CMA Fest Crowd Erupts as Lainey Wilson Reignites Brooks & Dunn’s Iconic Hit Onstage

Brooks & Dunn’s iconic hit “Play Something Country” has always been a barnstormer—originally released in 2005 and their twentieth—and to date final—#1 single on Billboard Hot Country Songs. Fast forward to June 2025, and the duo’s reimagined version from Reboot II, featuring rising star Lainey Wilson, took over Nissan Stadium at CMA Fest with unapologetic energy and down‑home swagger.

Brooks & Dunn, the duo of Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn, have defined modern country for three decades—17 ACM Duo of the Year awards, multiple Entertainer of the Year honors, and a legacy of hits. Meanwhile, Lainey Wilson—born May 19, 1992—has emerged as the bold new face of country, winning CMA Entertainer of the Year in 2023 and AM industry awards galore. Their harmonies at CMA Fest symbolized the torch passing from the traditional to the daring.

Opening with the unmistakable twang of that signature guitar lick, Brooks & Dunn stomped through the chorus, and then…

Enter Lainey Wilson.

Donned in classic cowgirl attire, she kicked the energy into overdrive. She took center stage for the mid‑song breakdown, matching Ronnie’s intensity note for note before they locked into a high‑powered, sing‑along finale that the audience erupted for.

The chemistry was electric. Kix offered those trademark backing vocals and stage flourishes, Ronnie delivered the swaggering lead, and Lainey contributed a fresh burst of feral vitality—making the decades‑old anthem feel brand new. Their interplay highlighted deep respect: seasoned legends supporting a new breed, while Wilson held her own with aplomb.

Originally penned by Ronnie Dunn and Terry McBride as a rollicking bar anthem, the song’s revival with Lainey in 2024 reflected Brooks & Dunn’s Reboot series ambition: paying homage to their roots while reinventing their sound. Performing it at CMA Fest—the genre’s premier summer gathering with ABC planning a televised special airing June 26 —underscored that country music is alive and evolving.

Moreover, Lainey’s feature signals a deliberate bridging of eras. Her ascent from regional performer to award‑winning headliner offers younger fans a gateway into the legacy acts they might otherwise miss. It reinforces continuity—honoring the past while inviting the future.

Though the performance aired on ABC on June 26 (with streaming options like Hulu and YouTube TV), the live reaction was unmistakable. Thousands roared in unison, with countless fans capturing the moment under Nashville skies. Social media buzzed: streams of hashtags like #CMAFest2025, “Brooks & Dunn,” and #LaineyWilson trending regionally all weekend.

CMA Fest’s four‑day marathon featured headliners like Luke Bryan, Darius Rucker, Blake Shelton—and surprise appearances such as this Brooks & Dunn x Lainey collab. But the duet felt like a celebration of country’s tenacity—honoring its barroom swagger and female fronted resurgence in one exhilarating moment.

For those who missed the live performance, it can be watched here:

If you want more music and videos from Lainey Wilson, check out her YouTube Channel. Fans can also connected with her on Instagram and Facebook. Get news, updates, and tour info on her official website.