CMA Fest 2019: Chris Janson brings an explosive spirit to Nissan Stadium
Chris Janson didn't waste one second of his first full set at Nissan Stadium.
The 2019 ACM-winning "Drunk Girl" singer must've shot out of a canon from side stage — there's no better explanation for the intensity he exuded during the 25-minute set Sunday night at CMA Fest.
Dressed in all black and wielding a wild harmonica, Janson opened with 2017's "Redneck Life," toe-tapping, sweat rolling and hands thrown to the sky as he brought fist-pumping onlookers to their feet.
"Boy, I just gotta take a look at this one time," Janson said, admiring his view from the stage.
"Having a full set at CMA Fest is unbelievable," said Janson, who up to this point had only done one-song performances.
"I’m thankful. I’m humbled by it. I’m getting a seven-song set tonight so I’m really excited about it, and I can do a lot with that. I’m confident at this point. I finally crossed the three-hit hump. It’s all a building process."
He ran, he jumped, he worked stadium-sized call-and-responses like a seasoned professional — all while bouncing between the harmonica (for "Redneck Life"), piano (for a "Piano Man" tease and fan favorite "Drunk Girl") and drum kit (during a head-banging "Truck Yeah" outro).
The set flew to a close with "Buy Me A Boat," Janson's 2015 breakthrough single.
The worst part? It ended too soon.
Chris Janson CMA Fest setlist
Redneck Life
Fix A Drink
Good Vibes
Piano Man (Billy Joel cover)
Drunk Girl
Truck Yeah
Buy Me A Boat