The crowd at Nissan Stadium had already been roaring, but when Lainey Wilson stepped on stage alongside Brooks & Dunn for “Play Something Country,” the energy shifted from excitement to eruption. With her signature swagger, wide-brim hat, and infectious confidence, she turned a classic anthem into a cross-generational moment of pure country celebration. For the 60,000 fans packed into CMA Fest 2025’s opening night, it was the moment they didn’t know they were waiting for.
Originally released in 2005, “Play Something Country” is a fiery barroom anthem with playful attitude and unapologetic country roots. Wilson took over the female-driven lines with humor and command, breathing new life into the song’s bold character. Her vocals added sass, spark, and a fresh perspective: playful, fearless and proud. Together with Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn, she struck a perfect balance between honoring the original and pushing it forward.
Lainey Wilson with Brooks and Dunn CMA Fest 2025…”Play something country “
Fans lit up across social media. “That’s how you open a festival!” one post read. “Lainey Wilson IS the moment.” Others praised the way she danced, bantered, and owned the spotlight without overshadowing the legends beside her. For many, the collaboration was a standout not only because of the song’s energy but because it captured what country music does best: bring people together across generations.
And while “Play Something Country” cranked up the amps, “Somewhere Over Laredo” pulls listeners into something quieter and more reflective. Where the stage brought the fire, this song brings the dust, the distance, and the dreams. It floats on longing, held together by a voice that carries both tenderness and truth. Released in 2025 and featured on her latest album, it quickly became a fan favorite.
Lainey Wilson – Somewhere Over Laredo (Official Music Video)
The official music video expands that emotion with cinematic visuals, wide-open skies, slow-motion memories, and the stillness that often follows heartbreak. Co-written with close collaborators and produced by Jay Joyce, the song blends traditional roots with a modern edge. Wilson doesn’t just sing the story, she wears it, each lyric anchored by lived-in honesty. It’s not a role but a reflection.
This is Lainey Wilson’s range: she can raise a stadium with swagger, then stop time with a whisper. Whether dancing beside icons or riding solo through memory and melody, she connects because she means every word. Follow Lainey Wilson on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube because the next song might be exactly what you need to hear.