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Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Luke Bryan, Ashley McBryde, Zach Top among Sunday's unforgettable moments at CMA Fest
Bailey Zimmerman's heart-on-his-sleeve passion. Luke Bryan's earnest, aw-shucks appeal. Dierks Bentley and Ashley McBryde showcasing stellar song catalogues and band leadership. With all of this and a lot more along the way Sunday evening, the 52nd CMA Fest closed its 2025 edition with a slate of established and rising country artists shining brightly as ever. Some say country music is about faith, family and fun. For others, the genre boils down to three chords and the truth. But it's the power in how superstars deliver those values that has kept the genre's fans coming back to Music City's Nissan Stadium year after year. And yes, even multi-platinum-selling rapper BigXThaPlug joined the festivities for his Zimmerman duet "All The Way," showing that when it hits just right, country music's appeal is stunningly broad and undeniable. Here are the night's most memorable moments: Co-signs from Alan Jackson and Dierks Bentley are among the reasons why Zach Top's 2024-released debut album "Cold Beer and Country Music" emerged as one of last year's must-listen smashes. His Sunday evening set at the 52nd CMA Fest ushered in the next chapter of showcasing his uncanny ability to blend top-tier musicianship with deceptively simple songwriting into a hit-making blend. Top's performance of "Sounds Like The Radio" swept the crowd into an almost immediate two-stepping frenzy. More than ever, his sound feels comfortably flexible in filling floors on dancehall nights, appealing to a crowd at the Ryman Auditorium, or in any of the larger arenas, amphitheaters, or stadiums that have dotted his tour schedule for the past few years. Songs like "Bad Luck," recent radio chart-topper "I Never Lie" and cheating anthem "Use Me" showcase the emotional range of his work. The latter's use of the pedal steel guitar adds an appreciable whiskey-woozy vibe to the waltz-time tempo. Top also debuted his self-described "hopefully next great summer country anthem," 'Good Times & Tan Lines' during the set. Time will tell if his assertion is correct, but the fawning approval of 50,000 country fans to its honky-tonk twang on a perfect Nashville Sunday night feels like it's off to a great start. Back-to-back years' CMA Fest co-host Ashley McBryde brought her swagger to the Nissan Stadium stage. As expected, the tattooed and leather pant-clad rocker performed a rousing blend of rootsy and authentically heartfelt sounds. The CMA award winner's scintillating "Rattlesnake Preacher" kicked off her set, followed by "Made For This," the 2023 ode to her hard-touring lifestyle and "Devil I Know" album track. McBryde performing a cover of Don Henley's "Boys of Summer" was unexpected. But the performer and her band are skilled in whipping up excitable crowd, even when it means defying genre expectations. Her rendition was a sing-along moment. There's something about songs like "Ain't Enough Water In The River" and "One Night Standards" that makes them feel like well-worn A-sides and B-sides of long-treasured records. "The thing I love about country music is that sad songs keep us happy and cheating songs keep us faithful," McBryde said before playing the "cheating song" "Tired Of Being Happy." McBryde closed her set by welcoming the New Orleans Roots of Music band to the stage. The group that promotes the Crescent City's musical heritage through music education and mentorship received a round of applause. Twenty-one year-old Avery Anna achieved her biggest dreams of country stardom via her performance on CMA Fest's platform stage in the center of the crowd at Nissan Stadium. Briefly overwhelmed by the opportunity, she played a vulnerable rendition of "Indigo," her grief-stricken duet with Sam Barber, which currently rising through the ranks of the country radio charts. She stopped at the end of her chorus, eyes welling with tears. 