CMA Fest 2025 Artist Spotlight Series, Part 2: Legends, Firebrands & Fast Risers

We’re back with Part 2 of our CMA Fest 2025 Artist Spotlight Series, and this one’s a heavy-hitter. From country icons to breakout voices, these 8 artists are lighting up Nashville with their own distinct heat. Whether you’re at Nissan Stadium or tucked up close at the Hard Rock Stage, here’s who you need to catch—and why.

Bryce Leatherwood

Season 22 winner of The Voice, Bryce Leatherwood is as traditional as they come—with George Strait-level charm and a voice built for twang and truth. His modern take on neotraditional country keeps fans coming back for the real thing.
CMA Fest Appearance: Thursday, June 5 – 2:45 PM @ Good Molecules Reverb Stage
🔗 Instagram | Facebook | Spotify Artist Profile | 🎵 Neon Does

David Nail

With his smooth Mississippi vocals and emotionally gutting songwriting, David Nail continues to deliver unforgettable ballads and stadium-ready hooks. He’s a seasoned CMA Fest veteran—and still one of the best voices in town.
CMA Fest Appearance: Saturday, June 7 – 5:20 PM @ Chevy Vibes Stage
🔗 Instagram | Facebook | Spotify Artist Profile | 🎵 Whatever She’s Got

Deana Carter

She brought us “Strawberry Wine” and a whole generation of late-‘90s country nostalgia. Deana Carter remains a timeless voice of romance, youth, and heartbreak—and she’s bringing that magic to the Nissan Stadium stage this year.
CMA Fest Appearance: Saturday, June 7 – 8:00 PM @ Nissan Stadium Main Stage
🔗 Instagram | Facebook | Spotify Artist Profile | 🎵 Strawberry Wine

Dierks Bentley

A CMA Fest staple and genre-shifting superstar, Dierks Bentley continues to define country music on his own terms—from bluegrass to arena bangers. Expect high energy, hit after hit, and one of the most dynamic sets of the weekend.
CMA Fest Appearance: Sunday, June 8 – 10:40 PM @ Nissan Stadium Main Stage
🔗 Instagram | Facebook | Spotify Artist Profile | 🎵 Drunk on a Plane

Dillon Carmichael

With a voice deeper than a Kentucky holler and a pedigree that includes John Michael Montgomery, Dillon Carmichael is carrying the torch for rough-edged, real-deal country music. If you like your vocals gritty and grounded—this is your guy.
CMA Fest Appearance: Thursday, June 5 – 1:10 PM @ Chevy Vibes Stage
🔗 Instagram | Facebook | Spotify Artist Profile | 🎵 Hot Beer

Drake Milligan

Elvis swagger meets cowboy grit. Drake Milligan stole hearts on America’s Got Talent and kept the momentum going with a debut album full of honky-tonk bangers. He’s got the charm, the look, and the licks to match.
CMA Fest Appearance: Sunday, June 8 – 3:40 PM @ Chevy Vibes Stage
🔗 Instagram | Facebook | Spotify Artist Profile | 🎵 Sounds Like Something I’d Do

Eddie and the Getaway

Edgy and heartfelt, Eddie and the Getaway fuse pop-punk energy with country storytelling. You may recognize Eddie from our exclusive podcast interview—and now he’s bringing that same fire to the CMA Fest stage.
CMA Fest Appearance: Friday, June 6 – 3:50 PM @ Hard Rock Stage
🔗 Instagram | Facebook | Spotify Artist Profile | 🎵 Middle Finger Motto

Ella Langley

Ella Langley is the firebrand of the next wave—winning awards, fans, and stages with equal force. Her no-nonsense lyrics and powerhouse vocals are putting her at the center of country’s future.
CMA Fest Appearance: Thursday, June 5 – 8:30 PM @ Nissan Stadium Main Stage
🔗 Instagram | Facebook | Spotify Artist Profile | 🎵 You Look Like You Love Me

📲 Don’t Forget the CMA Connect App!

Want to know when these artists hit the stage? Download the CMA Connect App now for live schedules, stage maps, surprise pop-ups, and artist meet-and-greets: