Scotty McCreery among performers for GAC Breakfast

Country music fans kicked off their CMA Music Festival festivities early Friday at the GAC Breakfast, to the amazement of the musicians.

“I’m just glad everyone’s awake,” said Rachel Beauregard of the first band to play, Native Run.

“I know it’s early and that just shows how crazy you are,” said T. J. Osborne of the Brothers Osborne.

While eating biscuits, eggs, sausage and pancakes, guests saw performances by Native Run, Brothers Osborne, Corey Smith and Scotty McCreery at the Music City Center.

Diners also caught clips of Great American Country cable TV shows “Junk Gypsies” and “Highway Cowboys.”

Brothers Osborne got the crowd humming along to “Rum” and Corey Smith had them laughing with “Dirtier by the Year.”

But McCreery’s baritone voice stole the crowd’s heart. As he came on stage with the song “Now,” the fans cheered and instantly took out their phones to record the moment.

He performed “The Trouble with Girls,” “Buzzin,” his first top 10 hit on country radio, “See You Tonight” and more.

And all the while McCreery expressed gratitude to the fans.

“This all is about y’all, not us,” he said.