The 2023 CMA Fest proved why it’s the longest-running country music festival in the world. It was the 50th anniversary, and with performances from country music’s top artists across the weekend (June 8-11) — as well as some memorable and surprising collaborations on stage — it was one for the books.
An unexpected highlight? When Miranda Lambert brought out pop-punk star Avril Lavigne on Friday night (June 9).
“I’m out here to make more bada– happen right now,” Lambert told the crowd, introducing her “bestie,” Lavigne. The crowd reacted appropriately. As a duo, the country star and her rock pal jumped into Lambert’s edgy “Kerosene,” with Lavigne kicking it off.
After “Kerosene” was finished, Lambert’s band segued into Lavigne’s 2002 hit single, “Sk8r Boi.” The pair took turns singing, with Lavigne belting the first few lines of her song, followed by Lambert chiming in with her country twang.
Could a Miranda Lambert/Avril Lavigne studio collaboration be coming? That’s not evident, but CMA Fest is taped each year for a television special to air later in the season: CMA Fest will air on ABC on July 19 at 8PM ET.
Evan Paul is the host of Taste of Country Nights, a syndicated radio show heard on more than 120 country radio stations nationwide, every night from 7PM to midnight. He plays the best new country music and interviews today’s top stars, like Luke Combs, Miranda Lambert, Dan + Shay, Keith Urban, Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, Chris Stapleton, Lady A, Morgan Wallen + more!
Pictures: 2023 CMA Fest, Days 1-4
See pictures from Day 1 of CMA Fest 2023. The 50th annual CMA Fest in Nashville featured Nissan Stadium performances from Luke Combs, Carly Pearce, Dan + Shay, Tyler Hubbard and more. Plus pictures of Lainey Wilson with Lauren Alaina and Lukas Nelson.
Day 2 features highlights from Tanya Tucker, Lainey Wilson, Cody Johnson, Miranda Lambert, Jelly Roll, Keith Urban and Hardy.
Day 3 includes photo highlights from Tracy Lawrence, Jason Aldean, Little Big Town, Old Dominion, Jon Pardi and Eric Church.
Day 4 featured performances by Josh Turner, Ashley McBryde, Dierks Bentley, Tim McGraw and Luke Bryan. Plus, Alabama received the CMA Pinnacle Award.
PICTURES: See Inside Miranda Lambert’s Luxurious Nashville Mansion
Miranda Lambert’s former mansion in an exclusive part of Nashville is currently up for sale, and pictures reveal a stunning luxury home with gorgeous views.
The 5-bedroom, 5.5-bathroom, 6,261-square-foot house in the Forest Hills section of Music City is currently on the market for $3.98 million.
Miranda Lambert Kicks Off Velvet Rodeo Vegas Residency
Miranda Lambert launched her Velvet Rodeo: The Las Vegas Residency stay at Planet Hollywood’s Zappos Theater on Friday, Sept. 23, 2022. It was a night of highs, lows, fireballs and singalongs.