Kenny Chesney celebrated his recent induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame with a special performance at the 2025 CMA Awards on Wednesday evening (Nov. 19), just weeks after being named the Hall’s 158th member.
The 57-year-old East Tennessee native electrified the arena with a spirited rendition of “American Kids,” instantly pulling the crowd to its feet. Fans sang along as Chesney, sporting his signature straw cowboy hat, green pants, and a gray Henley, making his way around the stage with the same infectious energy that has fueled decades of stadium-packing tours.
The celebration quickly shifted into a moment of remembrance as Chesney honored his longtime friend, the late songwriter Brett James, with an emotional performance of their hit “When the Sun Goes Down.” Throughout the song, photos of Chesney and James filled the backdrop, accompanied by the words: “Brett James, Thank you. We miss you.”
As the performance came to a close, Chesney paused, visibly moved. “Thank you so much, Brett James. We love you,” he said, earning a wave of applause from the audience.
Kenny Chesney was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in the Modern Era Artist category on October 19 during the star-studded Medallion Ceremony at the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum’s CMA Theater. He entered as part of the 2025 class, which also included Tony Brown and June Carter Cash.
At the coveted event, Chesney was honored by several close friends and former tourmates, including Kelsea Ballerini, Megan Moroney, and Eric Church, before his longtime friend Joe Galante presented him with his Medallion, officially marking his induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
“The truth is, I’ve never really let myself sit in accomplishment very much. I’ve always been very creative, very driven. But tonight, I can tell you, walking into that rotunda and taking the group shot with a lot of my heroes and a lot of my friends, it was the first time that I have ever felt accomplished in my life,” Chesney shared at the Medallion ceremony. “It’s an unbelievable feeling to stand here in this moment. And with every cell in my body, I feel the gravity of this moment.”
2025 CMA Awards
The 59th Annual CMA Awards featured unforgettable performances from BigXthaPlug, Luke Combs, Ella Langley, Megan Moroney, Keith Urban, Little Big Town, Shaboozey, Zach Top, Tucker Wetmore, Lainey Wilson, Stephen Wilson Jr., Kelsea Ballerini, Brandi Carlile, Kenny Chesney, Riley Green, Miranda Lambert, Patty Loveless, Old Dominion, The Red Clay Strays, Chris Stapleton and more.
In addition to performances, the show also featured a star-studded list of presenters and special guests, including Lady A, Alison Brown, Jessica Capshaw, Billy Ray Cyrus, Lauren Daigle, Jordan Davis, Elizabeth Hurley, Cody Johnson, Bert Kreischer, Brandon Lake, Ella Langley, Steve Martin, Leanne Morgan, NE-YO, Chris O’Donnell, Kimberly Perry, LeAnn Rimes, Alan Ritchson, Lara Spencer, Billy Bob Thornton, Grace Van Patten, Gretchen Wilson, Bailey Zimmerman and more.
“Country Music’s Biggest Night” also honored Vince Gill with the CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award. The 68-year-old country music legend was celebrated with a special tribute performance before accepting the coveted award. The 59th Annual CMA Awards was a production of the Country Music Association. Robert Deaton was the Executive Producer, Alan Carter was the Director and Jon Macks was the Head Writer.
Hosted by Lainey Wilson, the 2025 CMA Awards broadcast live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, Nov. 19 (8:00–11:00 PM ET) on ABC and will be made available to stream the following day on Hulu.
