Country music fans are set to witness a truly unforgettable moment as Lainey Wilson joins soon-to-be Country Music Hall of Famer Tim McGraw on stage for a powerful duet at CMA Fest. This highly anticipated performance will be a standout feature of the CMA Fest Presented By SoFI television special, airing Thursday, June 25, at 7 p.m. CT on ABC. Viewers who miss the live broadcast can catch the special the following day on Hulu.
The electrifying collaboration saw Wilson, a fellow Louisiana native, lend her distinctive vocals to McGraw's iconic 1995 hit, "I Like It, I Love It." Having already delivered her own captivating set earlier in the evening, Wilson's addition provided an extra jolt of vibrant energy to the classic track, creating a memorable moment for everyone present.
From Fan Letter to Fellow Headliner: Lainey Wilson's Meteoric Rise
This duet is more than just a collaboration; it's a poignant full-circle moment for Lainey Wilson, illustrating the remarkable trajectory of her career. As a young girl, Wilson penned a heartfelt letter to McGraw, outlining her ambitions in country music. In her own words from that letter, she declared, "Singing, writing and performing are the most important things in my life. All I need is the opportunity, I can do the rest."
Fast forward to today, Wilson shares the stage with McGraw not merely as a childhood admirer, but as an established peer – a CMA Entertainer of the Year-winning artist, a consistent country radio hitmaker, and a concert headliner in her own right. This powerful visual of her alongside McGraw underscores her undeniable impact on the genre and serves as an inspiring testament to perseverance and talent. It’s a moment that will resonate deeply with aspiring artists and established stars alike, solidifying Wilson's place among country music's elite.
What to Expect from the CMA Fest Special
Hosted by country star Riley Green and television personality Lara Spencer, the three-hour primetime special promises to spotlight a multitude of surprise collaborations and top-flight performances captured during this year’s CMA Fest in Nashville. Beyond the compelling McGraw-Wilson duet, the stacked lineup featured an impressive array of artists.
Performers included fan favorites like Bailey Zimmerman, Blake Shelton, The Band Perry, Brothers Osborne, Carly Pearce, Cody Johnson, Deana Carter, Ella Langley, Fetty Wap, Florida Georgia Line, Gretchen Wilson, HARDY, Jason Aldean, Jelly Roll, Jordan Davis, Keith Urban, Luke Bryan, Michael McDonald, Molly Tuttle, The Red Clay Strays, Ricky Skaggs, Riley Green, Russell Dickerson, Shaboozey, Shay Morgan, Stephen Wilson Jr., Tucker Wetmore, and Zach Top. This star-studded roster ensures that the television event will deliver an unforgettable night of country music entertainment.
