CMA Fest 2024 has officially begun. Thursday night’s (June 6) opening show at Nissan Stadium launched the four-night event with a bang, featuring performances from Thomas Rhett, Ashley McBryde, Jordan Davis, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and others, with plenty of surprise guests.
CMA CEO Sarah Trahern welcomed everyone to the 51st annual festival, reminding the crowd that proceeds benefit music education through the CMA Foundation. After Reyna Roberts delivered a stirring rendition of the National Anthem, the festivities commenced.
Craig Morgan was the first artist on stage, delivering nostalgic favorites like his 2005 hits “Redneck Yacht Club” and “That’s What I Love About Sunday.” By the time he performed “Almost Home,” Nissan Stadium was fully engaged.
Morgan, an army veteran who reenlisted in the army reserve earlier this year, dedicated much of his set to honoring military members and first responders. He moved the crowd with his cover of Gavin DeGraw’s “Soldier,” and energized them by closing with “International Harvester,” leaving the audience eager for more.
Next, Jordan Davis took the stage, kicking off with “Take It From Me.” He quickly transitioned into his first No. 1 hit, “Singles You Up,” using the stadium’s vast stage to interact closely with the crowd.
Davis smoothly sailed through his set, smiling at fans during “Tucson Too Late” and “Slow Dance In A Parking Lot.” He shared his journey from moving to Nashville in 2012 to becoming a father of three and a husband before performing “Next Thing You Know.” His renditions of the 2022 CMA Song of the Year “Buy Dirt” and “What My World Spins Around” were highlights of the night, with fans singing along and swaying to the music.
The audience then turned their attention to the Platform Stage where country trio Chapel Hart delighted fans with “This Girl Likes Fords” and “You Can Have Him Jolene.”
Back on the main stage, Ashley McBryde, also co-hosting the CMA Fest television special with Jelly Roll, ignited the crowd with “Blackout Betty” and “One Night Standards.” Her performance of “Girl Going Nowhere” was especially poignant as she reflected on her journey to becoming a Grand Ole Opry member.
McBryde continued to captivate with “Women Ain’t Whiskey” and “Light On In The Kitchen” before surprising fans by bringing Gretchen Wilson on stage for a rousing performance of “Redneck Woman.” She kept the energy high with “Martha Divine” and “The Devil I Know,” leaving the crowd thoroughly entertained.
Fans then turned back to the Platform Stage for Dylan Gossett’s set, featuring his viral hit “Coal” and “If I Had a Lover.”
Before the main stage resumed, newcomer Shaboozey energized the stadium from a small stage with his hit “A Bar Song (Tipsy).”
Thomas Rhett followed, kicking off his set with “Look What God Gave Her” and his 20th No. 1 hit “Half of Me.” He previewed new music from his upcoming album About A Woman with “Gone Country,” then returned to fan favorites like “Make Me Wanna,” “Beautiful As You,” “Mamaw’s House,” and “Crash and Burn.” The crowd danced and sang along to “What’s Your Country Song” and “Die a Happy Man.”
The night’s biggest surprise came when Post Malone appeared on the small stage. The audience sprang to their feet as he performed his debut country single “I Had Some Help” and was joined by Blake Shelton for their collaboration “Somebody Pour Me a Drink,” creating a memorable moment for everyone at Nissan Stadium.
