by: Bee Delores
Last Updated: June 10, 2024
8 min read
8 min read
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The second night of CMA Fest 2024, held on Friday, June 7, at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, was nothing short of spectacular.
This iconic festival, known for its ability to gather the biggest names in country music, delivered an evening brimming with unforgettable performances, surprise appearances, and crowd-pleasing hits that kept the energy high and the excitement palpable.
Fans were treated to a night of electrifying music and unexpected moments, solidifying CMA Fest’s reputation as a must-attend event in the country music calendar. Among the night’s many highlights was a surprising and exhilarating collaboration between Cody Johnson and Jelly Roll.
This unexpected duet not only left the audience in awe but also set the stage for a night filled with remarkable and memorable experiences, underscoring the festival’s unique ability to create magical moments that resonate with fans long after the final note.
In this article, we’ll delve into the standout performances , surprise appearances, and memorable moments that made CMA Fest Day 2 an unforgettable experience for fans.
Let’s get started!
The evening commenced with a series of high-octane performances from several country music stars.
Gretchen Wilson kicked off the night with her powerful voice and commanding stage presence. Following her, Parker McCollum captivated the crowd with his heartfelt lyrics and soulful melodies, setting a vibrant mood for the evening.
Jon Pardi then took the stage, adding his unique blend of traditional and contemporary country music to the mix.
Kelsea Ballerini kept the momentum going with her infectious pop-country hits , and the audience was treated to an unannounced performance by Little Big Town, who brought their signature harmonies to the stage.
As the night progressed, anticipation built for Cody Johnson’s performance. Known for his authentic country sound and electrifying stage presence, Johnson did not disappoint.
He opened his set with “That’s Texas,” a song that pays homage to his roots and showcases his deep connection to the Lone Star State.
He followed with a cover of Charlie Daniels’ “Long-Haired Country Boy,” bringing a touch of classic country to his performance and eliciting cheers from the crowd.
The highlight of Johnson’s set came three songs in when he invited Jelly Roll to join him on stage. Jelly Roll, known for his genre-blending style that combines elements of country, rock, and hip-hop, brought a new dynamic to the evening.
Together, they performed “Whiskey Bent,” a track from Johnson’s Leather album. The collaboration was a perfect blend of their distinct styles, and the chemistry between the two artists was palpable. The crowd erupted in applause, clearly thrilled by the unexpected duet.
. @JellyRoll615 stepped out on the Nissan stage during @codyjohnson ’s set – performing “Whiskey Bent” 🙌 pic.twitter.com/I7ofSxWGwC
— Taste of Country (@TasteOfCountry) June 8, 2024
Johnson continued his set with a mix of new songs and fan favorites. He performed “The Painter,” a song that showcases his storytelling prowess, followed by “Dirt Cheap,” which resonated with the audience with its relatable lyrics.
“People in the Back,” another standout track, highlighted Johnson’s ability to connect with his fans through his music.
He concluded his set with “ ‘Til You Can’t ,” a song that has become a career-defining hit for him. The powerful performance left a lasting impression on the audience, marking one of the night’s most memorable moments.
Artist | Time Slot | Songs Performed | Special Guests | Notable Moments |
---|---|---|---|---|
Gretchen Wilson
|
6:00 – 6:30 PM | Various Hits | None | Powerful opening performance |
Parker McCollum
|
6:45 – 7:15 PM | Various Hits + “Big Old Fancy House” | None | Debuted unreleased song |
Jon Pardi
|
7:30 – 8:00 PM | Various Hits | Clint Black | Performed “Killin’ Time” with Clint Black |
Kelsea Ballerini
|
8:15 – 8:45 PM | Various Hits | None | Engaging pop-country set |
Little Big Town
|
9:00 – 9:30 PM | Surprise Performance | None | Signature harmonies |
Cody Johnson
|
9:45 – 10:30 PM | “That’s Texas,” “Long-Haired Country Boy,” “Whiskey Bent” (with Jelly Roll), “The Painter,” “Dirt Cheap,” “People in the Back,” “‘Til You Can’t” | Jelly Roll | Surprise performance of “Whiskey Bent” with Jelly Roll |
Luke Bryan
|
10:45 – 11:45 PM | “That’s My Kind of Night,” “I Don’t Want This Night to End” | None | Headlining set with high energy and fan-favorite hits |
The surprises didn’t end with Johnson and Jelly Roll. Parker McCollum treated fans to an unreleased song titled “Big Old Fancy House,” giving them a glimpse of what to expect from his future releases.
Jon Pardi also brought a special guest to the stage, performing “Killin’ Time” alongside country legend Clint Black. The collaboration was a nostalgic nod to classic country music and was met with enthusiastic applause from the crowd.
Headlining the evening was Luke Bryan, who took the stage with his characteristic energy and charm. He opened his set with “That’s My Kind of Night,” immediately engaging the audience and setting a lively tone for his performance.
Bryan’s set was a non-stop party, filled with hit after hit, and he concluded with “I Don’t Want This Night to End,” a fitting end to a night filled with unforgettable performances.
Friday night’s shows followed a full roster of talent on Thursday, which included performances from Craig Morgan, Jordan Davis, Ashley McBryde, and Thomas Rhett. The excitement is set to continue on Saturday night, with Terri Clar k, Old Dominion, Lainey Wilson, Keith Urban, Jelly Roll, and more slated to perform. CMA Fest 2024 promises to be a weekend filled with incredible music, surprise collaborations, and unforgettable moments.
For those unable to attend the festival in person, highlights from the event will be aired on ABC on June 25. This broadcast will allow fans across the country to experience the magic of CMA Fest and see performances from their favorite artists.
“Gretchen Wilson, who shot to fame with her hit ‘Redneck Woman,’ kicked off the night with a powerful performance. Parker McCollum, known for his breakout hit ‘Pretty Heart,’ followed with a soulful set, including an unreleased song that delighted fans.
Jon Pardi , celebrated for his traditional country style and hits like ‘Heartache Medication,’ brought Clint Black to the stage for a nostalgic performance of ‘Killin’ Time.’
Kelsea Ballerini’s pop-country hits kept the energy high, while Cody Johnson, a former rodeo cowboy turned country star, delivered a standout performance with Jelly Roll.”
“The crowd at Nissan Stadium was buzzing with excitement, especially during surprise performances. ‘This is why I love CMA Fest,’ said one enthusiastic attendee. ‘You never know who’s going to show up!’ The energy in the stadium was electric, with fans singing along and capturing every moment on their phones.”
“Backstage, artists mingled and shared stories, with Cody Johnson expressing his excitement about performing with Jelly Roll for the first time. ‘It’s moments like these that make CMA Fest special,’ Johnson said.”
“CMA Fest, originally known as Fan Fair, has been a beloved event in the country music calendar since 1972. It brings together fans and artists for a four-day celebration, making it a must-attend event for country music enthusiasts.”
“The festival not only celebrates country music but also provides a significant economic boost to Nashville. Local businesses and hotels benefit from the influx of visitors, highlighting the festival’s importance to the city’s economy and cultural vibrancy.”
By incorporating these additional elements, the article will provide a richer, more comprehensive overview of CMA Fest Day 2, making it more engaging and informative for readers.
In conclusion,
Lover of hiking, biking, horror movies, cats and camping. Writer at Wide Open Country, Holler and Nashville Gab.
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