Surprise Duet Create Magical CMA Fest Moment
A surprise collaboration between Kelsea Ballerini and Noah Kahan became a focal point of CMA Fest 2025, which came to a close in Nashville on Sunday.
The artists performed “Cowboys Cry Too” at Nashville’s Nissan Stadium, drawing an enthusiastic reaction from the audience and widespread discussion on social media.
Their partnership began at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards in February 2024, where Kahan complimented Ballerini’s songwriting on her 2016 single “Peter Pan.”
Ballerini had written the chorus of “Cowboys Cry Too” in November 2023 but sought a male voice to complete the song; Kahan’s narrative style and advocacy for mental-health issues aligned with her goals for the track.
Despite weather delays that shortened Ballerini’s set, the duet proceeded, with Kahan wearing a “Kountry Club” shirt. Online viewers and attendees responded positively, and some have expressed interest in future collaborations.
Ballerini’s country credentials – she is a five-time Grammy nominee and Grand Ole Opry member – combined with Kahan’s indie-folk background and Gen Z following broadened the song’s reach across genres and age groups.
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