Cole Swindell & Lainey Wilson Set CMA Fest on Fire with Electrifying “Never Say Never” Performance

CMA Fest in Downtown Nashville witnessed a truly unforgettable moment as Cole Swindell and Lainey Wilson took the stage to deliver a spectacular performance of their chart-topping duet, “Never Say Never.” The energy in the crowd was palpable as the two country stars brought their undeniable chemistry to life, creating a performance that will be remembered for years to come.

A Duet That Defined the Night

“Never Say Never,” featured on Swindell’s fourth studio album, Stereotype, has been a standout hit for both artists. Released in November 2021, the song made an immediate impact, becoming the most-added song on country radio upon its debut, giving both Swindell and Wilson their biggest radio add day of their careers. Co-written by Swindell, Jessi Alexander, and Chase McGill, the song became Swindell’s 11th career radio single, following his back-to-back No. 1 hits “Love You Too Late” and “Single Saturday Night.”

Their performance at CMA Fest was nothing short of electrifying. Swindell and Wilson fed off each other’s energy, blending their powerhouse vocals in a way that felt both raw and magnetic. The emotion behind the lyrics, which tell the story of a love that neither person can fully walk away from, was on full display as they sang:

“I never say never with you / I end up together with you / It’s hell and it’s heaven with you, baby / Anything’s possible / The highs are unstoppable / It’s so uncontrollable, it’s crazy / We say we won’t and then we do / You’re all I want, I never say never with you.”

A Star-Studded Night of Country Music Magic

Earlier in the night, Swindell also wowed the crowd with a performance of his hit single “She Had Me At Heads Carolina.” The CMA Fest ABC Special, filmed at Nissan Stadium during the star-packed four-day festival, featured over 30 performances and surprise collaborations from country music’s biggest names.

Artists like Jason Aldean, Kelsea Ballerini, Kane Brown, Luke Bryan, Russell Dickerson, Lady A, Parker McCollum, Darius Rucker, Luke Combs, Carly Pearce, Carrie Underwood, Zac Brown Band, and more took the stage, making it a true celebration of country music.

A Festival to Remember

Marking its 49th year, the Music Event of the Summer was hosted by first-time duo Dierks Bentley and Elle King, whose infectious energy brought even more excitement to the festival.

“I think Elle brings so much to the table,” Bentley shared. “Onstage she’s just a riot and also super talented—a perfect mix of humor and incredible music. There were so many spontaneous, hilarious moments between us.”

King echoed the excitement, adding, “Not only do I get to co-host this whole shebang with my buddy Dierks, but I also get to see all these incredible performances and be part of the biggest country music party of the year!”

A Night That Will Go Down in Country Music History

From Swindell and Wilson’s fiery duet to the show-stopping performances from country’s biggest stars, CMA Fest 2022 delivered a night of unmatched energy, unforgettable moments, and the kind of passion that makes country music so special.

With their incredible stage presence, seamless harmonies, and undeniable connection, Cole Swindell and Lainey Wilson proved why they are two of the biggest stars in the genre right now. Their performance of “Never Say Never” was more than just a song—it was a masterclass in passion and storytelling that left the audience speechless and craving more.

🔥🎶 Relive the magic of their unforgettable performance below! 👇👇