'I can't sing the last line,' she said, smiling. Another underground-to-mainstream success story, Big Loud-signed Alabama native Kashus Culpepper performed "After Me?" and "Pour Me Out," two of his growing collection of earnestly sung and well-regarded material, on Nissan Stadium's platform stage. "Blows my mind," the blues, folk, gospel and soul-rooted rising star offered to an impressed crowd. Dierks Bentley, the "Burning Man" himself, brought the crowd to their feet the second the first guitar strum lit the stage afire. "This is the greatest weekend of our lives, we call it the 'Country Music singers' Thanksgiving,'" Bentley told the crowd. Audience cutaways showed fans swaying their hands and lip syncing, "I've been gone, I've been gone, I've been sittin' on the couch watching TV all day long." Bentley's gravel-edge rasp flowed like a smooth river. He injected energy into Nissan Stadium his toe-tapping singles, "Burnin' Man," "Gone" and "Free and Easy (Down the Road I Go)." Bentley is set to release his album, "Broken Branches," on June 13. He offered a taste with his final song, "She Hates Me." "This is the all-star fans, the greatest of the greats," Bentley bragged to the audience of country music's No. 1 fans. "Such an honor to be here." The father of three brought Zach Top back to the stage for a hip-swaying, knee-slapping rendition of Alabama's classic "Mountain Music." Before letting Top go, Bentley put his arm around the 27-year-old in a fatherly way, "Let me tell you something about this guy… This is the future of country music right here, Zach Top. Now get your ass out of here." Bentley jumped into "What Was I Thinking?" and then took a literal meaning to the song title, telling the crowd that it was his last song and walking off. Before he escaped the spotlight, he paused and counted his fingers. He then had an "aha moment," turned around and said he had one more song, his mega hit, "Drunk on a Plane." Luke Bryan, 30 No. 1 hits (and counting), closed CMA Fest with a set primarily comprised of instantly recognizable country radio anthems, including his most recent "Mind of A Country Boy" album hit, "Love You, Miss You, Mean It." Appropriately, the "American Idol" co-host opened with "I Don't Want This Night to End" and "Kick The Dust Up," a pair of still-beloved, decade-old hits. Strapping on an electric guitar and leading his band headlong into "What Makes You Country," Bryan flashed a youthful smile. The opportunity to close CMA Fest motivated Bryan to push his vocal and instrumental abilities to the limit. Did that include sitting at a piano to perform the crowd favorite power ballad "Strip It Down?" It sure did. Before a still eager Sunday evening crowd, his hip-shimmying cheekiness showcased during "Knockin' Boots" and "That's My Kind of Night" and the most commonplace of rural ideals, say, like, "hunting, fishing and loving every day," translated to ear-warming choruses. As the night wore into Monday morning, Bryan unleashed "Country Girl Shake It For Me," arguably his career-defining hit. The type of frenzy the banjo-driven down-home rocker whips fans into hit a new level as CMA Fest closed. During the celebration, a Nissan Stadium security guard and "Rodney," a Resistol hat and American flag overall-clad fan, were invited onstage to dance alongside the country superstar. "We love you Nashville," offered Bryan as his band played into the night. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: CMA Fest: Luke Bryan, Ashley McBryde, Zach Top among the best moments
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
How Bailey Zimmerman, BigXthaPlug created CMA Fest's top crossover moment
On the closing night of CMA Fest 2025, Bailey Zimmerman welcomed BigXthaPlug to the stage with him to perform their song "All The Way." The 27-year-old Dallas rapper, born Xavier Landum, rapped alongside the 25-year-old country singer, who is best known for songs "Rock and a Hard Place" and "Religiously." Zimmerman and BigX joined Dierks Bentley and Luke Bryan for the bill on the festival's fourth night at Nashville's Nissan Stadium. Their performance is also part of ABC's three-hour TV special airing on June 26. CMA Fest 2025 on ABC: How to watch, stream special hosted by Ashley McBryde and Cody Johnson The crowd burst into applause when Zimmerman called BigX out to perform their genre-blending collaboration, which released in April as the lead single from BigX's upcoming EP. "All The Way" brings together elements of pop-country and hip-hop, partnering trap beats with twangy choruses on the heartbreak tune. "Don't let me down easy, if you're gonna leave me / Baby, go and leave me all the way," Zimmerman sings. "Said you'd try and hold on 'cause the love was so strong, now I'm standing alone this kitchen / Singin' sad songs, but