When country music royalty meets today’s hottest star, magic happens. Brooks & Dunn brought down the house at CMA Fest 2025 with their classic hit “Play Something Country,” and special guest Lainey Wilson turned the performance into an unforgettable moment that had 50,000 fans screaming for more.
The legendary duo kicked off with that iconic steel guitar riff that instantly transports you to a honky-tonk paradise. Ronnie Dunn’s voice hasn’t lost an ounce of its power, hitting those “Ah oooh” notes with the same twang that made this song a 2005 smash. But the real showstopper came when Lainey Wilson strutted onstage, matching Dunn’s energy note-for-note while adding her own sassy flair. The crowd erupted when she delivered the signature line “I’m a whiskey drinking, cowboy chasing, helluva time” with that signature Wilson swagger. The chemistry was electric; like seeing three generations of country excellence sharing one stage.
Brooks & Dunn – Play Something Country (Live from CMA Fest 2025) ft. Lainey Wilson
Fans lost their minds in the best way possible. The YouTube comments tell the story; from “THE BEST COUNTRY DUEL” to “Ronnie still sounds incredible,” the love poured in from around the world. One fan from Japan wrote: “I was moved by the new country song,” proving this performance crossed borders. The crowd’s singalong during the “play something country” chorus was so loud it nearly drowned out the band.
While “Play Something Country” had fans dancing in the aisles, Brooks & Dunn showed their deeper, more spiritual side with a breathtaking performance of “Believe” at the 58th Annual CMA Awards. Trading honky-tonk energy for raw emotion, they proved why they remain country music’s most versatile duo after three decades.
Brooks & Dunn – Believe (Live from the 58th Annual CMA Awards)
This stirring performance of their 2005 hit “Believe” featuring Jelly Roll became an instant classic. Ronnie Dunn’s voice carried the weight of the song’s powerful message about faith and loss while Jelly Roll added a gritty, soulful layer that gave the song new depth; the simple staging; just spotlights and silence between verses; made every lyric hit harder; when Dunn hit the climactic “Oh I believe,” you could hear sniffles throughout the audience; it wasn’t just a performance; it was a spiritual experience that left everyone breathless.
For more of these unforgettable moments, follow Brooks & Dunn across platforms where they share everything from backstage footage to heartfelt tributes. Their social media is a perfect mix of country fun and meaningful connections – just like their music.