Published by Cel Manero from Global One Media Inc.
“He’s like a brother to me,” Shelton says about his longtime friend, Trace Adkins.
Blake Shelton and Trace Adkins Reunite for a Nostalgic Duet at CMA Fest
Blake Shelton brought an unforgettable surprise to the CMA Fest stage when he invited longtime friend Trace Adkins to join him for a crowd-pleasing rendition of their hit song “Hillbilly Bone.” More than 15 years after its release, the duo still delivered the high-energy performance fans have loved for over a decade.
During his set at Nashville’s Nissan Stadium, Shelton brought Adkins out to first perform the iconic “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk.” The excitement only grew when the two launched into “Hillbilly Bone,” a playful anthem about embracing country roots. The crowd eagerly joined in as they belted out the signature lyrics:
“We all got a hillbilly bone down deep inside…”
One of the highlights of the annual CMA Fest is the spontaneous on-stage collaborations, and this surprise duet was no exception. The chemistry between the two artists was clear and added a layer of nostalgia and fun to the evening.
Before hitting the stage, Shelton shared his enthusiasm for having one of his dearest friends perform alongside him:
“It’s always special when I get to share the stage with Trace. He’s like a brother to me.”
He hinted at the surprise ahead of time, calling Adkins his “secret weapon” and mentioning the 20th anniversary of “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk.” Shelton also confirmed he had no plans to let Adkins leave early:
“Once he’s out there, I’m keeping him on stage.”
The two country stars have a long history of working together, most recently touring together on Shelton’s Friends and Heroes Tour.
Shelton also showcased new material during the festival, performing his latest single “Stay Country or Die Tryin’” from his recent album For Recreational Use Only.
The three-hour CMA Fest event also featured performances by a star-studded lineup including Jason Aldean, Kelsea Ballerini, Dierks Bentley, Lainey Wilson, Keith Urban, and many more, making it a night packed with musical highlights and unforgettable moments.