CMA Fest returned to Nashville, Tennessee, last week for four days of country music, meet and greets and autograph signings. There was no shortage of pop-up concerts, fan club parties and memorable moments for the thousands of country fans that descended upon Music City.
Videos by American Songwriter
American Songwriter was on the ground, backstage and behind the autograph booth covering all things country music June 8-11 at CMA Fest 2023. Here are our top five moments at CMA Fest.
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Chris Young’s surprise set
Chris Young was the surprise guest performance on Friday afternoon (June 9) at Sony Music Nashville Live at CMA Fest 2023. The singer was joined by his guitar player and band leader Kevin Collier for a 10-track pop-up concert at ACME Feed & Seed on Broadway.
Young’s hour-long, stripped-down set spanned his diverse catalog. After he played fan-favorite and first No. 1 “Gettin’ You Home (The Black Dress Song),” Young informed the packed room that he didn’t make a setlist for the afternoon. “That doesn’t mean somebody can scream ‘Free Bird,’” he joked as Collier played the iconic Lynyrd Skynyrd guitar riff.
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Soon those in attendance shouted for Young’s deep cuts and radio hits, including 2014 single “Who I Am with You,” 2022 No. 1 “At the End of a Bar” and his current single “Looking For You.” A standout was the fan-requested “Text Me Texas” from Young’s 2013 album A.M. The longing ballad highlighted the singer’s distinctive baritone.
He later informed fans that new music is on the way. “We just did a photo shoot for the next record,” he revealed. “A lot’s going to be coming your way. There might even be a couple guests too. I know I said there weren’t going to be any.” – Annie Reuter
A Day in the Life with Drake Milligan
We followed rising country artist Drake Milligan around getting an all-access look behind an artist’s day at CMA Fest. Milligan’s CMA Fest performance debut was nothing short of eventful.
Since being on America’s Got Talent, Milligan has been climbing in popularity. Reaching No. 1 on the iTunes all-genre Albums and No. 1 on Top Country albums charts with his debut LP Dallas/Fort Worth, he’s seen massive success in America and the U.K.
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From the moment Milligan arrived at CMA Fest he was met with fans. This didn’t stop as he visited several packed booths. Taking his time with each person, he thanked them for their support and signed items like cowboy boots and hats.
Milligan knows exactly how to work a crowd off-stage and on. From dance moves resembling one of his greatest inspirations, Elvis Presley, to the rich and full sound of George Strait, he’s the entire country package. Milligan delivered an electric and seamless performance on the Riverfront stage that left people wanting more – literally.
Unfortunately, his set was cut short after his third song due to a weather advisory as officials had to clear everyone from outside, canceling the rest of the afternoon’s outdoor shows. It wasn’t how he wanted his CMA performance debut to go. But, taking it in stride like a pro, Milligan kept the spirit and team morale alive.
“This is why we play the single first,” he said with a smile. – Kylie Renwick
Elle King Marries Two Couples
Elle King released her first full-length country project, Come Get Your Wife, earlier this year. During CMA Fest, King decided to take that title literally and invited two special couples to come and get hitched by the singer/songwriter herself.
“Since my latest album title is Come Get Your Wife, I thought it would be fun to celebrate the album with some matrimony at CMA Fest,” King shared in a statement. “I love love and am honored to share an incredibly special moment with some of my fans.”
Photo Credit: HelenaAkhtar/PressOnPublicity
Nashville may be a long way from Vegas, but there was a sense that what happened at King’s Chapel in Music City stayed at King’s Chapel in Music City. King brought her unique flare to the ceremonies, cracking jokes and reveling in the moment with a devil-may-care spirit.
Of course, King couldn’t hold an event at CMA Fest without performing at least one song. After the two couples were married, King sang “Lucky” from her latest record for their first dance.
Photo Credit: HelenaAkhtar/PressOnPublicity
The ceremonies were as jovial and heartfelt as a wedding should be and as off-kilter as you would hope to get from King. – Alex Hopper
Black Opry Outlaw House
While there were countless events taking place all over downtown Nashville during CMA Fest, there were also plenty taking place on the outskirts that were just as noteworthy, one of which was the Black Opry Outlaw House.
Setting up shop at an Airbnb in the nearby neighborhood of Wedgewood-Houston, Black Opry – an organization that raises awareness of Black artists working in country and Americana music, as well as gives them access to live performance opportunities – continued its tradition of hosting an invite-only gathering. The event showcased the talent of Black Opry artists including The Kentucky Gentlemen, Roberta Lea, Julie Williams and Ally.
The artists turned the living room into a guitar pull offering intimate, acoustic performances to a captivated audience. Ally presented one of the most powerful performances of the night with a hair-rising cover of Radiohead’s “Creep,” which showed off the dynamic range of their voice. Williams also made an impression with a gentle acoustic performance of her original song “Tennessee Moon,” while Lea demonstrated the diverse range of her singing and songwriting from the sassy “Sweet Baby Ray” to the tender-hearted ballad “Dinner, Sunset, Nina Simone.” The event provided an opportunity to see some of the rising acts in country music and the voices that deserve to be heard just as much as those on the festival’s main stages. – Cillea Houghton
Photo Credit: Nick Walters/Courtesy of Roberta Lea
Randy Travis Meets Fans at American Songwriter Booth
One of the many highlights of CMA Fest is when the artists host meet and greets with fans.
Randy Travis was one of the many country artists who stopped by the American Songwriter booth at Fan Fair X to pose for photos with enthusiastic and grateful fans. Many of those fans lined up for more than an hour for a chance to meet the country legend. Seeing the pure joy and genuine emotion on fans’ faces who flocked from all over the country (and the world!) was certainly a highlight of the weekend.
Getting to stand beside Travis’ wife, Mary Travis, and overhear as fans rave with tears welling up in their eyes about how much his music means to them made for a compelling reminder about the power of country music. – Cillea Houghton
Chris Young Photo Credit: Helena Akhtar/Courtesy of Sony Music Nashville
