Blake Shelton, a towering figure in country music with 30 number-one hits to his name, has once again proven his knack for creating memorable moments. On June 27, 2025, fans are gearing up for the annual CMA Fest special airing on ABC, where Shelton is set to deliver a standout performance. This year, he’s bringing a “secret weapon” to the stage, adding an extra layer of excitement to an already packed lineup. This article explores Shelton’s return to the CMA Fest main stage, the surprise element of his performance, and how this event fits into his evolving career trajectory as of June 2025.

The Return to CMA Fest’s Main Stage

It has been several years since Blake Shelton last graced the main stage at CMA Fest’s Nissan Stadium in Nashville, but his return in early June 2025 marked a significant moment for fans and the country music community. The four-day festival, held from June 5 to June 8, is a cornerstone event that draws an estimated 95,000 attendees annually, blending live performances, fan interactions, and a celebration of the genre’s heritage. Shelton’s decision to reclaim the spotlight at Nissan Stadium reflects his renewed focus on live performances following a four-year hiatus from new solo material, broken by the release of his 13th studio album, For Recreational Use Only, in May 2025.

Shelton’s set during the festival was a blend of nostalgia and fresh content, featuring hits like “Texas” and “Stay Country or Die Tryin’” from his latest album, alongside classics such as “Austin” and “Ol’ Red.” His daytime performance at Spotify House at Ole Red Bar earlier in the day set the tone, drawing crowds with a mix of throwbacks and new tracks. However, it was his nighttime appearance at Nissan Stadium that promised to steal the show, thanks to an unexpected collaborator.

The ‘Secret Weapon’: Trace Adkins Joins the Stage

The highlight of Shelton’s CMA Fest performance came with the revelation of his “secret weapon”—his longtime friend and country music legend Trace Adkins. Before taking the stage, Shelton teased the crowd, saying, “I have a secret weapon. Trace Adkins is gonna come out and perform ‘Honky Tonk Badonkadonk,’ which it’s [the] 20-year anniversary of that song becoming a hit.” This announcement set the stage for a nostalgic throwback, as Adkins’ 2005 hit remains a fan favorite. The pair’s chemistry was palpable as Adkins launched into the energetic track, energizing the near 70,000-strong audience.

But Shelton wasn’t done. He added, “And then once he’s out there, I’m keeping him on stage with me. We’re gonna do ‘Hell Right,’ we’re gonna do ‘Hillbilly Bone,’ and just have a ‘me and Trace’ moment.” The duo delivered rousing duets of their 2019 collaboration “Hell Right” and their 2009 chart-topper “Hillbilly Bone,” the latter updated for 2025 and featured in the ABC special. Shelton’s affection for Adkins shone through as he described him as “one of my best friends in the world” and “a brother to me,” a sentiment that resonated with fans who have followed their decades-long friendship.

This collaboration wasn’t entirely out of the blue. Shelton and Adkins have a history of touring together, most recently on Shelton’s Friends and Heroes Tour, and their on-stage reunion at CMA Fest built on that foundation. The performance of “Hillbilly Bone,” with its humorous take on embracing a “hillbilly bone” deep inside, saw the crowd joining in, creating a shared moment of joy that underscored the festival’s spirit.

The CMA Fest Special on ABC

The CMA Fest special, airing on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at 8/7c on ABC and available to stream on Hulu the following day, captures this standout moment among a three-hour lineup of performances. Co-hosted by Cody Johnson and Ashley McBryde, the special features a diverse array of artists, including Jason Aldean, Kelsea Ballerini, Dierks Bentley, Luke Bryan, and Lainey Wilson, among others. Shelton’s segment, including the Adkins duets, is a centerpiece, offering viewers a chance to relive the electric atmosphere of Nissan Stadium.

The special also highlights other collaborations, such as Dierks Bentley and Zach Top’s medley of “Free and Easy (Down the Road I Go)” and “Mountain Music,” and Brooks & Dunn with Lainey Wilson on “Play Something Country.” Shelton’s inclusion of “Stay Country or Die Tryin’” alongside the Adkins duets ensures his latest musical chapter is well-represented, bridging his past successes with his current creative output.

Shelton’s Career Evolution

Shelton’s return to CMA Fest and his collaboration with Adkins reflect a broader evolution in his career. After 23 seasons as a coach on The Voice, where he expanded country music’s reach into pop culture, Shelton stepped back in 2023 to focus on family life with Gwen Stefani and new musical projects. The release of For Recreational Use Only marked his return to solo artistry, with “Texas” recently hitting number one, bringing his total to 30 chart-topping hits. This milestone, celebrated on social media with gratitude to fans and country radio, underscores his enduring appeal.

The CMA Fest performance also aligns with Shelton’s recent ventures, including surprise acoustic sets at Ole Red Las Vegas and Nashville during CMA Fest week, where he debuted unreleased tracks. His decision to bring Adkins as a “secret weapon” mirrors past surprises, like his 2024 CMA Fest duet with Post Malone on “Pour Me A Drink,” showcasing his willingness to blend tradition with innovation. This approach keeps his performances fresh, appealing to both longtime fans and new listeners.

Fan Reactions and Cultural Impact

Fans have embraced Shelton’s CMA Fest moment with enthusiasm. Posts found on social media platforms highlight the excitement, with many praising the Adkins collaboration as a “throwback done right.” The shared history between Shelton and Adkins, coupled with their genuine camaraderie, has struck a chord, reinforcing the festival’s role as a celebration of country music’s community spirit. The performance’s inclusion in the ABC special ensures it reaches a broader audience, potentially boosting interest in For Recreational Use Only.

The event also reflects CMA Fest’s broader cultural impact, where proceeds support music education through the CMA Foundation. Shelton’s participation, alongside other stars donating their time, underscores the festival’s mission to fuel something “bigger than the event itself.” His down-to-earth persona—evident in recent Instagram posts about his Oklahoma ranch and family life—further endears him to fans, contrasting with the polished production of the televised special.

Behind the Scenes: Planning and Execution

The decision to feature Adkins as a “secret weapon” likely stemmed from months of planning. Shelton’s comments suggest a spontaneous yet strategic choice, leveraging their friendship and Adkins’ milestone anniversary to create a memorable set. The production team, led by executive producer Robert Deaton and directed by Alan Carter, integrated this into the special’s narrative, ensuring it stood out among the 30 live performances. The use of Nissan Stadium’s vast stage, combined with the duo’s energetic delivery, maximized the visual and emotional impact for both live and televised audiences.

Looking Ahead

As the CMA Fest special airs, anticipation builds for what Shelton might do next. His upcoming co-headlining gig at the Party in the Park festival in Fresno on September 13-14, 2025, alongside Pitbull, hints at more cross-genre surprises. Additionally, his role as a judge on the new CBS singing competition The Road, set to premiere later in 2025, suggests a return to television that could rival his Voice tenure. For now, the Adkins collaboration serves as a high note, promising to keep Shelton’s name trending as summer 2025 unfolds.

Conclusion

Blake Shelton’s return to CMA Fest with Trace Adkins as his “secret weapon” has injected new life into the 2025 festival and its ABC special. From the nostalgic “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk” to the lively duets of “Hell Right” and “Hillbilly Bone,” this performance encapsulates Shelton’s ability to blend his rich history with fresh energy. As he navigates this reinvigorated phase of his career, supported by a loyal fanbase and strategic collaborations, Shelton continues to prove why he remains a beloved figure in country music. The Thursday night special offers a perfect showcase of this enduring legacy.