Old Dominion, celebrating 10 years of music together with their new album Barbara, performed a medley of hits including “Break Up With Him,” “Memory Lane,” “Snap Back,” “Hotel Key” and “One Man Band,” offering a potent reminder of the group’s steady string of hits over the past decade. With the audience singing along to every word, it’s clear this group has built a remarkably strong connection with their fans and an enduring catalog of hits. Still, given that they just released new music, it would have been nice to have heard some fresher songs from the new album included in the mix. Kenny Chesney, a newly-minted Country Music Hall of Fame member and New York Times bestselling author (for his book Heart Life Music with author/journalist Holly Gleason), gave a potent reminder of just why he continues to be one of country music’s most storied performers. He commanded the CMAs stage with a retrospective of hits that included his party-ready “American Kids,” and the island-tinged “When The Sun Goes Down.” He ended with a heartfelt tribute to late songwriter (and longtime Chesney collaborator) Brett James, saying, “Brett James, we love you,” as photos of James were shown on the screen behind Chesney. Still, as with Old Dominion’s performance, it would have been nice to hear some of Chesney’s newer songs showcased as well. Kelsea Ballerini turned in a theatrical, elegant performance of her new ballad, “I Sit in Parks,” from her new EP Mount Pleasant. Seated on a swing and dressed in a simple red gown, she performed her new song about the struggle between familial longing and chasing her career dreams. As she sang, the background faded to a stormy setting, as Ballerini leaned back into the falling rain, creating a beautifully poetic visual. By the time she performed her song “Ring Finger,” Wilson had already taken home the album of the year honors for her album Whirlwind. Donning a silvery fringe outfit and her signature hat, she gave an energetic performance of “Ring Finger” from that Whirlwind album. Backed by dancers, she turned in a funky song of heartbreak, betrayal and defiance, turning a storyline that could have been drenched in sorrow into a furious dance groove. Laiey Wilson launched the evening with plenty of energy, and also by highlighting the starpower and camaraderie in the crowd. She paid homage to years of hits by stepping down from the stage and swaggering through the rows of her friends and fellow artists, greeting them and performing their songs. She greeted Lady A while performing “Need You Now,” jammed with Shaboozey on his “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” and she offered up Little Big Town’s “Girl Crush” (while LBT joined in with their always-stunning harmonies). Wilson also paid homage to Brooks & Dunn and Chris Stapleton and had plenty of good-natured fun with pals Miranda Lambert, as well as Ella Langley (performing and dancing with Langley while performing “You Look Like You Love Me”) and Gretchen Wilson (on “Redneck Woman”), before she was joined by Keith Urban, who performed “Where The Blacktop Ends.” Stephen Wilson Jr. made his second performance of the night when he joined Shaboozey for a collaboration “Took a Walk,” from the film The Long Walk. The stage was transformed into a sprawling field with a path breaking up the grassy area, while Shaboozey walked through it to join Wilson on the main stage. They were soon joined by backup singers, as they let loose with full-throttle voices, singing of weariness, loyalty and fortitude, ultimately drawing a standing ovation from the crowd. Vince Gill was honored mightily as he received the CMA Willie Nelson lifetime achievement award during this year’s CMAs. Brandi Carlile began the tribute with a powerful and tender rendition of “When I Call Your Name,” and was soon joined by Patty Loveless, who originally sang harmony on the song when it was released in 1990. “Congratulations, Vinny. I love you brother,” Loveless said. Then, George Strait made a surprise appearance to honor Gill, praising his songwriting, singing and musicianship. “He can sing higher than anybody I know. He’s in the Country Music Hall of Fame and he’s just an immense talent. Oh yeah, and he plays with the Eagles. I could’ve just said that,” Strait said in honoring Gill.
https://www.billboard.com/lists/cma-awards-2025-performances-ranked/
2025 CMA Awards Performances, Ranked
