An Electrifying Start to the Festival
Night one of CMA Fest always comes back with a bang, and 2024 was no exception. Fans had eagerly awaited a year for this night filled with performances from some of their favorite artists, and the excitement was palpable. The evening kicked off in spectacular fashion, setting the tone for an unforgettable festival.
Reyna Roberts: A Powerful Opening
The night began with a stirring rendition of the national anthem by Reyna Roberts. Recently featured on Beyoncé's latest album, Roberts brought a unique and soulful energy to her performance, captivating the audience right from the start. Her powerful voice resonated throughout Nissan Stadium, setting the stage for a night of incredible music.
Craig Morgan: A Tribute to the Troops
Following Roberts, country music veteran Craig Morgan took the stage. Known for his moving songs and strong support of the military, Morgan delivered a touching performance that included some of his biggest hits like "Redneck Yacht Club" and "That's What I Love About Sunday." A highlight of his set was his cover of Gavin DeGraw's "Soldier," during which he was joined on stage by members of the U.S. military flying the American flag. This tribute created a powerful and emotional moment.
Jordan Davis: Bringing the Party
Next up was Jordan Davis, whose career has gone from strength to strength over the last year. His energetic performance brought a party atmosphere to the stadium. Davis, known for his catchy tunes and engaging stage presence, had the crowd on their feet with hits like "Singles You Up" and "Buy Dirt." Seeing him grow and thrive in this industry has been a welcome addition, and it was heartening to see him living out his dream in front of a stadium full of fans. For me, the highlight was his hit "Tucson Too Late," which seems to get stuck in my head at any given moment! Davis closed out his set with "What My World Spins Around," leaving the crowd wanting more.
Ashley McBryde: Raw and Authentic
Ashley McBryde followed with a set that was raw, authentic, and emotionally charged. McBryde, known for her storytelling ability and powerful vocals, performed fan favorites such as "Girl Goin' Nowhere" and "One Night Standards." Hearing her play "Girl Goin' Nowhere" never gets old. It might be something I write every time I see her play, but it will never ring less true. McBryde is an artist who never seems to take a single piece of her success for granted, and this authenticity resonates deeply with her fans. Adding to the excitement, McBryde surprised the audience by bringing out Gretchen Wilson to sing "Redneck Woman," a moment that had the crowd roaring with approval. Additionally, McBryde took on the role of host for the ABC special covering the event, seamlessly blending her musical talent with her engaging presence, ensuring the evening flowed smoothly and keeping fans entertained between acts.
Thomas Rhett: A Ball of Energy
Thomas Rhett then took the stage, bringing his string of hits and infectious energy to Nissan Stadium. Rhett is a ball of energy the second he steps on that stage, and with his upbeat sing-alongs, he seamlessly integrates his slower love songs. His dynamic performance included chart-toppers like "Die a Happy Man," "Life Changes," and "Look What God Gave Her." Rhett has the audience in the palm of his hand when he performs. Coming down onto the walkway at the front of the stage, he made sure to engage with fans, bringing them into his little bubble and creating the moments that make it so special for fans. Another nice touch was the straps on Rhett's guitars. Each one was embossed with the name of his kids: Willa Gray, Ada James, Lennon Love, and Lillie Carolina. This little nod to the family man he is added a personal touch to his set. His engaging performance style and interaction with the crowd made for a high-energy, feel-good set that had everyone singing along.
Lynyrd Skynyrd: A Legendary Finale
The night concluded with a legendary performance by Lynyrd Skynyrd, rounding out night one of this amazing festival in spectacular fashion. Though no original members remain from the band, the Van Zant family connection continues with Johnny Van Zant on lead vocals. Many of the other band members have played with or recorded with the band over the last few decades before joining as full-time members.
As it is Nashville, and you never know who may show up, it only made sense that this iconic band would have a guest star at some point. This night, ZZ Top's Billy Gibbons joined them for a cover of J.J. Cale's "Call Me the Breeze." With his unmistakable long beard, Gibbons added a special touch to the performance, creating a memorable moment as these masters of their craft worked their magic in front of a packed stadium. The night ended with a full-length version of "Free Bird," featuring Damon Johnson taking much of the lead on slide guitar, capping off an exhilarating evening with a performance that left the audience in awe.
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