After covering the first half of CMA Fest 2025 in Part 1, we approached the weekend with one goal: keep finding artists who break the mold. Our blog has always been about spotlighting voices that stand out—whether it’s because of their sound, their story, or the way they connect with a crowd. Country music might not be our main focus, but when someone delivers something that feels fresh, fearless, or emotionally true, it’s worth paying attention—no matter your usual genre.
Saturday’s weather cleared just in time for a full lineup of performers across stages big and small. From veteran legends to first-time discoveries, the next two days reminded us why showing up—especially to something outside your usual comfort zone—is always worth it.
And as a reminder (and shameless plug for a non-profit) while it may be built on fandom, CMA Fest also serves a larger purpose. Proceeds support the CMA Foundation, which funds music education programs across the U.S.—an effort that resonates far beyond Lower Broadway. Whether you’re here for the hits or hoping to stumble across something new, it’s an event where passion and purpose share the stage.
SATURDAY AT CMA FEST 2025: A LITTLE RAIN BUT THE SHOW GOES ON
Tanner Adell – Chevy Riverfront Stage
On Saturday afternoon, Tanner Adell took the Chevy Riverfront Stage—and yes, she was correct when she said she likely brought the only all-female band we saw at CMA Fest 2025. With strong pop influences that steer away from conventional “pop-country,” her set stood out as fresh and full of energy.
Her confident stage presence instantly made you take notice. She’s not just a singer, she’s a performer. Her set delivered a modern sound—beat-driven and sure to turn heads when contrasted with the cliche top-40 country crowd. Notably, Adell introduced a new, then-unreleased track called “Snakeskin,” a bold, emotionally charged song about keeping people at arm’s length. Look for it coming out
Seeing her perform on one of the festival’s major daytime stages was a moment worth noticing.
Lorrie Morgan – Chevy Vibes Stage At Walk Of Fame Park
After Tanner Adell’s modern pop flair, we made our way back to the Chevy Vibes stage at Walk of Fame park for a country music icon: Lorrie Morgan. We’ve had the privilege of seeing Morgan perform in Nashville several times, and she remains as committed as ever to putting on a show—not just for the sake of performance, but because she genuinely loves connecting with her fans.
A legend of classic country, Morgan brought her signature warmth and charisma to the stage. She delivered favorites like “Except for Monday” and “What Part of No,” as fans sang along.
There’s something special about watching a performer who clearly enjoys every moment on stage. Morgan reminded everyone that timeless country music—and the joy of sharing it—still holds a powerful place at CMA Fest.
Roan Ash
Sometimes the most memorable sets are the ones you don’t plan for. We were rushing toward a different stage when we heard a voice that made us stop in our tracks—literally. We did a full skid-halt and turned back to find a small, unmarked stage near a booth advertising Chevy cars. No signs, no app listing, and no clue who we were listening to. After asking around, I learned it was Roan Ash.
A South Africa native now based in Nashville, Ash blends country, rock, and soul with a voice that feels both rooted and spellbinding. We came in not knowing a thing about him and ended up staying for the rest of his set, letting the artist we meant to see unfortunately fall into the “next time” column.
Songs like “Whiskey to My Soul” and “If I Ever Saw Heaven” were standouts—not because of flashy instrumentation, but because of their emotional clarity and lyrical depth. His performance felt like what CMA Fest was meant to be about: connecting through music, even in the most unexpected places.
Peytan Porter – Hard Rock Stage
As the skies opened up on Saturday afternoon, Peytan Porter took the Hard Rock Stage—and the rain did nothing to slow her momentum. Her set blended country with a subtle rock edge, giving the songs a little more grit and drive than your standard radio fare.
A group of fans had clearly come just to see her, singing along to nearly every word. Even with the weather, the energy in the crowd stayed high—people weren’t just politely listening, they were invested.
Porter’s voice had the clarity and she employed it with confidence, making each song feel bold.
Rita Wilson – Chevy Vibes Stage
Later in the afternoon, we made our way to the Chevy Vibes Stage, where Rita Wilson delivered one of the most vocally powerful sets of the weekend. While not a traditional country artist, Wilson brought a classic sensibility to her performance—less twang and more timelessness—with big vocals that commanded attention and took center stage throughout.
