Actor, musician and multi-entertainer Charles “Chip” Esten strummed his guitar onto the CMA Fest stage to start the Thursday line-up. As the charismatic actor grinned from ear-to-ear, he bellowed, "Hello Nashville."

Highlights at Nissan Stadium on Saturday included Blake Shelton teaming up with Trace Adkins, Megan Moroney bringing her brother onstage, and more.

Darius Rucker, Ella Langley and other stars offered sterling sets to kick off CMA Fest 2025's Nissan Stadium shows.