CMA Fest 2025 Recap: The Breakout Stars You Can’t Ignore
CMA Fest isn’t just about the megastars. It’s also where emerging voices blow up, fan-favorite performances become instant classics, and viral moments make their way into country music history. This year, three artists absolutely seized the moment and the internet noticed. From genre-bending to fan-packed stages, here’s how Shaboozey, Tanner Adell, and Maddox Batson lit the match and went viral.
CMA fest 2025 Flyer
Shaboozey – Country Rap’s Crown Prince
Shaboozey turned the Good Molecules Reverb Stage into a riot of energy. His fusion of southern storytelling and rap charisma had the crowd chanting before the beat even dropped. When he performed “A Bar Song (Tipsy)”, it was one of those rare moments where the crowd and artist synced up perfectly loud, loose, and unforgettable.
He performed it twice, back to back, because the first one simply wasn’t enough for the crowd. People were hanging from barricades and filming from every angle. That second run-through hit social media within minutes, and TikTok lit up.
The moment proved what many already knew Shaboozey isn’t just riding a wave, he’s creating one.
Tanner Adell – Rodeo Rebel with Major Roots
At the Spotify House, Tanner Adell brought modern rodeo flair and full-on pop-country charm. Wearing a Miranda Lambert-designed belt buckle and moving like a headliner, she launched into “Buckle Bunny”, a cheeky anthem that caught fire thanks to its smart blend of Nashville roots and Beyoncé-style confidence.
As she performed, fans sang along to every lyric, some seeing her live for the first time but already knowing her voice from viral TikTok clips. The crowd swayed, phones in the air, catching that golden set where something shifted from rising star to full-blown festival favorite.
That moment took flight online, with thousands sharing the clip across country and pop circles. She owned it.
Maddox Batson – Young Powerhouse with Viral Hooks
Maddox Batson isn’t new to the grind, but this was his CMA Fest to claim. At 19, he became the youngest artist ever to headline the Whiskey Jam stage, and he stepped up like a seasoned pro. His performance of “Tears in the River” was emotionally sharp, while “X’s” had fans belting the hook in unison.
His songs had already started spreading on Spotify and TikTok, but the live footage was the catalyst. Batson’s voice hit with clarity and edge, and you could feel the conviction in every line. What started as a passionate fanbase online now looks like the beginning of a massive wave.
Why These Moments Blew Up
What each of these artists shares is the ability to create moments that aren’t just heard, they’re felt. The kind that make people stop scrolling. Whether it’s Shaboozey’s unapologetic swagger, Tanner Adell’s genre-defying charm, or Maddox Batson’s emotional depth these performances prove that when the energy is real, the crowd becomes part of the song.
This is what CMA Fest does best, it hands the mic to the future and lets them run the show.