She spoke candidly about reaching the milestone of being ten years cancer-free, drawing supportive cheers from the crowd. That moment gave weight to her song “Throw Me a Party,” which she said she had written in case things didn’t work out. The song, though lighthearted, was also grounded, not just in her voice, but in the life experience behind it.
She also brought fire with “W.O.W. (Wild Ol’ Woman),” a swagger-filled anthem that celebrates defiance, experience, and unapologetic womanhood at any age. The crowd caught the vibe instantly—dancing, cheering, and singing along—and even one particularly notable guest in the wings looked on, clearly enjoying the moment, nodding along in approval.
Reyna Roberts – Dr Pepper Amp Stage
We closed out Saturday with Reyna Roberts, whose explosive set at the Dr Pepper Amp Stage redefined what “outlaw country” can sound like. Her music isn’t pop country or standard country rock—it’s something far more aggressive and genre-bending, weaving together elements of rock, R&B, and trap while staying grounded in country themes.
Her voice had a fire to it—powerful, controlled, and delivered with conviction—and the music behind her matched that intensity note for note. It was a set that felt closer to a rock show than a typical country festival performance, but one that still made perfect sense in the CMA Fest mix.
Roberts was also one of the most engaged performers of the day, interacting with the crowd throughout and even stepping down off the stage during her final song to connect with fans face-to-face. Her version of outlaw country may not fit the traditional mold, but that’s exactly what made her performance so memorable.
SUNDAY AT CMA FEST 2025: SUMMER
Maddie Lenhart – Spotlight Stage at CMA Fan Fair X Experience
We started Sunday at the Spotlight Stage inside of the CMA Fan Fair X Experience with a performance that reminded us why singer-songwriters will always matter. Maddie Lenhart delivered one of the most lyrically thoughtful sets of the entire festival. Supported by acoustic guitar, dobro, and minimal percussion, the Americana vibe was complete.
Lenhart’s vocals were rich and clear, and her presence on stage felt sincere and grounded. Her songs such as “A Rock,” full of emotional honesty, offered a soul-baring openness that drew the crowd in. She joked that they weren’t autobiographical—though you wouldn’t guess it from the depth of feeling behind them. It was a set that put lyrics and vocals in the spotlight and they dazzled.
Willow Avalon – Good Molecules Reverb Stage
Later in the day at the Good Molecule Reverb Stage, Willow Avalon impressed with a sound deeply rooted in traditional country. Her set, which included songs like “The Actor” and “Homewrecker,” showcased not only her songwriting but her respect for country instrumentation, complete with pedal steel and crying guitar.
Even after five full days of live music and more than 40 sets under our belt, Avalon still felt instantly engaging. Her delivery was genuine and her stage presence was effortlessly magnetic—one of those artists you want to keep watching and listening to.
With so many artists leaning into genre blending or crossover potential, Avalon’s approach was refreshing: modern in spirit, but with a clear love for the sounds and structures that shaped classic country.
ABBEY CONE
Country singer-songwriter Abbey Cone brought an intimate set to the Hard Rock Stage on Sunday. Backed only by an acoustic guitarist, her stripped-down setup created a space where her voice and lyrics took full focus. Cone’s performance felt personal and unguarded, giving the sense that she was sharing something deeply real with every song. Her ability to connect was undeniable—not through theatrics, but through subtle conviction and raw vocal delivery.
A member of CMT’s Next Women of Country Class of 2020 and an artist who’s built her career on honest songwriting, Cone’s minimalistic stage presence made an impact. Cone’s set was a reminder that emotional impact doesn’t require volume. With nothing to hide behind, she leaned into the vulnerability of a quiet stage and delivered a performance that felt honest, deliberate, and artistically assured.
As Nashville lit up for one more night of music, our CMA Fest 2025 experience wound down. From rising stars to hidden gems, over 40 performances gave us a deeper look at what country music is—and where it’s going. We’ll be back in 2026, ready to listen, discover, and see what new voices rise to the surface!
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