For a brief moment on Monday, Carrie Underwood seemed vulnerable. After finishing 'Blown Away,' the singer appeared to be out of breath. One wondered how she'd begin the equally challenging 'Last Name,' but then she made it look easy. "This is what not to do at CMA Fest, OK," Underwood said before beginning her 2008 hit during the 'Country's Night to Rock' special.
From the moment Jason Aldean stepped onto the stage at a jam-packed Titans stadium in Nashville, fans were electrified with the rocking country star's presence. Aldean put on an unforgettable rendition of 'My Kinda Party,' putting the 'Rock' into the 'Country's Night to Rock' -- a television event which captured all of the energy of June's CMA Music Festival for those country fans who couldn't attend.
After a couple hours of rocking country music hits, Martina McBride brought down the house during the pre-taped 'CMA Music Festival' special when she performed anti-cancer anthem, 'I'm Gonna Love You Through It.' The crowd, who could be heard screaming and cheering all night as stars like Carrie Underwood, Jason Aldean and Eric Church rocked the stage, was practically silent as McBride let loose her powerful hit.
Faith Hill returned to the CMA Music Festival in Nashville for the first time in years in 2012, and brought new music with her. The country superstar revealed 'Illusion' -- the rumored title track to her long-awaited new album -- during the ABC-aired recap of the festival on Monday night (Sept. 17). Earlier in the show ,Hill confirmed that the album is done, but stopped short of saying it'd be available soon.
It seems as though Eric Church has started a new country music fashion trend, with many of the CMA Music Festival concert-goers wearing a pair of the singer's signature aviator glasses during his set. Decked out in a pair of shades of his own, Church gave his legion of loyal fans a performance of 'Springsteen' during tonight's 'Country's Night to Rock' prime time special.
Lady Antebellum performed their current chart-climber 'Wanted You More' on tonight's ABC special, 'CMA Music Festival: Country's Night to Rock.' Dressed in all black, trio members Charles Kelley and Hillary Scott commanded the stage for the intimate performance, with fellow band member Dave Haywood adding a personal touch with his superb guitar skills.
By far, one of the best parts of attending the CMA Music Festival is the small venue performances put on by major stars. That's exactly what Keith Urban did when he played 'You Gonna Fly' for a smaller crowd of ecstatic fans at a small bar in Nashville in June, as seen on the ABC 'Country's Night to Rock' special.
Hunter Hayes may be a country music newcomer, but the emerging superstar was definitely desired -- err, 'wanted' -- by the crowd during his performance on tonight's 'CMA Music Festival: Country's Night to Rock' special, performing 'Wanted' with just a piano and a sea of adoring fans.
'The Voice' celebrity mentor Blake Shelton split his time between his weekly prime time gig to appear on tonight's 'CMA Music Festival: Country's Night to Rock' special on ABC, returning to the stage for a second time in one evening to perform his No. 1 single 'Drink on It.'
The guys of Rascal Flatts joined the stellar lineup for Monday night's 'CMA Music Festival: Country's Night to Rock' special, performing their No. 1 hit 'Banjo' for the three-hour prime time country music extravaganza.
September 14, 2012 Lionel Richie has won plenty of awards in his legendary career. Grammy’s, Oscars, Golden Globes…just about every prestigious accolade you can think of, Lionel has won it. With one exception, but that could all change at this year’s CMA Awards in November.
September 6, 2012 Eric Church has had a pretty good go of it in the past year. His CD, ‘Chief’ has been certified platinum, he’s had back-to-back #1 hit records with ‘Drink In My Hand’ and ‘Springsteen’, and now Church leads the pack with five nominations for the 46th Annual CMA Awards.
