Name,” a song that’s 1 day old.
“We released a song yesterday,” Tanya said. “I know they tell truth in Nashville so if you don’t like it, I want to hear what it sounds like to hear 40-50,000 people boo. Just kidding, I don’t want to hear that.”
The crowd erupted.
“No matter where we’re all from, love will always lead us back home. You believe that Nashville?” Michael said, before they closed with “Leads Me Home.”
Terri Clark honors classic country's timeless appeal
The recent career revival of 1990s and 2000s era country favorite Terri Clark now includes playing at Nissan Stadium alongside Ascend Amphitheater, Bridgestone Arena — and soon, Ryman Auditorium (on Aug. 29) — in the past 12 months.
The 2023 Canadian Music Hall of Famer kicked off the night portion of Day 3 at CMA Fest with a rousing rendition of her 2003 hit "I Just Wanna Be Mad."
Of late, the two-decade-long Grand Ole Opry member has been cited as a direct musical influence by Grammy winners Ashley McBryde, Carly Pearce and Lainey Wilson. She recently recorded an album of covers of her own hit songs with the trio (plus modern country chart-toppers including Lauren Alaina and Cody Johnson).
Clark, working with a seasoned band, its deft performance seamlessly blending bits of the chorus of Sheryl Crow's "All I Wanna Do" and the fiddle break from Dave Matthews Band's "What Would You Say" into her rendition of "I Wanna Do It All" engaged her best with the Nissan Stadium crowd.
Regardless of the crowd's abiding love or awakening awareness of her catalog of hits like "Girls Lie Too," she made her top-tier opening set undoubtedly entertaining.
Before taking the stage, Clark offered a statement to The Tennessean that highlighted why her sound and stylings were so palpably exciting:
"It's inspiring for me to realize that my hard work will never be forgotten."
Fans pile into Ascend to see legendary country music band Exile
It was likely one of the most relaxed performances of Saturday afternoon. Exile took the Dr Pepper Amp Stage at 3:30 p.m. and delivered a mellow yet memorable set, playing hit after hit from its extensive repertoire.
As a pack of about a hundred fans stood near the stage, hundreds more were sprawled out on the Ascend Amphitheater lawn.
While some snoozed on blankets, other enjoyed the cool shade beneath tents. Others enjoyed the various food and merch vendors nearby.
Halfway throughout the set, the band reminded the crowd that while it has been fortunate enough to have written its own hits, it also has been behind other songs that have been recorded by country, pop and bluegrass artists.
The band performed a medley of songs, written by Exile and recorded for other artists, which included "When She Cries," "Beautiful Mess" and "Take Me Down."
The band concluded its set with its 1978 hit "Kiss You All Over."
The Archive Nashville sells country stars' clothes for CMA Foundation
On the third level of the Music City Center, Fan Fair X holds an immersive experience for country music lovers. Complete with shopping, dining and two indoor stages — CMA Close Up Stage and Spotlight Stage — fans gain intimate access to their favorite country stars.
Among the shopping vendors, The Archive Nashville provides the chance to literally walk in a country artist’s shoes. Artists, including Jelly Roll, Ashley McBryde, Miranda Lambert and more, donated clothes from their closets for fans to purchase, with the proceeds going toward the CMA Foundation.
The Archive received clothes from 11 artists, and on the first day of CMA Fest, the company had to turn away others who were not able to participate in the beginning.
"We’ve had to say, ‘Next year,’ ” said Tiffany Gifford, celebrity stylist and organizer of The Archive Nashville. “I think we're for sure going to do it next year. The response has been so spectacular. People think it's a unique idea and the fact that it has a charitable arm to it and the fact that we're partnering with CMA legitimizes us as well."
Fans speedily sifted through the racks, excited to collect one-of-a-kind pieces from their favorite artists.
"Ashley McBryde fans are insane. I have never seen anything like that,” Gifford said, laughing. “We had someone here earlier that was WhatsApp videoing someone, in real time, who was in the U.K., about what was left so that she could buy it for her and send it to her. It was so crazy."
