A Night to Remember at Nashville’s Nissan Stadium
Last weekend at Nashville’s legendary Nissan Stadium, country music fans were in for a treat when Blake Shelton surprised the crowd by bringing his longtime friend and collaborator Trace Adkins on stage. The duo delivered a fiery rendition of “Hillbilly Bone,” amid a spirited broadcast of CMA Fest presented by SoFi, viewed by millions on ABC and Hulu.
The Performance
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The pair launched into their 2009 chart-topper, “Hillbilly Bone,” singing with the same raw energy and playful charisma that made the song a favorite over 15 years ago .
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The stadium reverberated with their call-and-response hook:
“We all got a hillbilly bone down deep inside…”—mutual singalong galore. -
Earlier, Trace delighted fans with his fun and risqué hit “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk,” marking its 20th anniversary, before sticking around for the duo’s iconic anthem.
Watch the video down below and don’t forget to share this beautiful song with your friends and family…
Friends and Brothers
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Shelton introduced Adkins as his “secret weapon” and “one of my best friends in the world,” reiterating their deep bond.
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He described Trace as “literally like a brother” and made clear he had no intention of sending him home anytime soon .
Context & Significance
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“Hillbilly Bone,” written by Luke Laird and Craig Wiseman, gained acclaim upon its release in 2009, topping the country charts and earning the ACM Vocal Event of the Year award in 2010.
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The song highlights universal simplicity and rural pride with its signature electric-guitar-driven groove
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The CMA Fest special highlighted over 30 performances, including striking duets such as Brooks & Dunn with Lainey Wilson, Brandon Lake with Jelly Roll, and of course Shelton and Adkins.
Performance Highlights
| Moment | Description |
|---|---|
| Duet Energy | Shelton and Adkins maintained strong chemistry, with onstage banter and shared laughs keeping the audience engaged. |
| Fan Engagement | The crowd chanted along to every chorus, neighborhood-style camaraderie on full display. |
| Television Showcase | As part of the three-hour primetime special, the moment contributed to the event being dubbed “The Music Event of Summer.” |
Watch It Again
For fans who missed it live, “CMA Fest presented by SoFi” aired June 26 on ABC and aired next day on Hulu. Their performance, alongside hits like “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk” and Shelton’s new single “Stay Country or Die Tryin’,” rounds out a high-octane night of country music magic.
Final Take
Shelton and Adkins’ revival of “Hillbilly Bone” was more than a nostalgic throwback—it was a celebration of friendship, genre roots, and shared joy. Their chemistry, old-school vocals, and commanding stage presence reminded fans exactly why this duet made such an impact in 2009… and why their bond remains unbreakable today.
