CMA Fest concluded Sunday night (June 8), and after four days of festing, tens of thousands of country music fans kept the energy going strong as they filled Nashville's Nissan Stadium for one final evening.

Actor, musician and multi-entertainer Charles “Chip” Esten strummed his guitar onto the CMA Fest stage to start the Thursday line-up. As the charismatic actor grinned from ear-to-ear, he bellowed, "Hello Nashville."

CMA Fest always brings incredible performances to Nashville and packs them into just a few incredible nights. From Darius Rucker to Lainey Wilson, we’re looking at the highlights of night one and speaking to the stars about who they’re most excited to see.