June 13, 2022, Issue 811
CMAF Overflows With Music, Artists
Sunday night’s final CMA Fest show was emblematic of a seemingly new experience for Nissan Stadium attendees across all four. The addition of a second stage on a raised viewing platform at the back of the floor, numerous two-song sets on both stages and tighter set-change turnarounds meant less vamping for onstage hosts and more music throughout. If there has been a deeper slate of stadium performers in the event’s history, its memory is lost to COVID fog. Night-by-night highlights below; see first night coverage here. Gotta Get Down On Friday: The second night (6/10) at Nissan included a strong dose of female star-power and heavy hints of ’90s Deana Carter country nostalgia. Deana Carter took the stage ahead of sunset for a 30-minute set that wrapped with her sing-along-inducing “Strawberry Wine.” Black River’s Kelsea Ballerini was next, donning sparkles and glitter aplenty. She spoke freely about her struggles with anxiety but kept the set upbeat with a medley of early hits, a solo rendition of “Half Of My Hometown” and current single “Heartfirst.” Big Loud’s Lily Rose (“I’d Be You”) and Mercury duo Maddie & Tae (“Bathroom Floor”) were featured performers on the platform stage. Valory’s Thomas Rhett packed a 45-minute set with radio hits including “Die A Happy Man,” “Look What God Gave Her,” and “What’s Your Country Song,” as well as a medley of others. Warner/ WAR’s Gabby Barrett made a two-song appearance playing both her current single, “Pick Me Up,” and first No. 1 “I Hope.” Warner/WMN’s Cole Swindell brought Thomas Rhett Lainey Wilson out for a (continued on page 7)
Jeaneology: Warner/WAR’s Gabby Barrett plays Nissan Stadium during CMA Fest. Pictured (l-r) are the label‘s Cris Lacy, Barrett, CMA‘s Sarah Trahern and the label‘s Ben Kline.
Speed Of Wow: Urban Tour Preview
Last week, Capitol’s Keith Urban hosted invite-only rehearsals for his upcoming The Speed Of Now World Tour. Kicking off Friday (6/17) in Tampa, the trek will hit more than 50 U.S. cities before heading to Australia. “It feels like these songs have been sitting in road cases the past two years and have just been waiting to be brought out and Urban, Legend: Keith Urban at brought to life,” Urban tour rehearsals last week. says of his first world tour
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