When Brooks & Dunn released “Play Something Country” back in 2005, it quickly became a country anthem and their last chart-topper on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs. Fast forward 20 years, and the song is back in the spotlight—this time with a fiery twist. At CMA Fest 2025, Brooks & Dunn teamed up with none other than Lainey Wilson to deliver a powerhouse performance that had Nissan Stadium on its feet.

For more than three decades, Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn have been the gold standard of country duos—17 ACM Duo of the Year awards, Entertainer of the Year honors, and a catalog of timeless hits. On the other side of the stage, Lainey Wilson, fresh off her 2023 CMA Entertainer of the Year win, has become one of the most exciting voices of modern country. Together, they proved that country music’s legacy is in good hands.

From the first strum of that unmistakable guitar riff, the crowd knew they were in for something special. Brooks & Dunn kicked things off with their trademark swagger, and then Lainey stormed the stage in full cowgirl glam. Her raw energy and smoky vocals pushed the performance into overdrive, turning the song into a high-octane duet that felt both nostalgic and brand new.

Ronnie delivered the lead with his signature grit, Kix brought the harmony and showmanship, and Lainey matched their intensity step for step. By the time they hit the final chorus, the entire stadium was singing along, hands in the air, soaking up a moment that felt like pure country magic.

Originally written by Ronnie Dunn and Terry McBride as a rowdy barroom anthem, “Play Something Country” has found new life through Brooks & Dunn’s Reboot II project, which pairs the duo with today’s hottest stars. Having Lainey as their partner at CMA Fest wasn’t just a duet—it was a symbolic passing of the torch, blending tradition with fresh firepower.

The performance aired nationally on ABC’s CMA Fest broadcast on June 26 and is now available to stream on Hulu and YouTube TV, but nothing compared to being there live. Fans in the stadium captured every second, and social media exploded with clips, hashtags, and rave reviews.

While CMA Fest 2025 delivered plenty of big moments—Luke Bryan, Blake Shelton, Darius Rucker, and surprise cameos—this collaboration stood out as a reminder of what makes country music so enduring: its ability to honor the past while charging boldly into the future.