Bailey Zimmerman Makes CMA Fest Debut on Riverfront Stage

"Two years ago, I started writing songs with Gavin Lucas and now I'm on a world tour with Morgan Wallen," Bailey Zimmerman shared to a packed Chevy Riverfront Stage. "It all starts with a dream, ladies and gentlemen. You can dream, but if you believe, that's when it all works."

The 23-year-old, who also happens to be one of country music's newest stars, made one of the most memorable CMA Fest debuts in recent memory on the opening day (June 8) at the Chevy Riverfront Stage. Featuring a packed string of performances from the likes of Lainey Wilson, Corey Kent and Ian Munsick, Zimmerman brought the house down as the closing act for the Day 1 daytime festivities.

Exploding onto the stage with the title track to his recently released debut record, Religiously. The Album., the crowd was on fire from the moment the young rocker ran into the spotlight. Zimmerman maintained that level of energy and excitement throughout his six-song set, utilizing every inch of the stage as he ran, danced and skipped from one to the other.

After playing 'War Zone,' a tune from the new album, Zimmerman set the tone before playing his first No. 1 at country radio, 'Fall In Love.'

"I wrote this song one time that talks about this girl going to South Carolina and ends up leaving me in the dust." He continued, "This song went No. 1 on country radio so thank you so much country radio! But, mostly importantly, it's because of y'all. Thank you guys for listening to this song, and if you want you can help me sing it."

They did more than that, practically screaming every word back to him in a frenzy.

Zimmerman followed it up with 'Chase Her' and the fiery 'Where It Ends', before bringing it all to a fever pitch with his hit single, 'Rock And A Hard Place.' The crowd's energy was beyond palpable as the song played, so much so that their singing even overpowered the young singer-songwriter.

After ravenous applause and a moment of controlling the crowd's chants, Zimmerman shared his final sentiments with the Nashville audience, as well as giving away his hat and shoes to a few lucky (or maybe unlucky?) fans, before promising to see them all again next year.

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