Country great Kenny Chesney just gave his “No Shoes Nation” something to smile about. He let a secret slip at the final concert of his Las Vegas residency at the Sphere.
Caught up in the moment, an enthusiastic Chesney told the audience, “To be able to take our audience on such a magical journey has been one of the highlights of our lives. I can tell you that a couple of days ago…we were asked to come back.”
The singer went on, “Next summer, we will come back to the Sphere. If you guys will come back, we will come back.”
While the backdrop changed to a banner reading #IGoBack2026, Chesney later admitted it had not been part of the plan to announce the return to the Sphere at the close of the concert.
In a press release, Chesney said, “I got a little carried away. But after all the guests, all the songs we hadn’t planned on, all the people who came from all over, I just didn’t want to keep it a secret. I knew we were coming back, and if No Shoes Nation had half as much fun as we did, I wanted them to know we’d see them right here next summer.”
Kenny Chesney’s 15 Show Run at Sphere Was His First Vegas Residency
Kenny Chesney confirmed his return to the Sphere next year in an Instagram post. In the video, Chesney talks about his return, telling his fans, “If you come, we’ll come.” The caption to the post reads, “This summer at @SphereVegas was so magical. We are gonna do it again next summer in 2026. Details later on this year. What a blast this was. Thanks to everyone who came to see us in Vegas. We are so grateful. Let’s do it again. KC”
Chesney’s 15-show run at the Sphere marked the singer’s first-ever Las Vegas residency.
Kenny Chesney Embraces High Tech Vibe at The Sphere
But the singer didn’t hold back, leaning into the Vegas vibe and fully utilizing the Sphere’s high tech production capabilities. According to Taste of Country, Chesney augmented his live show with “radiant, beachy and psychedelic visuals.”
But the high tech graphics weren’t the only treat for Chesney’s die-hard fans, who call themselves “No Shoes Nation.” The singer also brought a string of big name guests to the stage during his 15-show run.
Chesney Brings String of Big Name Guests On Stage
Kelsea Ballerini joined Chesney for his first night, surprising the crowd. In a post about Ballerini singing with him, Chesney wrote, “Nothing can prepare you for your first night at Sphere in Vegas. It was so magical and even more emotional for me and my road family. Thanks to the whole sphere team and a very special thanks to my friend from Knoxville, TN @KelseaBallerini for such a great suprise on our first night. What a beautiful, unexpected treat. We get to do it all again Saturday.”
Megan Moroney also joined Kenny for a performance, as did Kat Higgins.
And Old Dominion took the stage with the singer as well.
Finally, singer-songwriter Mac MacAnally joined Chesney on stage for his final two shows.
Lainey Wilson Stopped In to Catch Kenny’s Show
The big names weren’t only on stage.
In an Instagram post, Kenny Chesney said ACM Entertainer of the Year Lainey Wilson showed up in the audience of one of his shows. Alongside a picture of Chesney with Wilson, the singer wrote, “Thank you @LaineyWilson for coming to the show last night at Sphere in Vegas. It was wonderful meeting you. KC”
Lainey Wilson commented, “That show was incredible! Glad my first time at the sphere was with you 👏🙌❤️🌊”
Country legend Reba McEntire also came out for one of Kenny’s shows. And she wasn’t the only star there. In an Instagram post, Kenny wrote, “It was a thrill to have @Reba McEntire at the show, to share @UncleKracker’s birthday on stage, and to sing “Burning Love” with @GraciePotter. What a blessing and what a night. See everyone again tonight.”
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Kenny Chesney Says He’ll Circle Back to the Sphere