The following is a press release:
| The Heartland Network is thrilled to announce its return as an official partner of this year’s CMA Fest presented by SoFi, bringing a dynamic lineup of fan-favorite experiences and exciting new activations for 2025. Once again, Heartland will host a TV studio booth within Fan Fair X, where the beloved Nan Kelley will conduct engaging interviews with country music’s brightest stars in front of a live audience. Following their on-camera conversations, fans will have the chance to interact with the artists during meet-and-greet sessions at the booth. Adding a fresh dimension to their CMA Fest coverage, Heartland’s new initiative, Ranger Media Collective will be on the ground throughout the festival and Fan Fair X. This team will be capturing content with artists and enthusiastic festivalgoers, providing an insider’s perspective on all the excitement. NEW FOR 2025: The Heartland Network Takes the CMA Close Up Stage |
| “Hitmakers on High Dollar Hill”: Don’t miss a special live taping of Heartland’s High Dollar Hill on Friday from 1:45 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Country music icons Clay Walker and Jamie O’Neal will join CMA, ACM, and GRAMMY award-winning songwriter, producer, and TV host Keith Stegall to share the magic behind hits like “If I Could Make a Living” and “There Is No Arizona.” Immediately following the event, Jamie O’Neal will head to the Heartland booth for an interview and meet and greet with fans. |
| Special Opportunities for Young Country Fans |
| Future Stars Casting Call: Each morning from 10-10:30 a.m., Heartland will host an open casting call for kids (with parental permission) to audition for network promos. Kids will have the chance to announce a short script on camera, and each parent will receive the footage via email. Select auditions may even be featured in national TV promos for Heartland Backstage or the network. |
| RaeLynn’s Story Time: Country star RaeLynn will host a special reading of her children’s book, “Raisin’ Me a Country Girl” in the Heartland booth on Sunday starting at 10:45 a.m Parents can stop by the booth throughout CMA Fest to reserve a spot for their child in this limited- space event for 25 kids. Following an interview with Nan Kelley, RaeLynn will read her book to the children and each child will receive a signed copy during a meet-and-greet. |
| Each day, The Heartland Network will be filming for their signature Heartland Backstage series which will feature artist interviews in front of a live audience inside Fan Fair X, conversations from the backstage media room, fan interactions and behind-the-scenes looks at some favorite Fan Fair X experiences. Air dates and tune in information to be announced at a later date. |
