What fans are manifesting for 2026 at Nashville’s Big Bash
As the New Year’s Eve event crowd gathers, fans reveal the goals and dreams they’re taking into 2026.
- Lainey Wilson headlined Nashville’s fifth annual “Big Bash” to ring in the new year.
- The event, held at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, also featured stars like Jason Aldean and CeCe Winans.
- Thousands of fans gathered in near-freezing temperatures for the concert broadcast on CBS.
- Country singer Hardy and comedian Bert Kreischer hosted the evening’s festivities.
Between her second and third songs, Lainey Wilson asked the production crew to turn her microphone back on. Nashville’s Big Bash may have been airing on CBS and streaming on Paramount+, but during the commercial break the country star in a caramel, fringe-trimmed suit wanted to talk to her fans.
“Good to see you all, I like these sparkly hats you got going on,” Wilson said to thousands of chilled fans on the last evening of 2025. “Where y’all from?”
“Monroe,” shouted Alex Gausoing, 19, from Monroe, Louisiana. The teen had been shouting for Wilson during her crowd-reviving songs of “Hang Tight Honey” and “Watermelon Moonshine,” his voice rising above the rest of the cheers as he waved from the pit. Wilson’s hometown is 30 minutes away from his home, a proximity that made the moment feel personal.
“Monroe, thanks for coming,” Wilson said with a smile. “Is anyone here from Nashville?”
Gausoing’s smile widened as big as the brim of his black ball cap.
“She just made my New Year,” he said. “She’s a great singer and I hope the best for her in life.”
Moments later, Wilson dove into “4x4xU” as the stage lights snapped back on and the broadcast resumed.
The temperatures hovered in the high 30s as thousands of fans, many donning white Jack Daniel’s top hats filled Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park.
Fans packed the grounds, shoulder to shoulder. As they cheered, the fog from their breath lingered for a moment in the crisp almost-full-moon air.
The fifth annual broadcast featured Wilson alongside stars Jason Aldean, CeCe Winans, Bailey Zimmerman and the Fisk Jubilee Singers. The concert blended country, gospel and pop-leaning performances into a night designed to showcase the breadth of Tennessee’s signature sounds.
Nashville’s Big Bash shows off a glimmering, if chilly, Music City
Mayor Freddie O’Connell told the crowd before the broadcast, “You’re going to see why we’re Music City, U.S.A.”
Between sets, fans filtered toward the food truck stations. Signs for a “Sober Space Hangout” offered inclusiveness to those looking to ring in the New Year without the champagne or beer. For those choosing to imbibe, plenty of food trucks offered alcoholic beverages.
Country singer Hardy and comedian-actor Bert Kreischer kicked off the festivities at 7 p.m. Dec. 31, setting a playful tone for the night.
“CBS decided to do something random and pick two names out of a hat and that’s how you have me and Hardy,” Kreischer said.
“I guess all we have to do is keep the party going,” Hardy replied. “And keep our shirts on.”
“I can promise to do one of those,” Kreischer fired back.
The two also welcomed their moms, joining live from Times Square in New York City, along with SiriusXM’s Cody Alan and Caylee Hammack, stationed at Category 10 bar in downtown Nashville.
Floating above the stage, a bright red eighth note perched atop a 138‑foot tower and watched over the crowd. Times Square has the ball; Music City has the note. And this one glowed, poised to usher in 2026.
Final countdown: red music note drops as Nashville rings In 2026
Hosts Hardy and Bert Kreischer, along with Bailey Zimmerman and the packed crowd, count down the final seconds to 2026.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.tennessean.com ’
