Emily Ann Roberts Says Randy Travis Moment Made Her Believe ‘I Can Accomplish It Too’ [Exclusive]

Emily Ann Roberts found herself fighting back emotions while reflecting on the rare opportunity to perform for one of country music’s most beloved legends during CMA Fest 2026.

The East Tennessee native took part in the “40 Years of Randy Travis: Exploring the Icon’s Legacy and Impact” experience at the CMA Close Up Stage inside Fan Fair X on Saturday, June 6. Artists, fans, and special guests gathered to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Travis’ groundbreaking debut album, Storms of Life.

As part of the event, Roberts performed the album’s title track from 1986, a moment she described as both fun and deeply emotional.

“He’s the sweetest thing. I love Randy so much…They told the sweetest story and I’m going to say it without crying this time, I promise. I’ve cried every time I’ve told the story. I cried on stage today when Mary told the story,” she explained to Country Now while backstage of Nissan Stadium at CMA Fest 2026.

The “Whipped” singer went on to recall a story Mary shared during the event that struck a deeply personal chord. As someone who has spent years chasing her own country music dreams, Roberts said she immediately connected with Randy Travis’ early struggles and found hope in the story from his beginnings.  

“She said that Randy used to love to exercise and he would run from his house to the Country Music Hall of Fame and he would stand at the Country Music Hall of Fame and look up at it and wonder if he would ever make it in this business,” she shared. “And when she told that story, it just choked me up and I just started boohooing because I have felt that way so many times in my career and to look at a legend like Randy and know that he felt that way one time too and he accomplished it, made me feel like I can accomplish it too.”

While Randy Travis is now considered one of country music’s all-time greats, this story served as a reminder that even the biggest superstars all have to start somewhere.

Emily Ann Roberts delivered multiple performances throughout this year’s festival, which took place in downtown Nashville, Tennessee, from Thursday, June 4 to Sunday, June 7, 2026. One of the most exciting moments of her weekend was stepping onto the Platform Stage at Nissan Stadium.

The Knoxville, TN native has been a longtime fan of CMA Fest so getting the chance to finally make her way to the stadium was a major accomplishment.

“I know that I get to do this for a living, but I look up to all of the folks in the genre so much. So it’s wild and it’s just so wild that I’m a part of the show tonight. I just can’t believe it,” Roberts admitted.

She has a packed schedule of 2026 performances ahead, including headlining shows, fairs, festivals, and select support dates with Thomas Rhett throughout the summer. Roberts also teased that she’s been spending plenty of time in the writing room lately, hinting at more new music on the way as she works toward her sophomore album, which she admits is her main priority right now.

“I’ve got so much new music coming right down the pipe and I’m just really, really excited to get to share it with everybody.”

Thousands of country music fans came from far and wide to see a massive array of Country acts like Emily Ann Roberts perform as part of CMA Fest 2026. Fans can relive all the fun and excitement of this year’s festival on the three-hour broadcast set to air later this week on ABC.

Co-hosted by Riley Green and Good Morning America’s Lara Spencer, CMA Fest presented by SoFi will air Thursday, June 25 at 8/7c on ABC and be available for streaming the next day on Hulu.

The special will feature performances from Bailey Zimmerman, Blake Shelton, The Band Perry, Brothers Osborne, Carly Pearce, Cody Johnson, Deana Carter, Ella Langley, Fetty Wap, Florida Georgia Line, Gretchen Wilson, HARDY, Jason Aldean, Jelly Roll, Jordan Davis, Keith Urban, Lainey Wilson, Luke Bryan, Michael McDonald, Molly Tuttle, The Red Clay Strays, Ricky Skaggs, Riley Green, Russell Dickerson, Shaboozey, Shay Morgan, Stephen Wilson Jr., Tim McGraw, Tucker Wetmore, and Zach Top.

SoFi has been named the first-ever broadcast presenting sponsor and Official Bank of CMA Fest, joining the festival in a partnership centered on helping people pursue financial independence through music. As part of the collaboration, SoFi will highlight standout performances, including country icon Deana Carter and the live debut of Shaboozey’s new single, “Cowgirl.” 

The excitement is already building for next year, with the 54th CMA Fest set to return to Nashville June 10–13, 2027.