If you missed the excitement of CMA Fest 2026 in Nashville, you won’t have to miss the biggest performances for long.
Country music’s annual summer celebration is heading to television later this month, bringing some of the festival’s most unforgettable performances, surprise collaborations, and crowd-pleasing moments directly into living rooms across the country. The three-hour CMA Fest presented by SoFi special will premiere on ABC on June 25, with streaming available afterward on Hulu.
For fans who couldn’t make the trip to Nashville, the broadcast promises a front-row seat to one of the genre’s largest and most anticipated events.
A Hosting Duo Ready to Keep the Party Going
This year’s special will be guided by an unexpected but entertaining combination: Riley Green and television personality Lara Spencer.
The pairing blends country music credibility with mainstream television appeal, creating a hosting team designed to capture both the energy of the festival and the stories behind the performances.
A Lineup Packed With Country Music’s Biggest Names
The broadcast features an impressive mix of established superstars, chart-topping favorites, and rising newcomers who are helping shape the future of country music.
Fans can expect appearances from country heavyweights including Tim McGraw, Blake Shelton, Luke Bryan, and Keith Urban.
Joining them are fast-rising artists generating major buzz throughout the industry, including Ella Langley, Zach Top, Tucker Wetmore, and Shaboozey.
The result is a lineup that showcases where country music has been—and where it’s heading next.
A Snapshot of Country Music’s Evolution
One of the most interesting aspects of this year’s special is the way it reflects the changing face of the genre.
Traditional country influences remain strong through artists such as Zach Top and Ricky Skaggs, while performers like Shaboozey and Jelly Roll continue pushing country music into new territory by blending elements of rock, hip-hop, Americana, and contemporary pop.
That balance between tradition and innovation has become one of CMA Fest’s defining characteristics.
Beloved Acts From Multiple Generations
The celebration also extends across different eras of country music.
Fans will see performances from groups such as Florida Georgia Line, The Band Perry, and Brothers Osborne, highlighting the festival’s commitment to honoring both current stars and longtime fan favorites.
A Performance Fans Are Eager to See
Among the most anticipated segments of the broadcast is the featured performance of Shaboozey’s single Cowgirl, which organizers have highlighted as one of the special’s showcase moments.
As country music continues expanding its audience and cultural influence, performances like these demonstrate how artists are increasingly crossing genre boundaries while still embracing country storytelling.
Nashville’s Biggest Weekend Keeps Growing
The scale of CMA Fest continues to impress.
Festival organizers reported attendance of roughly 100,000 people per day throughout the four-day event, with visitors traveling from all 50 states and numerous countries around the world. The numbers further cement Nashville’s status as one of the world’s premier destinations for live country music.
More Than a Concert Special
Beyond the performances, the annual CMA Fest broadcast offers a snapshot of the genre at a pivotal moment.
From legendary performers and chart-topping veterans to breakout newcomers and genre-blending innovators, the special captures the full spectrum of modern country music. It also provides valuable exposure for emerging artists looking to reach national audiences and establish themselves among country’s next generation of stars.
As the premiere approaches, fans can expect a television event filled with major collaborations, unforgettable performances, and the kind of surprise moments that have made CMA Fest one of country music’s most beloved traditions.
