The 5 Performances That Completely Stole the Show During ABC's CMA Fest TV Special
- All Country News
- 24 hours ago
- 3 min read
Every year, CMA Fest delivers unforgettable moments. But this year's ABC television special wasn't just another highlight reel, it reminded fans exactly why country music is having such a massive moment.
From emotional solo performances to long-awaited reunions, these were the five performances we haven't stopped talking about.
#5 – Tim McGraw & Lainey Wilson Bring Nashville Together With "I Like It, I Love It"
Some songs never get old.
Tim McGraw dusted off one of the biggest anthems of his career and invited Lainey Wilson along for the ride, creating one of the night's biggest singalongs. Wilson's unmistakable grit paired perfectly with McGraw's timeless swagger, turning Nissan Stadium into one giant chorus.
It wasn't flashy. It didn't need to be. It was simply country music at its best.
#4 – Ella Langley Proves She's One of Country Music's Brightest New Stars With Smash Hit "Choosin' Texas"
Ella Langley continues to prove she's far more than country music's newest breakout.
Her performance was confident, commanding and packed with the kind of edge that's quickly made her one of the genre's most exciting artists. With every lyric, Langley looked right at home on one of country music's biggest stages, reminding everyone why her rise has felt inevitable.
If there were any doubts before CMA Fest, there shouldn't be now.
#3 – The Red Clay Strays Deliver Pure Magic With "Fools Gold"
The Red Clay Strays don't perform songs, they live inside them.
Their performance of "Fool's Gold" was haunting, soulful and effortlessly authentic.
While much of the night leaned into stadium-sized production, the Alabama band let the music do all the heavy lifting.
It felt raw. It felt real. And it may have introduced millions of television viewers to one of the most compelling bands in modern country.
#2 – Stephen Wilson Jr. Left the Entire Stadium Speechless With "Gary"
Just one man.
One guitar.
One song.
Stephen Wilson Jr. didn't need fireworks or flashy production to deliver one of the night's most unforgettable moments. His performance of "Gary" was heartbreak in its purest form, honest, vulnerable and impossible to look away from.
For a few minutes, the noise of CMA Fest disappeared. All that mattered was the story.
It was the kind of performance that reminds you songwriting will always be country music's greatest superpower.
#1 – Florida Georgia Line Shock the Country World With Surprise Reunion
Nobody saw this coming.
Years after going their separate ways, Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley walked onto the CMA Fest stage together for an emotional surprise reunion, performing their chart-topping smash "Cruise" for the first time in years.
The crowd absolutely erupted.
Phones shot into the air. Fans screamed every word. Social media exploded almost instantly as one of country music's biggest duos reunited where it all began.
Whether this turns into more performances remains to be seen, but for one unforgettable night, Florida Georgia Line reminded everyone why they became one of the biggest acts country music has ever seen.
The Verdict
CMA Fest has always been about creating moments fans remember forever.
This year's television special delivered plenty of them, from future stars cementing their place to legendary artists reminding us why they became icons in the first place. But if one thing became crystal clear, it's this:
Country music is thriving, and nights like these are exactly why fans keep coming back.
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