Kicking off on Thursday, the 2025 CMA Fest looked to bring over 300 performers to Nashville to celebrate the ongoing legacy of country music. And with stars like Blake Shelton, Jason Aldean, Ella Langley, Riley Green, Darius Rucker, Ashley McBryde, and countless others set to perform, it made perfect sense how the festival attracted around 90,000 fans. For four days, Nashville prepared to fill each bar, restaurant, and parking space with country music. But while the 2025 CMA Fest organizers prepared for almost everything, Mother Nature had other plans.
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Thanks to thunderstorms in the area, organizers had to make the tough decision to delay the start of the outdoor stages. With so many performers slated to take the stage, the festival needed every venue they could get. And even that wasn’t enough. So, they came up with the great idea, at the time, to move the festival to the streets. The only problem, Mother Nature also didn’t want to miss the great music.
Although just a minor setback, the organizers are sure to keep their eyes on the radar, hoping to kick off the outdoor festivities soon.
‘American Idol’ Alum Lands At CMA Fest And The Grand Ole Opry
Outside of top names in country music performing, the 2025 CMA Fest also welcomed a few American Idol alums like John Foster, Breanna Nix, and winner Jamal Roberts for the Takeover spot. Excited for the opportunity to reunite with his fellow competitors, Foster wrote on social media, “I’m super excited to join some great friends in Nashville for this concert on June 4th. This will be my first ‘official’ appearance in Music City, which is quite the milestone!”
Speaking of milestones, the runner-up will also cross another massive milestone on June 7th when it takes the stage at the Grand Ole Opry. Adding his name to the rich history of the Opry, once again, Foster couldn’t believe the stardom that followed him after his time on American Idol.
Thrilled for the opportunity to perform at the CMA Fest and the Opry, he insisted, “The first time I went to the Opry, I fought back tears because I was so overwhelmed with joy. As an amateur country music historian, there is no more significant place to my passion (country music) than the Grand Ole Opry. This has been my #1 dream ever since I started music, and now, because of your support, my dream will come true! I will NEVER be able to express my gratitude! Glory be to God!”
Be sure to tune in to #CMAfest presented by @SoFi on Thursday, June 26 at 8/7c on ABC to relive your favorite performances!
(Photo by Camden Hall/UPI/Shutterstock)
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