They said he was just stopping by before dinner with his parents… but then he strummed the first chords of a Toby Keith classic. He wasn’t just singing — he was honoring a legend, and every lyric felt like a quiet thank-you. It wasn’t just a cover. It was a moment that made you believe country music still remembers where it came from

A Bittersweet Farewell: Expecting Couple’s Last CMA Fest Before Parenthood and a Surprise Performance by Riley Green

For many, the CMA Fest in Nashville is a celebration of country music, community, and unforgettable moments. But for TikTok users Chris and Em, the 2025 festival held a deeper significance—it marked their final CMA Fest before welcoming their first child. Determined to make the most of it, the couple set out to attend as many concerts as possible, cherishing each note and lyric before their lives changed forever.

Their journey took an unexpected turn when they stumbled upon a free concert in downtown Nashville, a hallmark of the CMA Fest experience. The atmosphere was electric, with fans gathered in anticipation, unaware of the surprise that awaited them. As the music played and the crowd swayed, none other than country star Riley Green made an unannounced appearance, performing two heartfelt songs before heading off to dinner with his parents. The intimate performance resonated deeply with Chris and Em, adding a serendipitous highlight to their festival experience.

The CMA Fest is renowned for such spontaneous moments, where fans can witness surprise performances and connect with artists in unexpected settings. Beyond the main stages and scheduled acts, it’s these impromptu encounters that often leave the most lasting impressions.

Watch below:

@primetimecountrymusic

@Riley Green took the stage outside at Losers in Nashville to kickouff CMA Fest week with @Raised Rowdy & @William Morris Endeavor. (📹 @Kaylee Mae Yeager team member) #primetimecountry #rileygreen #tobykeith #losersoriginal #nashville #tonight #primetimecountrymusic #ptcm #countrym

♬ original sound – Prime Time Country Music

For Chris and Em, this year’s festival was more than just a musical event; it was a poignant farewell to a chapter of their lives and a celebration of the new beginnings on the horizon. Their story serves as a testament to the magic of the CMA Fest, where music, memories, and milestones intertwine in the heart of Nashville.

To witness their heartfelt experience and Riley Green’s surprise performance, you can view their TikTok video here:

@chris.and.em

It’s our last CMA fest without a baby so we decided we need to go to as many concerts as possible… and nothing beats a free concert in Nashville 🤠 especially when Riley Green pops in to sing 2 songs before going to dinner with his parents 🥹👏🏼 #cmafest #raisedrowdy #losersbarandgrill #losersnashville #rileygreen #tobykeith #rileygreenconcert #freeconcerts #cmafest2025

♬ original sound – Chris & Em