Wynonna Judd’s Girls Night Out
Photography by Lily Cruse
Wynonna Judd Brings “Girls Night Out” to CMA Fest at Ascend Amphitheater
June 7, 2025- Wynonna Judd brought her “Girls Night Out” show to Ascend Amphitheater in Nashville, Tennessee, as part of CMA Fest 2025, delivering an evening of live music featuring celebrated artists and rising talent from across the musical landscape. The lineup included Sara Evans, Madeline Edwards, Little Big Town, Noeline Hofmann, The War and Treaty, and Noah Cyrus, bringing together a range of distinctive voices and styles for a special night during one of country music’s biggest annual celebrations.
Held June 5 through June 8, CMA Fest 2025 brought thousands of fans to downtown Nashville for four days of performances, artist appearances, and special events. Organized by the Country Music Association, the festival featured live music across multiple stages and venues, creating opportunities for fans to experience established favorites alongside emerging performers. With Nashville serving as the backdrop, the weekend celebrated country music’s roots while highlighting the artists and sounds continuing to shape its future.
As part of the festival’s extensive programming, “Girls Night Out” added another standout event to the weekend’s lineup. Ascend Amphitheater, located along the Cumberland River in downtown Nashville, provided an outdoor setting for the evening’s performances. The venue’s central location placed the show within walking distance of the city’s bustling entertainment district, where CMA Fest festivities extended throughout the weekend.
Featuring Sara Evans, Madeline Edwards, Little Big Town, Noeline Hofmann, The War and Treaty, and Noah Cyrus, the evening brought together performers with varied musical backgrounds and individual approaches to their craft. Their inclusion reflected the breadth of talent represented throughout CMA Fest, where established acts and newer voices share the spotlight. Wynonna Judd’s “Girls Night Out” became a notable part of the June 7 schedule, adding a diverse collection of performances to a weekend dedicated to celebrating live music and the artists who bring it to life.
Wynonna Judd has remained one of country music’s most distinctive and powerful voices for more than four decades. She first rose to fame in the 1980s as one half of The Judds, the celebrated mother-daughter duo she formed with her mother, Naomi Judd. Together, they became one of country music’s most successful acts, earning five Grammy Awards and numerous industry honors while releasing enduring hits such as “Mama He’s Crazy,” “Why Not Me,” and “Grandpa (Tell Me ’Bout the Good Old Days).” Following the duo’s farewell tour in 1991, Wynonna launched her solo career in 1992, quickly establishing herself as a force in her own right with chart-topping singles including “She Is His Only Need,” “I Saw the Light,” and “No One Else on Earth.” Throughout her career, she has earned recognition for her commanding vocals, soulful delivery, and ability to connect with audiences through deeply personal storytelling. Whether performing solo or honoring her history with The Judds, Wynonna has continued to leave a lasting mark on country music.
On June 7, 2025, Wynonna brought that legacy to the stage at Ascend Amphitheater for “Girls Night Out,” a special performance during CMA Fest that celebrated the connections between artists and the songs that have shaped their careers. Throughout the evening, she revisited her musical roots while creating memorable moments through unexpected collaborations and shared performances. One standout moment came when she welcomed Lainey Wilson to the stage for “Mama He’s Crazy,” bringing new energy to one of The Judds’ most beloved classics. Wynonna also joined Little Big Town for “Girls Night Out” and performed “Hopeful Lie” with The War and Treaty. These collaborations highlighted her willingness to share the spotlight while remaining the driving force behind the evening. Blending the nostalgia of her decades-long career with the excitement of live collaboration, Wynonna’s performance served as a reminder of her enduring influence and the timeless appeal of her music.
Lainey Wilson had a packed week in Nashville during CMA Fest 2025, appearing at several of the event’s biggest stages and gatherings. On Thursday, June 5, she took the stage at Nissan Stadium, showcasing her signature blend of traditional country influences and contemporary storytelling. She also surprised fans by joining Brooks & Dunn for their hit “Play Something Country.” Wilson was also part of the Spotify House lineup at Ole Red, which ran June 5 through June 7 and featured a series of performances and artist appearances throughout the three-day event. Her contributions were also featured in the CMA Fest Presented by SoFi television special, which aired on ABC on June 26 and streamed on Hulu the following day.
