Introduction
Brooks & Dunn Light Up CMA Fest 2025 with Lainey Wilson: Play Something Country
There are moments in country music when generations collide, and the result is nothing short of electric. Brooks & Dunn – Play Something Country (Live from CMA Fest 2025) ft. Lainey Wilson was one of those moments — a performance that not only thrilled a packed stadium but also reminded fans why this duo has remained a cornerstone of the genre for decades.
Originally released in 2005, Play Something Country has always carried a certain rowdy charm — a playful, no-nonsense anthem that captures the energy of honky-tonks and Saturday nights. But at CMA Fest 2025, the song took on fresh life thanks to Lainey Wilson’s fiery presence. Her star power and distinctive voice blended seamlessly with Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn, bringing a modern edge to a tune already built for sing-alongs and foot-stomping.
What stood out most about this performance was the chemistry. Brooks & Dunn, long celebrated for their dynamic partnership, didn’t just share the stage with Wilson — they welcomed her into their musical world as if she’d always belonged there. Dunn’s powerful, soulful delivery carried the verses with authority, while Wilson’s gritty yet playful tone turned the chorus into a call-to-arms for everyone in the crowd. Brooks, ever the showman, fed off the audience’s energy, ensuring the stadium never stopped buzzing.
The production only heightened the thrill. Neon-inspired visuals and pounding rhythms evoked the spirit of classic honky-tonks, while the CMA Fest crowd — a sea of cowboy hats and waving hands — roared in approval. For longtime fans, it was a reminder of Brooks & Dunn’s unmatched ability to command a stage. For newer listeners, it was proof of how today’s rising stars like Lainey Wilson can carry the torch while making the music their own.
Brooks & Dunn – Play Something Country (Live from CMA Fest 2025) ft. Lainey Wilson wasn’t just a performance. It was a statement — that country music thrives when its legends and innovators meet in the middle, creating something timeless, vibrant, and unforgettable.