by Riley Green has built a reputation on heartfelt storytelling, southern charm, and a sound rooted in traditional country. And at CMA Fest 2025, he brought all of that and more to his live performance of “Worst Way” — a fan-favorite track that’s quickly gaining traction for its stripped-down honesty and aching vulnerability.
A Song That Hits Close to Home
Originally released earlier this year, “Worst Way” is a slow-burning ballad that finds Green at his most exposed. The lyrics speak of longing and heartbreak, with lines like “I miss you in the worst way, but I love you just the same” painting a picture of a love that lingers even when it’s over. Written with frequent collaborators Erik Dylan and Randy Montana, the song balances traditional country instrumentation with a modern emotional edge — something Green has made his hallmark since his debut.
The Performance: Quiet Power, Stadium-Wide Impact
During Day 2 of CMA Fest at Nissan Stadium, Green took the stage just before sunset. Dressed in a simple white tee and boots, guitar in hand, he walked to the mic without fanfare. As the lights dimmed, he strummed the first chord and said quietly, “This one’s for anyone who’s ever tried to move on… and couldn’t.”
The moment he began singing, the crowd — over 60,000 strong — seemed to collectively lean in. His voice, warm and worn like denim, carried across the stadium with an intimacy more common in a small acoustic set than a festival stage.
There was no pyrotechnics, no flashy lights — just Green, his guitar, and the weight of his words.
A Fan Favorite Finds Its Moment
Fans had been requesting “Worst Way” since the track’s digital release, and many were hoping to hear it live for the first time. Social media quickly lit up during and after the performance, with hashtags like #WorstWayLive and #RileyGreenCMAFest trending throughout the night.
“This is the song I didn’t know I needed until tonight,” one fan posted on X (formerly Twitter). “Riley Green just put every heartbreak I’ve had into words.”
Even industry veterans took notice. Several outlets praised the performance for its “refreshing vulnerability” and “timeless country feel,” with Rolling Stone Country calling it one of the night’s “most emotionally resonant” moments.
Country Roots, Unshakable Presence
While Green followed his ballad with upbeat crowd-pleasers like “There Was This Girl” and “Different ‘Round Here”, it was “Worst Way” that lingered longest. It’s proof that in a festival known for stadium anthems and star-studded duets, sometimes the quietest song says the most.
As Riley Green continues to evolve as both a songwriter and performer, “Worst Way” cements his place as one of the few modern artists who can truly bridge the gap between today’s country and its roots.
And judging by the crowd’s reaction at CMA Fest 2025, they wouldn’t have it any other way.
