The Country Music Association has revealed that the “CMA Fest Presented by SoFi” will air on Thursday, June 26, at 8/7c on ABC. Luckily for fans, they can watch from the comfort of their own home the next day by streaming the program on Hulu. The highly anticipated, three-hour primetime special will be filmed during the 52nd annual CMA Fest. It will take place in the heart of country music, Nashville, Tennessee.
This year’s event will be co-hosted by Cody Johnson and Ashley McBryde. Both artists are set to bring fresh energy and familiar charm to the national broadcast. Johnson makes his hosting debut, while McBryde returns for her second consecutive year.
What to Expect from the 2025 ‘CMA Fest Presented by SoFi’
The special promises electrifying live performances, unforgettable collaborations, and appearances by some of country music’s biggest stars. Some more artists are still expected to be announced for the big day; but early confirmed performers include Dierks Bentley, Luke Bryan, Keith Urban, Jason Aldean, Blake Shelton, Kelsea Ballerini, Rascal Flats, Darius Rucker, and Johnsons and McBryde.
The televised concert is executive produced by Robert Deaton and directed by Alan Carter, marking the 22nd consecutive year the CMA has brought its summer celebration to the screen.
A Festival Decades in the Making
The CMA Fest is more than just a music event; it’s a historic celebration that has united artists, fans, and industry professionals for over 50 years. What started in 1972 as Fan Fair with just 5,000 attendees has quickly evolved into the longest-running country music festival in the world. Believe it or not, it now draws an estimated 90,000 people per day over four action-packed days in downtown Nashville.
Unique to CMA Fest is the commitment from artists who perform. Artists usually perform without compensation, with proceeds benefiting music education initiatives through the CMA Foundation. Performers donate their time to support the next generation of musicians. Safe to say this makes every set even more meaningful.
Spotlight on the Hosts
Johnson rose to national fame with his 2019 major label debut, “Ain’t Nothin’ to It.” His follow-up project, “Human: The Double Album,” produced the breakout hit “’Til You Can’t.” The latter quickly became a fan favorite, earning him two CMA Awards in 2022. Most recently, Johnson took home Album of the Year at the 2024 CMA Awards for “Leather.”
McBryde, a well-known powerhouse in the genre. She has collected an impressive number of accolades throughout her career. This includes a Grammy, a CMA Award, and three Academy of Country Music Awards. She was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in December 2022 after an official and emotional invite from legend Garth Brooks and induction by Terri Clark.
Get ready for an unforgettable night celebrating all things country. Tune in on June 26 on ABC or stream it the next day on Hulu to catch every moment of “CMA Fest Presented by SoFi.”
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Ashley McBryde and Cody Johnson to Host ‘CMA Fest Presented by SoFi’