Zach Top Joins Dierks Bentley For Surprise “Mountain Music” Duet At CMA Fest
Dierks Bentley brought Zach Top out onstage to sing Alabama's "Mountain Music" during Night 4 of CMA Fest. (Photo Credit: Taylor Hill / FilmMagic / Getty Images)
Zach Top Drops In To Sing An Alabama Classic With Dierks Bentley During Night 4 Of CMA Fest
Picture this: you’re already having the time of your life watching Dierks Bentley perform at CMA Fest when suddenly, he welcomes Zach Top to the stage! That’s exactly what happened during Night 4 of CMA Fest this year (2025), and fans were thrilled, to say the least.
The duo’s song choice made their surprise collaboration even sweeter. They dove into a rollicking rendition of Alabama‘s classic hit, “Mountain Music.”
Alabama’s Randy Owen served as the sole songwriter behind “Mountain Music.” The lyrics illustrate picturesque scenes, as the narrator floats down the river and listens to grandma and grandpa’s old “mountain music.”
“Mountain Music” debuted in 1982 as the lead single of Alabama’s album of the same title. The track reached the #1 spot on the Hot Country Songs chart and has since been certified Platinum by the RIAA.
In 2024, Rolling Stone ranked “Mountain Music” at #61 on its list of the 200 Greatest Country Songs of All Time.
Since both Top and Bentley often take their music in a more traditional direction, “Mountain Music” was the perfect song for them to perform at CMA Fest. They took the audience on a wild ride, delivering a cover full of energy and life.
After their duet, Bentley wrapped his arm around Top and made a bold declaration. He said, “Let me tell you something about this guy… This is the future of country music right here, Zach Top.”
Top is one of the fastest rising stars in country music and was recently named the New Male Artist of the Year at the 2025 ACM Awards.
For that reason, it’s understandable why many fans feel Bentley and Top’s surprise CMA Fest duet was one of the highlights of the festival. You can watch a video of their performance below.
@klarissasellsitall Dierks Bentley and Zach Top playing Mountain Music at CMA Music Fest!! #zachtop #dierksbentley #cmafest #countrymusic @Zach Top @dierksbentley ♬ original sound – Klarissa Skinner
Zach Top Releases New Single, “Good Times & Tan Lines”
Top performed a solo set earlier that same night (June 8). During his set, he shared his brand-new single, “Good Times & Tan Lines.”
Introducing the song, Top said he hopes it’s the “next great summer country anthem.” The song’s official audio was released the following morning (June 9).
Top has been teasing the upcoming release of his sophomore album. Recently, he confirmed the record, Ain’t In It For My Health, will be released on August 29. “Good Times & Tan Lines” is the first sample of what to expect from the project.
Watch Top sing his new single at CMA Fest in the video below.
Stay tuned, because CMA Fest is getting a TV special on June 26! There’s a chance Top’s performance of “Good Times & Tan Lines” may be part of the broadcast…plus, we may see his duet with Dierks Bentley too!
