Ashley McBryde and Cody Johnson Team Up to Host CMA Fest

CMA Fest Hits Primetime

CMA Fest 2025 is making its way to TV screens, and it’s shaping up to be one of the biggest country music specials of the year. Airing Thursday, June 26 at 8/7c on ABC, the three-hour broadcast captures all the best moments from Nashville’s epic four-day celebration.

Didn’t make it to Music City in person? No problem. You can stream the entire special on Hulu starting June 27. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to country music, this broadcast lets you experience the festival’s energy and star power from the comfort of your own home.

Meet Your Hosts

Country artists Ashley McBryde and Cody Johnson are teaming up as this year’s co-hosts, bringing charm, humor, and a love for music to the role. They’ve got great chemistry and seem right at home on stage.

Both artists are known for staying true to their roots and have earned critical acclaim. Together, they’re a hosting duo worth watching.

Who’s Performing This Year

The lineup for the special is stacked with big names. Luke Bryan, Lainey Wilson, Kelsea Ballerini, Keith Urban, and Blake Shelton are just a few of the stars set to perform on the televised special. That’s not even counting the surprise guests.

Each artist brings their own style, making the night feel like a musical journey through every corner of country. Whether you like pop-country, Southern rock, or traditional ballads, the performances are designed to keep you entertained the whole way through.

A First for Cody

This year marks Cody Johnson’s first time ever hosting the CMA Fest TV special. Known for his grounded presence and smooth delivery, Cody steps confidently into this new role, and fans are loving it.

He brings a calm, approachable vibe to the job. Hosting might be new for him, but he clearly knows how to connect with people both on and off the stage.

Ashley’s Hosting Comeback

Ashley McBryde is back for her second turn as host, and her comfort level shows. Last year’s hosting gig proved she’s more than just a Grammy-winning artist; she’s also a natural in front of the camera.

This time around, Ashley blends storytelling, spontaneity, and some heartfelt moments. She doesn’t just introduce acts; she brings personality and warmth that make the whole show feel more like a hangout than a formal broadcast.

A Moment with Gretchen

One of the standout moments from this year’s show is Ashley McBryde’s performance with Gretchen Wilson. They came together to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Redneck Woman, a song that became an anthem for millions.

The duet was more than just a crowd-pleaser; it was a full-circle moment for fans of early 2000s country. Watching two powerful women rock out together on a song with that much legacy was pure magic.

What You Didn’t See Live

The television special isn’t just a replay of the live festival; it’s packed with exclusive content that didn’t air anywhere else. From private interviews to off-stage artist moments, there’s plenty you won’t see unless you tune in.

These extras give viewers an insider look at how the festival comes together. You’ll see artists prepping backstage, interacting with fans, and reflecting on what CMA Fest means to them personally.

Nashville Shines Bright

Filmed across downtown Nashville, the CMA Fest special doubles as a love letter to the city that built country music. From the bustling energy of Broadway to the huge stage at Nissan Stadium, the visuals highlight why Nashville is the genre’s beating heart.

Even if you’ve never visited, the broadcast does a great job of capturing the spirit of the place, live music pouring into the streets, neon lights glowing, and a community that lives and breathes country.

Crowd Energy You Can Feel

One of the most exciting things about CMA Fest is the crowd itself. The energy of 90,000 fans per day makes the entire city buzz. And the TV special does a fantastic job of bringing that to your living room.

You’ll see fans singing along, waving flags, dancing, and getting emotional during the ballads. The reactions are real, and they add a ton of life to the show, it’s like you’re there, minus the sunburn.

Celebrating Country’s Future

While the headliners bring in the big crowds, CMA Fest has always been a launching pad for emerging talent. The TV special gives screen time to rising artists you’ll likely be hearing more from soon.

These performers might not be household names yet, but they’re passionate, polished, and ready to make their mark. Watching their sets feels a little like discovering a favorite band before everyone else does.

Why the Artists Show Up

Here’s something a lot of people don’t know: CMA Fest artists don’t get paid to perform. They donate their time as part of the event’s mission to support music education through the CMA Foundation.

By taking part, they help raise money for programs across the U.S. that bring music into schools. So when you watch the special, you’re not just enjoying great music, you’re also supporting a really good cause.

Behind the Camera Pros

The team behind the scenes knows what they’re doing. Executive producer Robert Deaton and director Alan Carter have been shaping the CMA Fest TV specials for over two decades.

Their experience shows in every shot. Whether it’s a wide pan of the stadium crowd or a tight close-up during a powerful vocal, the pacing and camera work keep the three-hour broadcast feeling fresh and fast-moving.

Something for Everyone

What makes the CMA Fest special truly unique is how inclusive it feels. Whether you’re 15 or 70, whether you grew up on Johnny Cash or you love Carrie Underwood, there’s something in this lineup for you.

The show reflects just how wide the genre has become. Country isn’t just cowboy hats and fiddles anymore; it’s pop, soul, gospel, and even rock. This broadcast celebrates all of it.

Lighting Up Social Media

CMA Fest isn’t just live in Nashville, it’s everywhere online. Artists and fans flood social media with behind-the-scenes clips, live reactions, and selfies from the crowd, making platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and X buzz with excitement.

From viral moments to heartfelt fan posts, social media turns the event into a shared experience for millions of people.

Country Music’s Lasting Impact

Country music has always been more than just a genre, it’s a voice for everyday people. From love and heartbreak to small-town pride and family values, its lyrics tell stories that connect across generations.

That’s why CMA Fest resonates so deeply. It’s not just a concert, it’s a celebration of a genre that’s helped shape American culture. The TV special reminds us that country music continues to evolve while staying true to its roots.

From classic legends to today’s chart-toppers, the biggest country music icons by record sales continue to shape the sound and spirit of the genre across generations.

With fresh sounds and fearless ambition, the rising country stars making big moves are quickly becoming the next generation of headliners.

Nashville’s Global Reach

CMA Fest might be rooted in Nashville, but it brings together fans from all over the globe. In 2024, attendees came from all 50 states and 46 different countries. The TV special celebrates that international love for the genre.

It’s a powerful reminder that country music isn’t just American, it’s global. People around the world connect with the stories, the melodies, and the spirit that this festival stands for.

Debates heat up every year as fans and critics argue over why these country singers are overrated despite their chart-topping hits and sold-out tours.

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This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.