CMA Fest ABC Special: Wynonna Judd honors late mom as top country stars perform
ABC and streamed on Hulu, featured many surprises and breathtaking performances marking the 49th year of the festival.Hosted by first-time hosts Dierks Bentley and Elle King, the three-hour special featured over 30 performances from the world’s top country music artists.The night kicked off with Kane Brown’s stunning rendition of his mega-hit, “I Love You Like I like Country Music.”His performance was followed by Bentley, who teamed up with Billy Ray Cyrus to sing the hit 1992 track, “Achy Breaky Heart.”During the night, the crowd took a moment to honor Grammy-winning Country Music Naomi Judd, who died in April.Her daughter Wynonna Judd then teamed up with Carly Pearce for a rendition of “Why Not Me,” and subsequently received a standing ovation in honor of Wynonna’s mother.Kelsea Ballerini was another showstopper during the night, treating fans to not one, but two of her tracks.Rocking out with a guitar on stage, Ballerini performed “Heartfirst” as well as her latest chart-topping single, “Half Of My Hometown.”Lainey Wilson also performed, singing “Never Say Never” with Cole Swindell.