Brooks & Dunn electrified Nashville’s Nissan Stadium with a fiery performance of “Play Something Country” at CMA Fest 2025, joined by Lainey Wilson for a show-stopping collaboration. Kix Brooks, in his trademark cowboy hat, and Ronnie Dunn, belting with powerhouse vocals, seamlessly blended their classic harmonies with Wilson’s gritty twang as she strutted the stage in a glittering denim jumpsuit. The band tore through a fiddle-fueled breakdown, the crowd roared every word, and a surprise key change led to a fireworks-backed finale—proving the duo still owns the honky-tonk crown.

CMA Fest 2025 kicked off with an unforgettable bang on June 5 at Nashville’s iconic Nissan Stadium, drawing over 60,000 fans for the first night of country music’s ultimate summer celebration. Amid a lineup packed with rising stars and established acts, Brooks & Dunn delivered one of the evening’s most explosive sets, opening with their high-energy anthem “Play Something Country” and bringing out surprise guest Lainey Wilson to ignite the crowd. The collaboration, rooted in their recent studio duet on the duo’s Reboot II album, came alive onstage in a way that bridged generations and reaffirmed the timeless appeal of pure country grit.

Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn, the Country Music Hall of Fame duo whose career boasts more than 20 No. 1 hits and decades of sold-out tours, commanded the stage with the effortless charisma that has defined them since the ’90s. Brooks, sporting his signature black cowboy hat and a wide grin, traded riffs and banter with Dunn, whose soaring baritone remains as powerful as ever. As they launched into “Play Something Country”—the 2005 chart-topper known for its infectious plea for uptempo honky-tonk vibes—the stadium erupted. But the energy skyrocketed when Lainey Wilson made her entrance, shimmying across the stage in a sparkling denim ensemble that caught the lights like a disco ball in a barn dance.

Wilson, the breakout star whose bell-bottom flair and Louisiana twang have made her a modern country powerhouse, infused the performance with fresh fire. Her gritty vocals intertwined perfectly with Dunn’s, adding a contemporary edge to the classic while honoring its roots. As the band dove into a blistering fiddle breakdown, Wilson strutted and danced, encouraging the sea of cowboy hats and phone lights to wave in unison. The crowd, a mix of longtime Brooks & Dunn devotees and younger fans drawn by Wilson’s meteoric rise, sang every word at the top of their lungs—creating a communal roar that echoed through the open-roofed stadium.

What elevated the moment to legendary status was the unexpected flair: midway through, the trio hit a surprise key change that lifted the song to new heights, sending cheers rippling across the stands. As the final chorus built to a crescendo, fireworks exploded overhead in a dazzling display of red, white, and blue bursts, perfectly timed to the song’s climax. The pyrotechnics lit up the Nashville skyline, turning the performance into a full sensory spectacle and underscoring why CMA Fest remains the genre’s premier fan experience.

This wasn’t Wilson’s only shine that night—she wasn’t originally billed for a solo set but made multiple surprise appearances, cementing her status as one of country’s most in-demand collaborators. For Brooks & Dunn, the duet was part of a hit-filled medley that included staples like “Neon Moon,” “Red Dirt Road,” and “My Maria,” each met with massive sing-alongs. They also welcomed guitarist Marcus King for a bluesy twist on “Rock My World (Little Country Girl),” showcasing their versatility and willingness to pass the torch.

The collaboration highlighted the magic of CMA Fest: unexpected pairings that blend legacy with the new wave. Brooks & Dunn, now in their 35th year together, proved they’re far from slowing down. Their set followed strong performances from acts like Riley Green, Darius Rucker, and Scotty McCreery, building momentum before Jason Aldean closed the night with his own surprises. But many fans declared the Brooks & Dunn-Wilson moment the highlight, a perfect fusion of old-school honky-tonk rebellion and today’s bold country spirit.

Social media lit up immediately, with videos of the performance garnering millions of views. Fans raved about Wilson’s commanding presence, Dunn’s vocal prowess, and the overall energy that had the stadium on its feet. One viral clip captured the fireworks finale, with commenters calling it “pure country magic” and “the best collab of the fest.” The moment also nodded to the duo’s ongoing relevance—their Reboot II project, featuring fresh takes on classics with artists like Wilson, has kept them charting and touring strong.

CMA Fest 2025, running June 5-8, drew fans from across the globe for four nights of stadium shows plus daytime stages downtown. The festival’s blend of surprises, hits, and heartfelt performances reminded everyone why Nashville earns its Music City title. For Brooks & Dunn, this fiery rendition of “Play Something Country” wasn’t just a song—it was a declaration: the kings of ’90s country still rule the roost, especially when sharing the stage with queens like Wilson.

As the echoes of fireworks faded and the crowd filed out buzzing, one thing was clear: in a genre evolving rapidly, moments like this keep the heart of country beating strong. Brooks & Dunn didn’t just play something country—they delivered everything fans crave.