Craig Sjodin/ABCCMA Music Festival 2016 was a who’s who of superstars in country music. But if you missed it last month in Nashville, never fear: you can watch it in the comfort of your own home on Wednesday, August 3 when ABC airs its annual special, CMA Music Festival: Country’s Night to Rock. Here’s a preview of what you’ll see that night.
Superstar collaborations will be front and center, with Thomas Rhett and Brett Eldredge teaming up to both host and perform. Reigning CMA Entertainer of the Year Luke Bryan unites with Keith Urban, while Little Big Town brings their Wanderlust producer Pharrell Williams to the CMA Stage. Rascal Flatts and Maren Morris mash up their hits, as do Lady Antebellum and Cam.
Dierks Bentley and Elle King focus on their hit duet, “Different for Girls,” with Chris Young and Cassadee Pope doing the same. Martina McBride takes on an Aerosmith classic with frontman Steven Tyler, while Hank Williams Jr. brings a Bocephus standard back to life with Chris Janson and Justin Moore.
As if that weren’t enough, Jason Aldean, Kelsea Ballerini, Eric Church, Florida Georgia Line, Miranda Lambert, Blake Shelton, Chris Stapleton, Cole Swindell, and Carrie Underwood all turn in solo performances during the three-hour special, now in its 12th year.
CMA Music Festival: Country’s Night to Rock airs Wednesday, August 3 at 8 p.m. ET.
