WATCH: Jimmie Allen Brings Lively Performance Of “Freedom Was A Highway” To ‘CMA Summer Jam’

Jimmie Allen brought his latest single, “Freedom Was A Highway” to life with a performance on CMA Summer Jam on Thursday evening. 

Though his friend and duet partner, Brad Paisley, was unable to join him for the performance, Allen held his own on stage, delivering a memorable performance of the nostalgic hit. 

“I couldn’t afford to get Brad here, ya know the way my bank account is set up ya know, but nah it’s gonna be fun,” Allen joked prior to taking the stage.

Of the song, Allen shared, “It’s a song I wrote with two friends of mine, Ash Bowers and Matt Rogers.  I love it ya know it’s a fun song. It takes me back to my hometown every time I get a chance to sing it, so to be able to sing it for you know the people watching CMA Summer Jam and hopefully takes them back to their hometown.” 

“Freedom Was A Highway” is featured on Allen’s star-studded record Bettie James.

CMA Summer Jam also featured performances from Gabby Barrett, Dierks Bentley, Brothers Osborne, Luke Bryan, Luke Combs, Florida Georgia Line, Mickey Guyton, Miranda Lambert, Carly Pearce, Blake Shelton, Gwen Stefani, Cole Swindell, Thomas Rhett, Carrie Underwood, and Lainey Wilson.

Additionally, the three-hour show included star-studded collaborations by Bentley with HARDY & BRELAND, Underwood and Dwight Yoakam, Lambert with Brothers Osborne, Florida Georgia Line feat. Thomas Rhett, newlyweds Shelton and Stefani, as well as Swindell & Bryan. 

CMA Summer Jam aired on Thursday, September 2 (live 8:00-11:00 PM ET) on ABC.