I'm knowin' that this s*** don't last long," BigX raps. "If you leavin', then leave 'cause your bags gone / But just know, you can never come back home." The tune marks another successful country-hip-hop crossover in an increasingly genre-bending musical landscape. Other artists who have paved the way by marrying the two genres include Morgan Wallen, Jelly Roll, Post Malone, Nelly, and Lil Nas X. CMA Fest 2026 will be held from June 4-7, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. The four-night stadium passes went on sale June 26 at 10 a.m. CT via Ticketmaster. Audrey Gibbs is a music journalist at The Tennessean. You can reach her at agibbs@ This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Bailey Zimmerman and BigXthaPlug's genre-blending CMA Fest moment
Style Blueprint
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Style Blueprint
20 Nashville Events in July 2025
Summer is in full swing, and Nashville is alive with can't-miss celebrations. From Fourth of July fireworks to live music, food festivals, rooftop parties, and family-friendly fun, July is packed with standout events. Here are some of our favorite ways to soak up the season in Music City. July 1 – 3, 18 – 20 & 22 – 27, 2025: Nashville Sounds Home Games Cheer on your Nashville Sounds in July as they go head-to-head with Memphis, Indianapolis, and Charlotte. On July 3, join the Sounds for a special Independence Day celebration at the ballpark filled with fun, fireworks, and a showdown with the Redbirds. As always, this month's schedule offers a variety of promotional nights, including Throwback Thursday and Sunday Family Fun Day. To see the complete schedule and purchase tickets, visit July 4, 2025: Red, White, & Boom Celebrate July Fourth at Adventure Science Center's Red, White, & Boom event, complete with interactive exhibits, live science and magic shows, outdoor games, food trucks, and DJ-backed fireworks starting at 9:30 p.m. Tickets begin at $45 for adults and $35 for kids. (Note: Planetarium combos and member discounts are also available.) July 4, 2025: 4th of July Rooftop Party Fairlane Hotel's 4th of July rooftop party is a 21+ bash featuring a backyard BBQ buffet, an open bar, live music, terrace seating, and stunning downtown fireworks views. General-admission tickets are $360 per person, which includes 20% gratuity and the option to stay overnight at the hotel. July 4, 2025: Let Freedom Sing! Music City July 4th Downtown Nashville's Let Freedom Sing! Music City July 4th lights up from noon to 10 p.m., with free live music all afternoon (including headliner Dierks Bentley, plus Russell Dickerson, Niko Moon, Grace Bowers, Keesha Rainey and more), a family‑friendly Amazon Fun Zone, food trucks, and one of the nation's largest fireworks and drone shows synced to the Grammy‑winning Nashville Symphony at Ascend Amphitheater. July 4, 2025: 19th Annual Music City Hot Chicken Festival The Music City Hot Chicken Festival at East Park kicks off with a fire truck parade at 10:30 a.m. The free event also includes hot chicken from top local spots, cold Yazoo beer, food vendors, live local music, and an amateur hot chicken cook‑off. The all‑ages, rain‑or‑shine event benefits Metro Parks & Recreation. July 4, 2025: Free as a Bird: 4th of July VIP Celebration High above downtown at Rare Bird, the Free as a Bird: 4th of July VIP Celebration takes flight at 7 p.m., with exclusive rooftop seating, a top‑shelf open bar, premium food stations and passed appetizers, a live DJ, and unbeatable views of fireworks. (Note: This event is 21+.) July 4, 2025: Music City July 4th 5K The Music City July 4th 5K kicks off from Centennial Park with a scenic, all-ages run/walk past iconic Nashville landmarks. Runners receive a commemorative medal and participant tee, with a free Kids Fun Run for ages 5 and under, plus a dog-friendly option. July 4, 2025: The Emo Cowgirl 4th of July Celebrate Independence Day at The Emo Cowgirl 4th of July rooftop pop‑up at L27. The event includes live music, themed cocktails (like the 'Am I Okay?' with Bacardi, lemon, and blueberry), festive bites, and unbeatable views of the Nashville Symphony-synchronized fireworks. Tickets start at $30. July 4, 2025: 4th of July at Play Playground This Independence Day, head to one of downtown Nashville's most vibrant rooftops for an unforgettable night of games, music, and skyline views. Play Playground's immersive