On June 7, Wilson joined Wynonna Judd at Ascend Amphitheater for “Girls Night Out,” sharing the stage for “Mama He’s Crazy,” the beloved classic originally recorded by The Judds. The collaboration connected two generations of country artists, honoring Wynonna’s musical legacy while highlighting Wilson’s appreciation for the genre’s roots. Among the week’s many special appearances, the duet offered a memorable tribute to one of country music’s most enduring songs.
Noah Cyrus brought her distinctive blend of pop, country, and alternative influences to Nashville during CMA Fest 2025, appearing at several intimate venues before joining Wynonna Judd for a special evening at Ascend Amphitheater. On Thursday, June 5, Cyrus performed at Spotify House at Ole Red, kicking off the first day of the three-day showcase with a live set. The event featured performances and artist appearances throughout the June 5 through June 7 festival weekend, giving fans opportunities to experience artists in a more intimate setting. Cyrus also appeared at Chief’s on Broadway, performing at the venue’s Neon Steeple space as the city welcomed fans for a week of live music.
On June 7, Cyrus joined Wynonna Judd for her “Girls Night Out” show at Ascend Amphitheater, contributing to an evening centered on collaboration and musical connection. Known for her emotive vocals and genre-blending sound, Cyrus brought her own artistic perspective to the event, joining Wynonna for “When Love Starts Talkin’.” The collaboration paired Cyrus’s contemporary approach with Wynonna’s established country music legacy, creating a memorable moment during the evening. Her appearances throughout Nashville showcased her versatility as a performer, while the duet with Wynonna highlighted the connections between artists working across different musical generations and styles.
Madeline Edwards brought her soulful vocals and genre-blending approach to CMA Fest 2025, appearing on Nashville stages throughout the June 7 festivities. During the daytime programming, she performed at the Good Molecules Reverb Stage at Bridgestone Arena Plaza, giving festivalgoers an opportunity to experience her music in the heart of downtown Nashville. Known for blending country, R&B, soul, and pop influences, Edwards has continued to establish her own place in contemporary country music, pairing emotionally driven songwriting with a distinctive vocal style. Her appearance at the Reverb Stage added to a weekend that celebrated the range of sounds shaping the genre.
Later that evening, Edwards took the stage at Ascend Amphitheater for Wynonna Judd’s “Girls Night Out,” performing at 7:50 p.m. as part of the special June 7 event. Sharing the bill with some of country music’s most recognized voices, Edwards brought her own perspective to an evening centered on powerful performances and musical connection. Her participation highlighted the opportunities CMA Fest creates for emerging and established artists to share the spotlight, introducing audiences to distinctive talent while celebrating the many voices contributing to country music’s continued evolution.
Sara Evans has been a familiar voice in country music for more than two decades, known for her rich vocals and songs that blend traditional country with contemporary influences. Born in Boonville, Missouri, Evans began performing at a young age before launching a successful recording career. Her breakthrough came with No Place That Far in 1998, followed by the multi-platinum album Born to Fly in 2000. Over the years, she has delivered numerous hits, including “Suds in the Bucket,” “A Little Bit Stronger,” “Born to Fly,” and “A Real Fine Place to Start.” With multiple No. 1 singles and a catalog spanning decades, Evans has become a recognizable figure in country music, with songs that explore love, heartbreak, and personal growth.
On June 7, 2025, Evans joined Wynonna Judd’s “Girls Night Out” at Ascend Amphitheater in Nashville as part of CMA Fest 2025. The special event brought together artists for an evening of live music and collaboration, with Evans contributing to a celebration of the women who have shaped country music. Her appearance alongside Wynonna offered another opportunity to connect with fans through a shared appreciation for the genre’s history and continued evolution. As part of the evening’s lineup, Evans brought her experience and distinctive sound to a show that celebrated the lasting impact of country music’s influential voices.