The Archive Nashville artist closet sale will be available again Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Blanco Brown delivers heartfelt, yet energy-driven performance on Chevy Vibes Stage
Fans probably weren't expecting to get so up close and personal with Blanco Brown during his performance Saturday afternoon on the Chevy Vibes Stage.
Brown, who first gained recognition in 2019 for his single "The Git Up," began his smooth, soulful set with covers of "A Change Is Gonna Come" and "Tennessee Whiskey," while simultaneously caressing his French bulldog, Dolly Houston.
Brown then approached the first row of the crowd, serenading a select few lucky fans with his song "Good As It Gets."
To the crowd's surprise, Brown entered the sea of fans, gifting red roses while the DJ kept the energy going by playing "Thank You for Being a Friend," "Party In The USA" and Brown's "Sunshine Shine."
Brown ended his set with a performance of his new nostalgia-filled song, "Snapshot."
"God can lead you through any circumstances," he said to the crowd before exiting the stage. "I made it, so can you."
Legendary Grand Ole Opry member Jeannie Seely, joined by Chapel Hart and others, receives standing ovation during Fan Fair X
About 200 people were seated at the CMA Close Up Stage Saturday afternoon during Fan Fair X to listen to a discussion from Grand Ole Opry members, including Jeannie Seely, one of the longest running members of the historic venue, inducted in 1967.
Seely was joined by Mark Wills, inducted in 2019, T. Graham Brown, inducted in 2024, and sister trio Chapel Hart.
"I'm so proud to be a member of the Grand Ole Opry," Brown said. "The Opry is still the only place I get nervous. I don't get nervous anywhere else."
Brown delivered a performance of "I Tell It Like It Used to Be," his 1986 single from his album of the same name, while Chapel Hart sang backup vocals.
Chapel Hart made its Grand Ole Opry debut in 2022. The self-described "crazy girls from backwoods Mississippi" said they felt it was hard to be nervous at the time of their debut because everyone was so kind and welcoming.
Chapel Hart performed one of the first songs it sang on the Opry stage, "Made For Me," while one very enthusiastic attendee danced near the stage and took selfies with the group.
The show concluded with a group performance of "Will The Circle Be Unbroken," which received a roaring standing ovation from the crowd.
The War and Treaty soulful in duo's first set of Day 3
In their trademark custom couture, Country Music Award-nominated duo The War and Treaty hit the Chevy Riverfront Stage at 10:45 a.m.
The husband-and-wife duo, Michel Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter, sang a soulful 30-minute set, including their new single, “Called You By Your Name,” enthralling the crowd seated on the grassy hill of Riverfront Park.
More than a dozen boats floated by, taking advantage of the Riverfront Stage's position along the banks of the Cumberland River to listen to the multiple Grammy-nominated duo, whose appeal and popularity continue to grow.
The War and Treaty will cross the river tonight to perform on Nissan Stadium's Main Stage at 8:30 p.m.
National Weather Service: Saturday sunny, but expect rain Sunday
The third day of CMA Fest is expected to be sunny and dry. However, the National Weather Service anticipates showers overnight Saturday and into Sunday morning.
Saturday's temperatures are expected to be in the high 80s. There is a slight chance of showers before 2 p.m.
"This pleasantry (weather) will gradually come to an end today," the weather service said.
According to NWS, rain chances will increase significantly after midnight and into Sunday morning as widespread showers and thunderstorms arrive from the northwest.
The chance of precipitation on Sunday is 70%.
Storms and showers will move out of the area by midday Sunday. However, a strong storm or two shouldn't be ruled out, according to the weather service.
Top picks for Saturday at CMA Fest
10:15-11 a.m.
Chevy Vibes Stage — When all is said and done, Dasha will be as much defined by her Northern California and Nashville Belmont University-honed pen as a singer-songwriter than kissing off exes while wishing them to end up "drunk, washed up in Austin." Well, yes, of course, we're well aware that her line-dancing stomper is one of Summer 2024's most defining anthems. But as she told The Tennessean, at her core, she's "a California girl with a Southern heart."
11:45-12:30 p.m.
