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CMA Fest 2018: Recap

CMA Fest is country music’s biggest event. Next, to the CMT Music Awards, it’s one of the biggest showcases where fans get to see some of their favorite artists perform. From legendary names to the current superstars, fans are treated to electrifying sets. The festival spans four days and hosts over 100 music artists. Multiple stages are dispersed across Nashville providing a unique listening experience at each one. Didn’t make it to this year’s event? We’ve rounded up the highlights.

CMA Fest 2018: Day 1

CMA Fest began with a celebration of music and kicked-off the weekend with some of the biggest names in country music and some new a noteworthy names. Carly Pearce, one of the industry’s rising stars and fresh from her win at the CMT Music Awards delivered an outstanding performance that not only entertained but warmed the crowd’s heart with honest remarks from the singer about how thankful she is for the success.

Darius Rucker brought about the biggest sing-along with “Wagon Wheel,” and Florida Georgia Line made a guest appearance to debut a new single with LOCASH. Brothers Osborne blew audience members away with their guitar playing, but it was all-star Jason Aldean that brought the house down. The artist played fan-favorites such as “Lights Come On” and “My Kinda Party.”

CMA Fest 2018: Day 2

Day two kept the moment from day one going with more amazing performances. Kip Moore challenged his fan base with an intimate performance of acoustic songs from the HGTV Lounge. Hunter Hayes made a return to the stage after a five-year hiatus and was able to wow the crowd with some of his new music.

The men of country music were holding their own on day two with flawless vocals from Brett Young. Luke Combs was on hand that evening and delivered a shout-out to 90’s country male group, Brooks & Dunn with a song he penned reflecting the duo’s unique sound. Blake Shelton, one of the bigger names of the evening, started with a technical glitch but managed to bring the crowd back together. The night’s high-note was Carrie Underwood. Performing for the first time since her serious injury, she delivered the entire set with flawless vocals and witty onstage banter.

CMA Fest 2018: Day 3

The weekend continued with more performances from amazing names. Day three was all about the industry’s top talent. The crowd was treated to shows from Kelsea Ballerini, Jon Pardi, and Lee Ann Womack. Pardi, one of the most traditional sounding country music artists played his hits “Head Over Boots” and “Dirt on My Boots” to a roaring crowd.

Chris Stapleton performance mesmerized the crowd. His raw talent didn’t go amiss at his live performance, and his voice soared while he was on stage. The night’s headliner, Keith Urban, delivered a short but tantalizing set that included songs “Coming Home” and his latest ballad “Blue Ain’t Your Color.”

CMA Fest 2018: Day 4

With the festival wrapping up, day four brought about some fantastic performances from some surprising superstars. The final day of the show brought about some more of Country’s male artists. Brett Eldredge, Thomas, Rhett, and Dierks Bentley provided sing-a-long opportunities with their smash hits and perpetuated the feel-good vibes that transcended the weekend. But the most exciting performances were from the headliners.

Florida Georgia Line surprised the crowd with special appearances. The Backstreet Boys turned up to help FGL sing “God, Your Mama and Me.” Morgan Wallen showed up for the group’s duet “Up Down.” But the set was closed out with a performance from Bebe Rexha and the group singing their hit song “Meant to Be.” Luke Bryan who’s on-stage energy closed the festival was electric. He impressed fans by playing his hits and even got down to thank fans for coming to his show.

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