Billboard Country Live 2026 Welcomes 32,000 Fans for Two Days of High-Energy Sets, Surprise Guests in Nashville

Category 10 was transformed into a country music hub last week as Billboard Country Live showcase brought high-energy performances and drew more than 32,000 fans to the bar, restaurant and entertainment venue over the course of two days.

The free concert series partnered with Under Armour to offer a standout lineup of country music’s biggest names, delivering an electric experience for fans in the heart of Music City during CMA Fest 2026. The demand for live music continued throughout weekend, with the venue hitting capacity multiple times.

The event began on Wednesday, June 3, with an exclusive rooftop gathering honoring Billboard’s Country Power Players, celebrating the genre’s most influential artists and executives shaping country music today. Several major honors were given out throughout the night, starting with the Icon Award presented to Miranda Lambert by Tom Douglas. Later on, HARDY presented the Rising Star Award to Tucker Wetmore, while Matt Rife honored The Red Clay Strays with the Groundbreaker Award.

Plus, the Neal Agency’s Austin Neal was named Executive of the Year, with the award presented by his father Kevin Neal following an introduction by Billboard’s Executive Vice President of Charts & Data Partnerships, Silvio Pietroluongo. Riley Green also took home the Hitmaker Award, presented by Clint Black.

The live music portion of the weekend kicked off the following day with a stacked roster of performers across two nights. On Thursday, June 4, The Red Clay Strays headlined, following unforgettable on-stage moments from Carly Pearce, Chase Rice, Corey Kent, Drew Baldridge, Hunter Hayes, Lanie Gardner, The Band Perry, The Grimm and Ty Myers. 

The day also included a surprise appearance from Pearce, who delivered a cover of Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams” before rolling through a hit-filled run of songs like “If I Don’t Leave, I’m Gonna Stay,” “Truck on Fire,” “What He Didn’t Do,” and “I Hope You’re Happy Now.”

Fans were also treated to an unforgettable moment from Baldridge when he surprised the crowd with news of his upcoming album FARM FAITH FAMILY before previewing his new track “Diesel and Dirt” and delivering moving performances of “Rebel,” “Tough People,” and “She’s Somebody’s Daughter.”

Before the night came to a close, The Red Clay Strays celebrated their new album Grateful dropping the following day with a powerful set that included “Don’t Wanna Know” and “Stones Throw.” Their set kept the momentum high, packed with fan favorites including “People Hatin’,” “Moments,” “Wanna Be Loved,” “No One Else Like Me,” “Wondering Why,” and more. With it being the band’s second time performing on Nashville’s famed Lower Broadway, they made it a point to turn the night into something unforgettable and it’s safe to say they delivered.

Friday, June 5 saw ACM New Male Artist of the Year Tucker Wetmore take over as headliner, delivering a standout set of hits. Earlier in the day, fans packed inside the bar located just off Broadway to see Alana Springsteen, Alexandra Kay, Ashley Cooke, Braxton Keith, Kaitlin Butts, Priscilla Block, Something Out West and Stella Lefty. 

Lefty kept the surprises coming by welcoming Dan + Shay to the stage for a rendition of their smash “Tequila,” while Cooke shared the spotlight with comedian Matt Rife as she serenaded him with her flirty tune, “Baby Blues.”

Chanel West Coast also debuted an unreleased track called “Tennessee,” and the Tennessee Titans Blue Crew also took the stage alongside Chloe Holladay Hubbard for a performance moment of their own.

Day two wrapped with Tucker Wetmore bringing his signature dance moves, high energy and addicting songs to an at-capacity crowd. His setlist included “Proving Me Right,” “Wine Into Whiskey,” “3,2,1,” “Wind Up Missin’ You,” and “Brunette,” plus a first listen at a new unreleased song, “Who Told You That.”

The night didn’t end there because after Wetmore made his way off the stage, Billboard Country Live rolled into an afterparty led by DJ duo Country Night, which was capped off with a surprise appearance from Lil Debbie, Avery Anna’s alter ego.