Fan Fair X — Fan Fair X 2024 is filled with spaces and occurrences very much in line with what CMA Fest was when, until 1999, it was held at Nashville's Fairgrounds. Among those events include "50 Years at The Opry House, a conversation at the CMA Close Up Stage hosted by Mark Wills and featuring fellow Grand Ole Opry member Jeannie Seely and more. The Opry's half-century on Opryland Drive has seen everyone from President Richard Nixon and Tanya Tucker astride a world champion stallion to Garth Brooks and Carrie Underwood, plus Jelly Roll and latest cast member Lainey Wilson perform on its stage in its vaunted wooden circle. Learn more about why country's legacy remains fundamentally unbroken.
2-3 p.m.
Chevy Vibes Stage — Blanco Brown will have a crowd laughing and dancing long before they've realized why he's, underratedly, one of country music's most captivating live performers. In under five years, he's compiled — via his chart-topping single "The Git Up," cover of "Tennessee Whiskey" and latest singles like "Sunshine State — a body of work that compels a listener to regard him as a peerless creator immediately. The Atlanta-born creator's veteran work in both country and hip-hop authentically traverse core memories in both genre's traditions of the past three decades. Wherever those tastes land during his set will reveal something worthy of time and interest.
3-3:30 p.m.
Fan Fair X Spotlight Stage — There will come a day in country music when every aspiring pop diva who comes to adore three chords and the truth will count North Carolina native Camille Parker as a significant inspiration. She's cosigned by everyone. No, we mean everyone. Apple Music Radio and Apple TV, CMT, the Grand Ole Opry and Mediabase's country charts scratch the surface. In Saturday's "remember when" moment that CMA Fest is so well regarded for having for so many of the genre's breakout stars, we'll probably recall a day when Parker was still under the radar enough to warrant intimacy, instead of thousands of screaming fans, to herald her work.
4-5 p.m.
Riverfront Stage — Your boyfriend and his friends' favorite country band is East Tennessee state line-based 49 Winchester. In fact, we'll tell you already that he won't mind camping out in downtown Nashville's sweltering late spring heat to hear them play songs like "Russell County Line." If you're a Nashville native, you probably just spent hard-earned money to witness the band graduate from playing headlining sets at venues like the EXIT/IN (yeah, we know, the legendary Music City rock club is the foundation of their ballad "Damn Darlin'") to opening for Tyler Childers at Bridgestone Arena. They'll be superstars playing across the Cumberland River in short order
Friday saw stages at capacity and classic country moments
On CMA Fest's second day, rabid crowds lured by country music's meteoric rise in mainstream popularity arrived downtown Nashville in droves.
Two of CMA Fest's daytime stages — Reverb in front of Bridgestone Arena and Riverfront on the Cumberland River's banks — were closed to additional fans by midafternoon due to overcrowding.
However, that didn't deny the crowd's excitement over seeing established performers like chart-toppers BRELAND and Colbie Caillat, plus America's most unexpected top-selling country performer of 2024, Shaboozey.
Alongside the day celebrating the past two generations of pop intersecting with country music, the evening's offerings at Nissan Stadium highlighted the modern era's latest contributions to the genre's timeless traditions.
Highlights including Cody Johnson's 'real deal' superstardom-entrenching performance, Clint Black crashing Jon Pardi's party, Kelsea Ballerini's breakup anthems and Luke Bryan closing out the night.
What happened on Night 2: From classic country to modern superstars, 5 moments that defined Day 2 at CMA Fest
Highlights from CMA Fest
The past two days have been filled with action packed performances, surprise guests and project announcements.
Dolly Parton revealed plans for a Nashville hotel and Kelsea Ballerini launched her coffee line. They both divulged details about upcoming albums.
Post Malone said he's here to stay in country music when he made a surprise appearance at Nissan Stadium Thursday night with Blake Shelton to perform an unreleased duet "Pour Me A Drink."
On Friday, break-out artist Shaboozey drew such a large crowd at the Reverb stage, officers were forced to close gates to control the capacity limit.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: CMA Fest 2024 updates: Lainey Wilson charts her course to superstardom
