It may have been downpouring most of the evening, but the rain didn’t put a damper on the first night of CMA Fest 2019.
Taking the stage for the first of four nightly shows at Nissan Stadium was an all-star lineup consisting of Tanya Tucker (who filled in for Marty Stuart who canceled for personal reasons), Kane Brown, Kelsea Ballerini, Brothers Osborne, Rascal Flatts and Florida Georgia Line.
The poncho bearing crowd sang along all night and braved the weather conditions for a night packed full of music.
It wouldn’t be CMA Fest without a few surprises. Joining Tucker was her producer and Grammy-winning artist Brandi Carlile, while Midland popped up to perform their latest single, “Mr. Lonely.”
CMA Fest co-host Ballerini surprised fans with The Chainsmokers, who joined her to sing their collaboration, “This Feeling.”
Brothers Osborne’s electrifying set featured not one, but two special guests. The duo first invited Country Music Hall of Fame members Brooks & Dunn on stage to join them in performing B&D’s “Hard Workin’ Man.” Later, Ashley McBryde took the stage to perform “You’re Gonna Miss Me (When I’m Gone)” with Brooks & Dunn, while Brothers Osborne stepped out of the spotlight for a moment.
Closing out the show with a bang, Florida Georgina Line invited HARDY and Morgan Wallen to join them on stage for special collaborations.
See photos from the first nightly concert at Nissan Stadium below.
CMA Fest 2019 continues through Sunday. The festival is being taped for a three-hour concert special that will air Sunday, August 4 at 8/7c on ABC. Ballerini will co-host the special alongside Thomas Rhett and Bobby Bones.
Tanya Tucker
Kane Brown
Midland
Kelsea Ballerini
Brothers Osborne
Ashley McBryde with Brooks & Dunn
Rascal Flatts
Florida Georgia Line
