As the clock struck midnight on December 31, 2025, welcoming 2026 with fireworks and cheers across Nashville, one moment stood out as pure magic during New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash. Country legends Brooks & Dunn—Ronnie Dunn at 72 and Kix Brooks at 70—took the stage and transformed the celebration into a full-throttle honky-tonk revival. Their explosive performance of the 1991 breakout hit “Brand New Man” wasn’t mere nostalgia; it was a high-energy declaration that real country swagger, unbreakable chemistry, and raw talent only get better with time. Broadway pulsed with life, the crowd roared in unison, and for those unforgettable minutes, Nashville felt like a timeless party nobody wanted to end.
The five-hour CBS special, hosted by comedian Bert Kreischer and country star HARDY, featured a stacked lineup of performers including headliners Jason Aldean, Lainey Wilson, and Bailey Zimmerman, alongside Keith Urban, Dierks Bentley, Rascal Flatts, Megan Moroney, Zach Top, Gretchen Wilson, Riley Green, and more. Broadcast live from Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park and venues across the city, the event drew massive crowds in person and millions watching at home on CBS and Paramount+. But when Brooks & Dunn appeared, the energy shifted into overdrive—a reminder of why they’ve remained country royalty for over three decades.
Ronnie Dunn, with his signature deep, commanding baritone, delivered vocals as powerful and precise as in their heyday. Dressed sharply and moving with effortless confidence, he belted the lyrics with the same gut-punch emotion that made “Brand New Man” a No. 1 smash off their debut album. Kix Brooks brought his infectious grin and high-octane showmanship, strumming guitar and hyping the crowd, proving his role as the duo’s charismatic spark hasn’t dimmed. Together, their harmony locked in perfectly, the kind of seamless blend born from years of touring, recording, and shared triumphs.
The song choice was spot-on genius. “Brand New Man,” a tale of love’s transformative power, exploded onto the charts in 1991 as the duo’s first single, kicking off a legendary run that included 20 No. 1 hits, over 30 million albums sold, and induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame. Performing it on New Year’s Eve—symbolizing fresh starts and renewal—added layers of meaning. As confetti swirled and the audience sang every word, it felt like a collective reset: leaving the old year behind and charging into 2026 with boots stomping and hearts full.
Viewers at home and in the park were mesmerized. Social media erupted with clips and reactions, fans marveling at how Dunn’s voice cut through the night air with undiminished strength and how Brooks’ enthusiasm lit up the stage. “Ronnie at 72 sounding better than artists half his age,” one post raved, while another declared, “Kix and Ronnie just turned Nashville into a time machine—back to the ‘90s glory days, but even better.” The crowd’s sing-along turned the performance into a communal anthem, phones lighting up the sky as thousands joined in, proving Brooks & Dunn’s music transcends generations.
This wasn’t just a polite nod to veterans; it was momentum in motion. Coming off their acclaimed Reboot Tour and ongoing live dates, the duo showed they’re far from slowing down. Dunn and Brooks have navigated breakups, reunions, solo projects, and industry shifts, emerging stronger each time. Their 2019 Hall of Fame induction celebrated a catalog packed with anthems like “Boot Scootin’ Boogie,” “Neon Moon,” and “My Maria.” Yet on this night, they owned the present, blending tradition with vitality in a way that inspired younger acts on the bill.
The broader event captured Nashville’s spirit perfectly—a free, open-to-all bash drawing record crowds despite chilly weather, with the iconic Music Note Drop and fireworks capping the countdown. Performances spanned generations, from rising stars to icons, but Brooks & Dunn bridged it all. Their set reminded everyone that country’s heart beats strongest in authentic voices, tight harmonies, and songs that make you dance, reflect, and feel alive.
As 2026 dawned, Brooks & Dunn’s performance lingered like a perfect hangover cure—uplifting, energizing, and proof that legends don’t fade; they evolve. Dunn and Brooks didn’t just ring in the new year; they kicked the door wide open, daring everyone to match their fire. In a genre full of fresh faces, they showed age is irrelevant when passion runs deep. Nashville’s Big Bash felt like a honky-tonk time machine, and thanks to these two, nobody wanted the ride to stop.
