There’s something electric about country music under big stage lights and during CMA Fest 2025, fans got a moment they’ll never forget. Brooks & Dunn brought out Lainey Wilson to join them for a fiery live version of “Play Something Country” and the crowd lit up like the Fourth of July. The original hit was already loud, proud, and full of attitude, but Lainey’s presence took it to another level.
She stepped onto that stage like she owned it. In boots, fringe and complete confidence, Lainey matched the duo’s legendary energy with her bold style. Her voice cut through the crowd bright, twangy, and fearless, bringing a fresh edge to a classic anthem. As the band cranked up and the audience sang along, she proved that she’s not just a guest on stage with legends. She’s quickly becoming one herself.
Brooks & Dunn – Play Something Country (Live from CMA Fest 2025) ft. Lainey Wilson
The performance wasn’t just fun; it meant something. It was a reminder that country music still belongs to loud women, boot-stomping guitars and lyrics that tell it straight. Lainey didn’t just join in. She belonged there, standing beside Brooks & Dunn, demanding the same thing as the crowd: turn it up and play something country.
If that was the wild side of Lainey Wilson, “Hang Tight Honey” shows her heart. In her solo performance from CMA Fest 2024, she takes the spotlight alone but fills the whole stage with feeling. The song is about the pull between the road and the people you love, and every word comes across like a letter written mid-tour. “I ain’t tired, honey,” she sings, “I’ve got a pocket full of money, and I’m heading straight home to you.”
Lainey Wilson – Hang Tight Honey (Live From CMA Fest 2024)
The emotion in her voice is just as strong as her power notes. She’s singing for every artist chasing their dream and every person waiting at home. With the lights dimmed and her band locked in, Lainey brings a softer kind of strength, one rooted in loyalty, longing and grit. It’s not just a song. It’s a promise.
Whether she’s trading lines with country legends or standing alone in front of thousands, Lainey Wilson knows exactly who she is. She’s bold, she’s honest, and she sings like she means every word. At CMA Fest, she proved she could party with the best and still send everyone home thinking about the people they miss. And that’s the magic of country music when it’s done right.