Gretchen Wilson & Ella Langley Kick Off 2026 CMA Fest Broadcast With Rowdy ‘Here For The Party’ Duet

Ella Langley and Gretchen Wilson officially kick off CMA Fest presented by SoFi, the star-studded three-hour broadcast with a fiery performance of Wilson’s 2004 hit, “Here For The Party.”

The powerhouse female acts wasted no time in setting the tone for the night. Langley traded her flowy dresses for an all-leather ensemble featuring stylish fringe accents that swayed with every movement, while Wilson sported a shimmering sequin top that reflected the stadium lights as she belted out the fan-favorite hit.

They commanded the Nissan Stadium stage with ease as they traded vocals on the rowdy anthem, instantly turning the crowd into one giant sing-along. The collaboration was nothing short of iconic as it brought together one of the genre’s most influential female trailblazers and one of this generation’s fastest-rising stars for a performance to remember.

The onstage chemistry between Langley and Wilson was no surprise because the two artists have been building a bond both on and off the stage in recent years. In addition to their various performances together, Wilson told Country Now that her son-in-law is a member of the Alabama native’s crew, giving them the chance to grow and even stronger friendship.

Plus, Wilson recently revealed that Ella Langley will be featured on her upcoming re-recording of her record-breaking album, Here For The Party, which debuted at number one on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart 22 years ago. The new project will be a collection of duets that brings together a star-studded lineup of artists reimagining the album’s original tracks.

“I decided to rerecord the first album and do it all as duets, every song on there, except for ‘Pocahontas Proud.’ That’s the final track on there because that one’s a little too personal. I couldn’t imagine asking someone else to sing that they’re from Pocahontas,” she explained. “I’ve got a big lineup of different people. I think I’ve got Travis Tritt on ‘Holding You.’ I’ve got Ashley McBryde on one. I’ve got Miranda Lambert singing with me on one. Ella’s going to be on one. I already said Cody Johnson.”

Her and Langley’s newly recorded version of the title track will officially drop on Friday, June 26, giving fans a glimpse into the upcoming project. The single will be released on Redneck Records in a new partnership with Thirty Tigers. 

The original track was written by Wilson with fellow Muzik Mafia members John Rich and Big Kenny. She has performed it in almost every concert since debuting it in 2004. It went on to become her second No. 1 hit after “Redneck Woman.” She and Ella first performed the song together at Ella’s sold-out Ryman Auditorium concert last November.

Their most recent performance of “Here For The Party” at CMA Fest was showcased during the three-hour broadcast that revisits the magic of the 2026 festival that took over downtown Nashville.

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

The special also features performances from Bailey Zimmerman, Blake Shelton, The Band Perry, Brothers Osborne, Carly Pearce, Cody Johnson, Deana Carter, Fetty Wap, Florida Georgia Line, 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 54^th CMA Fest is set to return to Nashville June 10–13, 2027.