Music City celebrated the new year with a star-studded lineup of country favorites.
New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash promised to “ring in 2024 with hours of LIVE music, fireworks, and the signature midnight Music Note Drop.” Praised for bringing together the biggest stars in country music for an “only-in-Nashville concert special,” the annual celebration took place on Sunday, December 31st at Nashville’s Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park.
The event was free and open to the public. With arguably the most stacked lineup yet, the bash drew country music fans from far and wide. The performances were also broadcast live from CBS for fans nationwide to enjoy.
The lineup included Blake Shelton, Carly Pearce, Cody Johnson, HARDY, Lainey Wilson, Morgan Wallen, and more of country music’s brightest stars.
Fans noticed that Blake Shelton’s performance was not LIVE as promised.
During the New Year’s Eve special, Blake Shelton performed a handful of his hits and was even joined on stage by Trace Adkins for “Hillbilly Bone.” However, fans were quick to notice that Shelton’s appearance was not live from Nashville as anticipated.
The realization came when fans learned that he took the stage at the WinStar Casino and Resort in Thuckerville, OK just five minutes after his Nashville’s Big Bash performance aired. Disappointed fans were quick to point out the discrepancy online:
How’s Blake Shelton “live” in Nashville for #CBSNashvilleNYE when he’s about to go on stage at @WinStarWorld in 5min? He must have one fast ass tour bus!
— Net Nardo 🐜 (@NetNardo) January 1, 2024
It appears that Blake Shelton double-booked himself for New Year’s Eve, and his Nashville’s Big Bash performance was pre-recorded (albeit in front of a live audience) to make it possible for him to satisfy both engagements.
So, @CBS just saw promo about New Year’s Eve celebration in Nashville live. List of celebs including Blake Shelton but he is performing in Oklahoma tonight. So will you be going live to his concert or are some segments pre recorded ? #NewYear2024
— jay miller (@jbirjay) January 1, 2024
Other fans responded to the negative comments, noting that for the performances to take place at various venues, some needed to be pre-recorded. However, for an event that is advertised as “LIVE from Nashville,” some viewers felt misled.
Check out Blake Shelton and Trace Adkins performing “Hillbilly Bone” for Nashville’s Big Bash below and see for yourself!