Blake Shelton brought veteran energy to his 25th consecutive CMA Fest performance, taking the Nissan Stadium main stage on Friday, June 5, as the world’s longest-running country music festival entered its second night in Nashville.
Shelton opened his set with his 2013 No. 1 single “Boys ‘Round Here,” immediately drawing a sing-along from the crowd. He followed with “Texas,” one of his most beloved hits, before shifting the tempo with “She Wouldn’t Be Gone,” a 2008 track that was among his early chart-toppers.
“I’ve been doing CMA Fest this year, for 25 years,” Shelton told the crowd, highlighting his quarter-century relationship with the festival. He then performed his 2025 single “Let Him In Anyway,” continuing with “God Gave Me You” to show the range that has made him an iconic figure in country music.
CMA Fest, presented by SoFi, ran June 4-7, 2026, across multiple stages in downtown Nashville. The four-day festival is the longest-running country music festival in the world, drawing thousands of fans and featuring over 100 artists across its venues, according to the CMA Fest official website.
Friday’s main stage lineup at Nissan Stadium also featured Cody Johnson, who closed the evening as the final performer, Keith Urban, Shaboozey, and The Red Clay Strays. Opening act Jo Dee Messina kicked off the night with hits including “I’m Alright” and “Lesson In Leavin’,” and brought surprise performer Lauren Daigle onstage for a worship duet.
Keith Urban delivered an unconventional performance that leaned into his new yacht rock direction, opening with a cover of Robbie Dupree’s 1980 single “Steal Away” and even bringing out Michael McDonald as a special guest. Shaboozey opened his high-energy set with his brand-new single “Cowgirl,” released June 5, before performing his chart-topping collaboration with Jelly Roll, “Amen.”
The Band Perry reunited for a satellite stage performance, opening with their breakout hit “If I Die Young” and closing with their new song “Psychological.” The Red Clay Strays delivered an introspective set rooted in soul and country tradition, while Cody Johnson closed the night with a standout 30-minute set that included “Travelin’ Soldier” and a surprise appearance by Brothers Osborne to perform their new collaboration “Fool Proof.”
Sources
- The Tennessean — Blake Shelton’s setlist, 25-year history at CMA Fest, and detailed coverage of Friday night performances
- CMA Fest official website — Festival dates (June 4-7, 2026), main stage lineup, and confirmation that CMA Fest is the world’s longest-running country music festival
