After the high energy of night one, the audience in Nissan Stadium was clearly on a high, eagerly anticipating the excitement of night two. Filled with some of country music's biggest new names as well as beloved staples, this evening was sure to take everyone on a rollercoaster ride of emotions.
Gretchen Wilson Kicks Off the Night
Gretchen Wilson opened up the show for Friday night, after surprising the audience with a duet with Ashley McBryde the previous evening. She kicked off with "Here for the Party"—and we were! After a short hiatus from releasing new music, CMA Fest 2024 saw Wilson back and better than ever as she gears up to release her first single since 2018. The single "Little Miss Runner-Up" featured second in her short opening set, followed by "Work Hard, Play Harder," before closing out with the iconic "Redneck Woman." This was my first time seeing Gretchen play, and I was blown away by how strong her vocals still are. It has been 20 years since the release of "Redneck Woman," and she sang it in the same key with the same kick-ass attitude as back then. It was pretty awesome to see.
Parker McCollum Brings Texas to Nashville
Next up was Parker McCollum, an artist I had not dug into that much. For me, it's fun to have no expectations and then be blown away by an artist, as I was this evening. Opening with "To Be Loved by You," I had heard "Handle on You" and "Burn It Down," which of course featured in his set. Even though I was unfamiliar with the other four songs in his setlist, I found myself captivated by McCollum. Wearing a T-shirt that said "MADE BY MUSIC," it was clear he really was. Sometimes you see people that are just born to perform, and Parker may just be one of those people! Hailing from Texas, he is breaking into Nashville but not breaking away from the Texas scene.
Jon Pardi Brings the Honky-Tonk
Tonight was the night for bringing out some of the more traditional country and Texas artists, and next up on the main stage, Jon Pardi was no exception. With the entire stadium on their feet, he came out with the energy needed to light up Nissan Stadium. He played his hits like "Your Heart or Mine," "Heartache on the Dancefloor," and finished back-to-back with "Dirt on My Boots" and "Head Over Boots"—he is a country boy, after all! Pardi's ability to blend honky-tonk with a modern twist had the audience dancing and singing along to every word.
As with all nights at the stadium shows for CMA Fest, we always expect a surprise guest or two, and during Pardi's set, he brought out Clint Black to duet on a cover of "Killin' Time." This collaboration was a highlight of the night, showcasing the deep respect between generations of country artists. Seeing Black and Pardi share the stage was a powerful reminder of the genre's rich history and ongoing legacy. These collaborations are crucial for celebrating not just the new generation of country music but also appreciating the pioneering artists who shaped the genre.
Kelsea Ballerini's Emotional Journey
Kelsea Ballerini took the stage with an emotional depth that resonated deeply with the audience. Opening her set with "Mountain with a View," she delivered a poignant song from a record that navigates the challenges of a shattered relationship and divorce. Ballerini shared that performing this song was particularly meaningful for her, as it reflected her real-time experiences. The song's personal connection was amplified by its reference to a penthouse apartment she had once bought with her ex, Morgan Evans, which overlooked the stadium—a powerful symbol of both her past and her current journey.
Throughout her set, Ballerini expertly blended heart-tugging tracks with fan favorites such as "Dibs," "Yeah Boy," and "IF YOU GO DOWN (I'M GOING DOWN TOO)." Her performance was a compelling showcase of her musical evolution, combining moments of raw emotion with high-energy highlights. Her flawless vocals and candid storytelling underscored why she remains a formidable force in country music. Kelsea’s set was not only a display of her artistic range but also a testament to the genre’s ability to convey deeply personal experiences. As she navigates this chapter of her career, it’s clear that her music will continue to offer an authentic reflection of her journey.
Cody Johnson's Commanding Performance
Cody Johnson, affectionately known as COJO, followed Ballerini with a performance that was nothing short of commanding. He opened with "That's Texas," setting the tone for a set that celebrated his deep-rooted country heritage. Johnson's performance was a testament to his dedication to traditional country music, showcasing his authentic style and storytelling prowess.
During his set, Johnson paid tribute to the late Charlie Daniels with a stirring cover of "Long Haired Country Boy," highlighting his respect for the legends who paved the way. The stage lit up even more when Jelly Roll, taking a break from his hosting duties, joined Johnson for a dynamic performance of their single "Whiskey Bent." The chemistry between Jelly Roll and COJO was endearing and added an extra layer of authenticity to the evening.
Johnson continued to captivate the audience with hits like "The Painter" and "'Til You Can't," rounding out his set with a mix of fan favorites. His performance firmly established him as a standout on the CMA Fest stage. With his strong connection to his roots and powerful stage presence, Cody Johnson is an artist who deserves a headline slot in the future.
Luke Bryan Closes the Night with Unmatched Energy
The evening concluded with Luke Bryan, who brought his trademark enthusiasm to Nissan Stadium. Opening with "That's My Kind of Night," Bryan’s set started at 11:55 p.m., adding a thrilling close to the night. On a Saturday night, with the only obligation being to enjoy the festival again the next day, Bryan’s performance was a highlight.
With an extensive catalog of hits, Bryan adeptly delivered a comprehensive overview of his career. He included early favorites like "Do I" and displayed his versatility during "Huntin', Fishin' and Lovin' Every Day," where he played lead guitar and piano. Bryan also premiered his new single, "Love You Miss You Mean It," to the enthusiastic crowd of 60,000.
Hits such as "One Margarita" and "Country Girl (Shake It for Me)" were well-received, and he closed the night with "I Don't Want This Night to End," resonating with the audience’s desire for more. As the night wrapped up, fans had the choice to either rest up or head to Broadway, preparing to dive into the next day’s festivities.
A Night to Remember
Night two of CMA Fest 2024 at Nissan Stadium was a rollercoaster of emotions, showcasing the best of what country music has to offer. From the return of Gretchen Wilson to the rising star power of Parker McCollum and the dynamic presence of Luke Bryan, this night had something for everyone. Fans left buzzing with anticipation for what the rest of the festival would bring.
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