Gavin DeGraw
Gavin DeGraw
Gavin DeGraw
Gavin DeGraw
The packed lawn facing the Riverfront stage buzzed with excitement before Gavin DeGraw’s set. DeGraw instantly cradled the audience in his palm with soulful piano trills and smooth, elastic vocals. His performances of “Chariot,” “Sweeter” and “Soldier” showcased his soaring range and encouraged warm cheers from the audience. DeGraw, alternating between playing keys and working the crowd, maintained an infectious energy through the end of his performance that set the tone for a great day of country music.
- Madeleine Bradford
Photos Courtesy of Kylie Hoover (For Bell Music Magazine)
Britnee Kellogg
Britnee Kellogg
Britnee Kellogg
Britnee Kellogg
From the beginning of her set, Britnee Kellogg’s strong voice soared above full, soulful band arrangements. Kellogg rocked the Reverb stage with her song “Love Thy Neighbor,” which captures Southern gossip culture with a sly, playful perspective. She held the crowd’s attention by performing songs from her upcoming album set to release on June 28th. The title track “She’s Come a Long Way” features anthemic choruses, an empowering message of growth and reflections on pivotal life lessons.
- Madeleine Bradford
Photos Courtesy of Kylie Hoover (For Bell Music Magazine)
Taylor Moss
Taylor Moss
Taylor Moss
Taylor Moss
With the only female Australian representation in CMA Fest’s lineup, Taylor Moss brought her down-under roots to Nashville at the Spotlight Stage. Moss immediately caught the audiences attention with her catchy hooks, even leading the crowd in singing parts of her most recent single “Gone Fishin”. “Gone Fishin” leads the flow of her upcoming debut album, following the chronology of the struggle of failed relationships turning into finally falling in love.
- Kylie Hoover
Photos Courtesy of Kylie Hoover (For Bell Music Magazine)
Alana Springsteen
Alana Springsteen
Alana Springsteen
Alana Springsteen
Alana Springsteen’s Riverfront set opened with ethereal, bubbly synths and an energetic take to the stage. Springsteen began with a commanding performance of “you don’t deserve a country song” while boldly declaring that her exes “ain’t worth three chords and the truth.” To prime the rest of her performance, Springsteen encouraged people in the crowd to take energy wasted on exes and refocus it on themselves during CMA Fest. Her powerful voice made “ghost in my guitar,” “look i like” and the brand new song “cowboy” unmissable.
- Madeleine Bradford
Photos Courtesy of Lillie Hollabaugh (For Bell Music Magazine)
Brittney Spencer
Brittney Spencer
Brittney Spencer
Brittney Spencer
Critically acclaimed country artist Brittney Spencer is a force to be reckoned with. After being featured on Beyoncé’s COWBOY CARTER, Spencer graced CMA Fest’s Amp stage with silky vocals and effortless riffs. Her powerful, confident stage presence maintained her grasp on the crowd throughout her time on the Amp stage. During “Night In,” Spencer brought out friend and fellow CMA Fest performer Abbey Cone, who added tasteful harmonies to Spencer’s introvert anthem.
- Madeleine Bradford
Photos Courtesy of Kylie Hoover (For Bell Music Magazine)
BRELAND
BRELAND
BRELAND
BRELAND
The party officially started when BRELAND took to the CMA Fest Riverfront Stage electrifying the crowd with his spontaneous energy and incredible vocals. He performed songs written with some of music’s biggest names such as Nelly and Keith Urban, including “High Horse” and “Throw It Back”. The audience was absolutely glued to his set and sang and danced along to every word, especially to his hit song “My Truck”.
- Lillie Hollabaugh
Photos Courtesy of Lillie Hollabaugh (For Bell Music Magazine)
Jake Worthington
Jake Worthington
Jake Worthington
Jake Worthington
Jake Worthington brought Texas up to Nashville to the Reverb Stage with his true to the heart country music. Performing songs from his self-titled debut album, Worthington sang music about growing up in his small blue-collar Texas town and being influenced by early country music stars. CMA Fest was the first stop on Worthington’s tour around the U.S. for the rest of the year.
- Lillie Hollabaugh
Photos Courtesy of Lillie Hollabaugh (For Bell Music Magazine)
Kolby Cooper
Kolby Cooper
Kolby Cooper
Kolby Cooper
Recently named “Country music’s newest badass” Kolby Cooper’s set at the Chevy Vibes stage proved he makes a point to have a good time and keep good people in your circle. Cooper debuted his most recently released single “Mama”, a song about those who believe in you even after a few, or many, mistakes. With the song only having been out a week, Cooper’s loyal crowd knew every word and stuck out the Nashville heat for this couldn’t-miss set.
- Kylie Hoover
Photos Courtesy of Kylie Hoover (For Bell Music Magazine)
