Opinion: Top five artists to look for at CMA Fest
CMA Fest is quickly approaching, so Kaitlin Flippo is sharing her list of the top 5 artists to look for this year.
If you know me, you probably know that the Country Music Association (CMA) Festival is one of my favorite times of year.
While all of the artists playing this year are talented, here are my top five artists to look for this year.
Disclaimer: The list is not in any particular order.
Restless Road
If you watched “X Factor USA” before it was cancelled, then you have probably heard of them. This band is an all-male country trio created by Simon Cowell in the third season of the show.
The original trio consisted of Zach Beeken, Colton Pack and Andrew Scholz; but now, Beeken is the only original member left. Jared Keim and Garrett Nichols have since taken Pack and Scholz’s places.
This trio can sing anything from a cover of Maren Morris to Zayn Malik and it still sounds great. Between their individual vocals and harmonies, I strongly believe Restless Road will make it big in the next few years.
You can see them live in-person on Friday, June 9 at the Gildan Broadway Stage at Hard Rock Café at 10:45 a.m.
Levon
This country trio is based out of Nashville, Tennessee and consists of Michael David Hall, Jake Singleton and Ryan Holladay. This isn’t typical pop country we hear on the radio, and I’m thankful for that. These guys are genuinely passionate about their music and their harmonies are flawless.
Whether you see them live at CMA Fest this year or not, please just take a moment and listen. I promise you won’t be disappointed, and you can thank me later.
You can see them perform on the Gildan Broadway Stage at Hard Rock Café on Thursday, June 8 at 11:25 a.m. or on Sunday, June 11 at the Radio Disney Country stage at 10 a.m.
Trent Harmon
If you caught the last season of American Idol, then this name sounds familiar. Harmon is an East Mississippi native and holds the reigning title of American Idol. Between his humble personality, southern charm and incredible vocals, Harmon is unstoppable.
His new single “There’s A Girl” has been on repeat for me for the past few days.
You can see him perform on Sunday, June 11 at the Chevrolet Park Stage at 11:10 a.m.
Jon Pardi
Country music fans: this should not be a surprise that he made my list. Pardi’s music is incredibly catchy and well-written. He’s just what country music needs right now. There have been plenty of country albums where I only like one or two songs, but I’m in love with everything Pardi sings.
“Head Over Boots” and “Dirt On My Boots” are always my go-to songs when I’m driving. He absolutely deserves to be performing in Nissan Stadium.
You can see him perform on Thursday, June 8 at the Chevrolet Riverfront Stage at 11:15 a.m.
Muscadine Bloodline
Mobile, Alabama natives, Gary Stanton and Charlie Muncaster came together in 2016 to form Muscadine Bloodline. One of my favorite aspects of country music is that it tells a story and Muscadine Bloodline does this perfectly in every song. I haven’t found one of their songs that I don’t like.
Both Stanton and Muncaster have powerful vocals and harmonize well, which only adds to their authenticity. If you don’t have a chance to see them perform during CMA Fest, please at least give them a listen.
You can see them perform on Saturday, June 10 at the Chevrolet Park Stage at 10:30 a.m.
Featured Image by Ronnie Flippo
Edited by Taylor Owens
