“We're working on new songs”: Kenny Chesney teases what fans can expect from his 2026 Sphere Las Vegas shows

Kenny Chesney is letting fans in on the preparation stages of his eagerly anticipated 2026 Sphere Las Vegas shows, with the ‘I Go Back’ hitmaker set to return to the innovative venue throughout June, following a wildly popular run last summer.

In an official statement, the Knoxville native has teased, “Having spent last year’s residency coming to really understand this dynamic technology and how it deepens the way we all – me, the band, the fans – experience the music. I wanted to get back in there and really push what was possible. We all had ideas. We were told certain things. But what I really took away is how much fun – and different kinds of experiences people can have – no matter where they experience the show from”.

He goes on the hint that he's curating a brand new setlist, and testing out an array of unexpected songs from his colossal discography for the new shows, “Knowing what we know now, we’re working on new songs, some things we can’t do in stadiums, new visuals, new momentum to the set. Having watched No Shoes Nation taking it all in, we have a much better sense of how to make Sphere even more”.

Chesney's 2025 Sphere dates were filled with a vibrant sense of joie-de-vivre and escapism, with the ‘No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems’ crooner treating his packed-out crowds to a range of surprise on-stage collaborations, such as Megan Moroney, Kelsea Ballerini, Old Dominion, Mac McAnally, Uncle Kracker and Grace Potter.

“But it’s not just how big or bold it is”, Chesney muses, “Sphere’s layout creates this intimacy that lets me do songs I can’t play in a stadium, songs we love, songs I haven’t played in forever – so the ability to slow the tempo down lets us take this year’s show into some places we just can’t, even pull things out just because. The band and I are talking about it – and figuring out what songs we want to add”.

The five-time CMA and ACM Entertainer of the Year tantalisingly concludes, “It’s too soon to know just what we’re going to do. But I promise no song’s been left unturned”.

Following a hugely successful 2025, during which he released his first ever book, HEART*LIFE*MUSIC, with Holly Gleason, we're looking forward to seeing what else Chesney has up his sleeve for 2026. As well as some surprise additions to the Sphere Las Vegas setlist, could we be in for some brand new music, too...?

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