Day three of CMA Fest’s nighttime concert series at Nashville’s Nissan Stadium started right on time at 8 p.m. on Saturday (June 7), following a rain delay the night before. This time, there were clear, but slightly cloudy Nashville skies, with no rain in sight as another round of top artists took to the stage.

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."

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