party experience includes bold cocktails, nostalgic games, and a live DJ spinning all night. Choose from VIP or General Admission options, both offering rooftop access, epic entertainment, and a front-row seat to the fireworks! July 4, 2025: Fourth of July Pool Party Conrad Nashville's Fourth of July Pool Party splashes into the hotel's stunning terrace-top pool deck at 10 a.m., featuring refreshing drinks, a festive buffet, and DJ tunes. Tickets are available via July 4, 2025: All-American July 4th Bash Buffet Just an hour from Nashville at Wildwood Resort & Marina in Granville, TN, the July 4th All‑American Bash Buffet kicks off at 5 p.m. Enjoy everything from live music to a lakeside buffet and family-friendly activities. Admission is $29.99 for adults and $14.99 for kids 12 and younger. The regular food menu is also available. July 5, 12, 19 & 26, 2025: Nashville Zoo's Summer Splash The Summer Splash series at Nashville Zoo transforms Festival Field into a refreshing water wonderland every Saturday in July and August. From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., the event includes splash attractions, themed animal enrichment activities, and educational talks on how animals stay cool. Admission is included with regular zoo entry. July 5, 2025: All You Need is Love Concert Cheekwood's rescheduled All You Need is Love Concert with renowned Beatles tribute band, Forever Abbey Road, takes place on July 5 at 6 p.m. From beloved hits like 'Hey Jude' to 'Come Together,' this nostalgic evening offers a dynamic tribute for all ages. July 6, 2025: Star Wars: Under The Stars Star Wars: Under the Stars with the Nashville Symphony lands at Ascend Amphitheater. Featuring conductor Nathan Aspinall, you can hear epic scores from across the Star Wars saga, like 'The Phantom Menace Suite,' 'The Rise of Skywalker: The Speeder Chase,' and more. Tickets start at $32. July 11 & 12, 2025: Celebration of Summer Jam at Watkins Glen The Celebration of Summer Jam at Watkins Glen hits Analog at the Hutton Hotel this month. The 21+ throwback celebration of the iconic 1973 festival features music by the Allman Brothers Band, Grateful Dead, and the Band. Tickets start at $15. July 12, 2025: Summer Fest Summer Fest at the Nashville Farmers' Market bursts into life on July 12 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The free, family‑friendly celebration features live music by The Nashville Band, a kids' zone with pony rides and a petting zoo, cooking demos with tastings, Aztec dance performances, and more. July 12, 2025: Wine Tasting: France vs. Italy On July 12, Yolan at The Joseph hosts 'Wine Tasting: France vs. Italy,' a guided showdown featuring four curated French and Italian wines paired with cheeses. Tickets are $85 per person, July 16, 2025: SOMMer Camp: French Riviera + Post Bastille Day Celebration Miel Restaurant hosts a wine-tasting journey that features Pastis cocktails, curated wines like Domaine Tempier Blanc, and guided pairings in the restaurant's open-air barn event space. Tickets start at $75 per person. July 17, 2025: Daddy's Dogs x Liquor Lab: ''Tinis and Weenies' In honor of National Hot Dog Day and Daddy's Dogs' 10th anniversary, Liquor Lab Nashville and Daddy's Dogs are teaming up to pair three creative martinis with hot dogs. Tickets are $65 per person. July 25, 2025: Fish Fry-Day at the Loveless Barn The Loveless Barn's annual Fish Fry‑Day features a Southern buffet, refreshments, bounce houses, carnival games, face painting, balloon art, live music, and a signature cocktail bar. Adult tickets are $29.99, while children's tickets (ages 5-12) are $14.99. July 26, 2025: Mid-Summer Night's Dream Party W Nashville's Mid‑Summer Night's Dream Party lights up PROOF Rooftop on July 26 from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Guests are invited to dress in white for an electrifying night with a live DJ, stunning skyline views, craft cocktails, and a chic indoor‑outdoor vibe. Tickets are available via Have an amazing July, Nashville! ********** To see even more great Nashville events, visit our Happenings calendar. About the Author Anne Marie Hanna Anne Marie is the Marketing & Editorial Coordinator at StyleBlueprint, where she helps tell the stories shaping the South. Outside of work, you'll likely find her on a porch with a coffee and a good book, gardening, listening to music, or enjoying time with friends and family.
