CMA Fest 2026 Recap: 10 Country Artists on Faith, Heartbreak & New Music

In this special CMA Fest 2026 recap of "Talk Y'all To Me," Tori Kruse takes you backstage for a whirlwind week in Music City, sitting down with ten artists making their mark on country music. From viral breakouts to seasoned road warriors, this episode is packed with new music, real stories, and the kind of honest, faith-forward conversations the Talk Y'all To Me podcast is known for. Lewis Brice kicks things off with his brand new single "Love Right" and life on the road with his brother. Hannah McFarland opens up about touring with Riley Green, getting cut from American Idol just days before her big break, and why every "no" was leading her somewhere better. Austin Snell tells the story behind proposing in his "Colors" music video and the deeper writing on songs like "Daddy's Eyes." Tenille Arts talks about her new single "Lonely Weekend" and making history as the first female solo producer with a number one. Gabby Sklar reflects on going from covers on her parents' laundry room floor to her very first Nashville stage. It only goes deeper from there. Sophia Scott gets candid about "Miss Me Now" and finally feeling at home in her own skin. Levi Bloom brings his one-of-a-kind Kentucky country rock with new music like "Coolin'." Angel White shares the heart behind "Lone Star Girl," his fifth-generation Texas roots, and his sidekick Rango. Jake Banfield talks his viral hit "Lasso," lake life, and the importance of speaking up about mental health. And Adam Sanders closes it out with winning The Road, landing on the Yellowstone spinoff "Marshals," and the surrender to God that's behind his new single "His to Mine." If you have ever wondered what it really takes to chase a dream in country music, this episode is full of grit, faith, and a whole lot of heart. Ten conversations, one unforgettable CMA Fest week, and you heard them here first. Lean in, turn it up, and let's talk, y'all. 📖 Grab Tori's new book, Unexpected, at torikruse.com 🎙️ Talk Y'all To Me hosted by Tori Kruse 👉 Follow Tori on Instagram: @officialtorikruse 👉 YouTube:    / officialtorikruse   👉 TikTok: tiktok.com/@officialtorikruse 👉 Website: torikruse.com 👉 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/torikruse