The bro country duo is back and better than ever. The late 2010s powerhouse Florida Georgia Line made its 2026 debut on Thursday night at Nissan Stadium during CMA Fest. After years without new music and almost no word from FGL, this moment was monumental.
Hubbard shouted to the crowd, “God is good, life is short, and most importantly, your boys… we back, baby!” The stadium erupted with cheers and applause. The duo then performed their hits “Round Here” and “Cruise.” It’s also worth noting that they were not on the lineup, making the appearance a complete shock to the country music world.
Prior to CMA Fest, they had teased fans on Instagram with nothing more than a profile picture change. While on stage, Hubbard said, “CMA Fest, it feels so good to be here with my brother,” referring to Brian Kelley. This was especially cool to hear considering the long running rumors of bad blood between the two.
A billboard had also appeared in Nashville displaying nothing but a phone number. When fans texted the number, they received a response that read, “Turns out, some things are just better together.”
Florida Georgia Line was formed in 2010 by Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley. In 2012, their debut single, “Cruise,” broke major sales records and skyrocketed to the top of the charts. It became the first country song ever to receive Diamond certification and spent 24 weeks at No. 1, smashing records along the way.
FGL formed in Nashville and originally played cover songs before signing a record deal with Big Loud as original artists. Over the next several years, they released Anything Goes (2014), Dig Your Roots (2016), Can’t Say I Ain’t Country (2019), and Life Rolls On (2021).
In 2022, the duo announced an indefinite hiatus, which ultimately resulted in the breakup of the band as both Hubbard and Kelley shifted their focus to solo careers.
Although Hubbard and Kelley have remained quiet regarding FGL related business, neither has been absent from the spotlight. Tyler Hubbard released his self titled debut solo album in 2023 and has continued to headline fairs, festivals, and country tours as a solo artist. Hubbard has stated in interviews that Florida Georgia Line’s breakup had nothing to do with politics or personal feuds, but rather different visions for the future and the challenge of balancing solo careers.
Brian Kelley has leaned into a more laid back, beach country style. He released his solo album Tennessee Truth in 2024 and has focused on building his independent brand while spending more time developing his songwriting craft.
Over the past year, reports have suggested that the two have rebuilt their friendship and begun spending significant time together once again.
So what does this mean moving forward? A new tour? New music?
With 19 No. 1 hits on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart already under their belt, why not add a few more?
Having seen FGL perform myself and witnessed the loyalty of their fan base since the beginning, it’s no surprise that fans are excited and optimistic about the future. Their surprise appearance was one of the highlights of CMA Fest 2026, and the country music world will be watching closely to see what the duo’s next move might be.