Forbes
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Dierks Bentley's New Album Suffers A Disappointing Start On The Charts
Dierks Bentley's Broken Branches misses the Billboard 200, marking the first time a major label ... More album of his has failed to chart on the main tally. NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - JUNE 08: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY) Dierks Bentley performs during CMA Fest 2025 at the main stage at Nissan Stadium on June 08, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Taylor Hill/FilmMagic) For years, Dierks Bentley was regarded as one of the biggest names in country music. For well over a decade, every time he released a new full-length, it rocketed straight into the top 10 on many of Billboard's albums charts, and every project became a bestseller. The singer-songwriter reached a new low with his previous album in 2023, but it's his latest set that truly disappoints, as it arrives — or more accurately, misses — important rankings. Dierks Bentley Misses the Billboard 200 Bentley released his new album Broken Branches on June 13. Now that its first full tracking frame has passed, the project debuts on a handful of Billboard lists. Sadly, it completely misses the Billboard 200, the main ranking of the most consumed full-lengths and EPs in the U.S. Luminate reports that the last title on the Billboard 200 this week, the Moana soundtrack, shifted 8,500 equivalent units. That means Bentley's latest project didn't quite move that many copies in its first week of availability, as its opening sum was not shared by the data company. A Career First: Dierks Bentley Misses the Main Chart Bentley has never seen one of his major label albums fail to crack the Billboard 200. His debut full-length Don't Leave Me in Love, which dropped in 2001 on an independent label, never charted. His 2003 self-titled follow-up — his first for Capitol Nashville — rose to No. 26 and was eventually certified platinum. The singer-songwriter's next eight projects all reached the Billboard 200's top 10, with Black bringing him to the runner-up space, his all-time peak. Gravel & Gold, which arrived in February 2023, missed the mark as it peaked at No. 73. That still stands as his career-low point on the Billboard 200, as his latest doesn't even make it onto the tally. Broken Branches Finds Some Success Broken Branches does manage to debut on both the Top Album Sales and Top Country Albums charts. On those rankings, Bentley's latest opens at Nos. 27 and 41, respectively. Luminate reports that the country artist's new set sold a little more than 3,800 copies in its first seven days of availability, which places it almost perfectly in the middle of the 50-spot Top Album Sales roster.
