Carrie Underwood and Dwight Yoakam Ignite Nashville: CMA Summer Jam Duet Leaves Audience in Tears and Awe

It was a night made for cowboy boots, rhinestones, and roaring guitars — and country music icons Carrie Underwood and Dwight Yoakam delivered it all in unforgettable harmony.

On Tuesday, July 27, the two GRAMMY-winning artists took the stage together at Ascend Amphitheater in Downtown Nashville for the opening night of the CMA Summer Jam, thrilling fans with a powerful live duet that paid tribute to country roots and musical legacy.

 A Night of Country Greatness: “A Thousand Miles from Nowhere” & “Guitars, Cadillacs”

Underwood and Yoakam joined forces to perform his 1993 hit, “A Thousand Miles from Nowhere,” followed by a rollicking rendition of “Guitars, Cadillacs.” The crowd at Ascend Amphitheater erupted, giving the country duo a standing ovation as their voices and guitars echoed into the Nashville night.

The collaboration marked a special full-circle moment for Underwood, who shared her excitement on social media:

>“Never in a million years would I have thought I would get to share the stage with someone this cool,” she wrote on Instagram. “Dwight Yoakam, you are a LEGEND and, now, a friend as well! Thank you!”

 The Look: Sparkle Meets Sustainability

Carrie Underwood brought high fashion to the country stage, wearing a custom DanielXDiamond outfit — including a sequin cowboy hat, rhinestone-embellished shorts, and a Saint Laurent t-shirt. The look, documented on Instagram with the caption “Howdy, partner…”, was inspired by one of Yoakam’s own vintage outfits.

Designer Daniel Musto revealed that the jacket began as a vintage Levi’s piece, later transformed with signature rhinestone fringe in Los Angeles. The cowboy hat alone took over 25 hours to create, further highlighting the artistry behind Underwood’s stage presence.

 CMA Summer Jam Lineup Brings Country’s Best to Nashville

The July 27 show wasn’t just a night for Underwood and Yoakam — it was a celebration of country music’s brightest stars. Other performers included:

Luke Bryan

Mickey Guyton

Carly Pearce

Blake Shelton & Gwen Stefani

Cole Swindell

Lainey Wilson

The Summer Jam continued the following night, July 28, with performances from:

Jimmie Allen

Gabby Barrett

Dierks Bentley

Brothers Osborne

Luke Combs

Florida Georgia Line

Miranda Lambert

Jon Pardi

Thomas Rhett

 Coming Soon to ABC

The two-night CMA Summer Jam event was taped for a television special, set to air on ABC at a later date. It promises to bring the magic of these once-in-a-lifetime performances to fans across the nation.

 Giving Back Through Music

In addition to thrilling audiences, the event supported a greater cause. A portion of net ticket sale proceeds will benefit the CMA Foundation, an organization dedicated to expanding access to quality music education across the United States.

Since its founding in 2011, the CMA Foundation has worked to ensure that all students, regardless of background, can experience the transformative power of music.

 Final Note: A Legendary Night to Remember

From blazing duets to sparkling fashion, Carrie Underwood and Dwight Yoakam’s performance at CMA Summer Jam was nothing short of legendary. Their musical chemistry, mutual respect, and powerful stage presence reminded fans why country music continues to capture hearts across generations.

This wasn’t just a concert — it was a moment.

Share this story with your fellow country fans and don’t miss the upcoming ABC broadcast!