CNN
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- CNN
CNN's 'The Fourth In America' Returns with All-Star Musical Lineup
June 18th, 2025 Featuring Performances from Headliner Noah Kahan, along with Lainey Wilson, Dierks Bentley, Sting, Nelly, Counting Crows, Timbaland, The Fray and More Hosted by CNN's Dana Bash, Boris Sanchez, Victor Blackwell and Sara Sidner on July 4 with Coverage Beginning at 7pm ET on CNN NEW YORK – (June 18, 2025) – CNN's 'The Fourth in America', a must-see musical experience featuring star-studded performances and firework shows from across the country, will celebrate the 249th anniversary of the United States' independence from 7pm ET to 1am ET. The special will be hosted by CNN Anchor and Chief Political Correspondent Dana Bash and CNN Anchor Boris Sanchez from Washington DC along with CNN Anchor and Correspondent Victor Blackwell and CNN Anchor and Senior National Correspondent Sara Sidner from San Diego. Now in its fifth year, CNN's 'The Fourth in America' has become an annual live tradition building on the success of CNN's New Year's Eve programming, making the network a cultural destination during moments of celebration. This year, CNN's 'The Fourth in America' will feature musical performances from headliner Noah Kahan, along with Lainey Wilson, Dierks Bentley, Sting, Nelly, Counting Crows, Timbaland, The Fray, CAKE, Sublime, Ice Cube, Kaskade, 4 Non Blondes, Ashley McBryde, The War and Treaty, I Love the 90's Tour with Vanilla Ice, Young MC, Rob Base and Tone Loc, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, and The United States Air Force Band. Coast-to-coast firework shows will air from cities across the country throughout the evening, including Boston, Chicago, Detroit, Fort Lauderdale, Houston, Las Vegas, Nashville, Niagara Falls, New Orleans, New York City, Philadelphia, St. Louis, San Diego, Seward, Alaska and Washington, DC. CNN Anchor/Correspondent John Berman, CNN National Correspondent Randi Kaye and CNN Chief Data Analyst Harry Enten will provide on-the-ground reporting from celebrations in Nashville, Fort Lauderdale and New York City, respectively. CNN's 'The Fourth in America' is honored to have the continued support of partners Summerfest, BottleRock Napa Valley, Social House Entertainment, Nashville's Let Freedom Sing! Music City July 4th, Philadelphia's Wawa Welcome America Festival, and Ft. Lauderdale's 4th of July Spectacular! for several years running. CNN's 'The Fourth in America' special will broadcast live on CNN and CNN International, and will stream live for pay TV subscribers via CNN connected TV and mobile apps on Friday, July 4. About CNN Worldwide CNN Worldwide is the most honored brand in cable news, reaching more individuals through television, streamingand online than any other cable news organization in the United States. Globally, people across the world can watch CNN International, which is widely distributed in over 200 countries and territories. CNN Digital is the #1 online news destination, with more unique visitors than any other news source. Max, Warner Bros. Discovery's streaming platform, features CNN Max, a 24/7 streaming news offering available to subscribers alongside expanded access to News content and CNN Originals. CNN's award-winning portfolio includes non-scripted programming from CNN Original Series and CNN Films for broadcast, streaming and distribution across multiple platforms. CNN programming can be found on CNN, CNN International and CNN en Español channels, via CNN Max and the CNN Originals hub on discovery+ and via pay TV subscription on CNN apps and cable operator platforms. Additionally, CNN Newsource is the world's most extensively utilized news service partnering with over 1,000 local and international news organizations around the world. CNN is a division of Warner Bros. Discovery. About Warner Bros. Discovery Warner Bros. Discovery is a leading global media and entertainment company that creates and distributes the world's most differentiated and complete portfolio of branded content across television, film, streaming and gaming. Available in more than 220 countries and territories and 50 languages, Warner Bros. Discovery inspires, informs and entertains audiences worldwide through its iconic brands and products including: Discovery Channel, Max, discovery+, CNN, DC, TNT Sports, Eurosport, HBO, HGTV, Food Network, OWN, Investigation Discovery, TLC, Magnolia Network, TNT, TBS, truTV, Travel Channel, MotorTrend, Animal Planet, Science Channel, Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group, Warner Bros. Television Group, Warner Bros. Pictures Animation, Warner Bros. Games, New Line Cinema, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, Turner Classic Movies, Discovery en Español, Hogar de HGTV and others. For more information, please visit . Press Contact:
