Box Combos, a two-song set, and a whole lotta country swagger? Sounds like a Bailey Zimmerman kind of party!
The 25-year-old chart topper made a finger-lickin’ splash ahead of CMA Fest 2025 by working a “shift” at the Raising Cane’s Nashville Flagship last Wednesday (June 4), surprising hundreds of fans with an acoustic performance and teasing what’s next in his high-flying career.
In true Celeb Secrets fashion, we were on the scene and scored the exclusive scoop on his new single, “Comin’ In Cold,” which dropped last Friday, June 6 — and trust us, it’s a whole new side of BZ. The heartfelt ballad shows a deeper side of Bailey, highlighting his vocal vulnerability and raw lyrics.
“There’s something about ‘Comin’ In Cold’ that I haven’t done before,” Bailey told Celeb Secrets ahead of his appearance during the media session. “It’s not about heartbreak—it’s about chasing someone you know is a red flag, and doing it anyway. It’s more mature… but also not really, because I’m still chasing girls in bars,” he laughs. “It’s real. It’s what my life’s been like the past couple years.”
At the intimate Cane’s pop-up, Zimmerman played fan favorites “Religiously.” and “Rock and a Hard Place,” even dedicating the first track to his longtime friend and Raising Cane’s founder, Todd Graves. Rocking a custom “I ❤️ Cane’s” tee, the country phenom served fans both music and chicken, FaceTimed with Graves live from the stage (cue the crowd chanting “TODD! TODD! TODD!”), and shared heartfelt stories about the journey that got him here.
“This year I didn’t know if I was going to have my mom anymore, but she’s still with us and doing better than ever before,” he said, visibly emotional. “This year has been crazy with lots going on in my life, but it’s amazing to have so many people supporting me and loving me – it’s all of you that get me up each morning and it means the world.”
“Every time I see my mom at my shows crying it means so much. There isn’t anywhere else I’d rather be than here at Cane’s with you guys. I wish I could do this more, it’s so fun!” he continued.
The stop marked a full-circle moment for Zimmerman, who partnered with Cane’s during his breakout Religiously. The Tour. in 2024.
“I’m so thankful to Cane’s for sponsoring my tour last year. I didn’t have much time to show my love, but I am so appreciative. Every single tour stop I had Cane’s Chicken Fingers waiting for me.” said Zimmerman. “Todd [Graves] is a legend and a friend. He’s a good human who puts God first and is an all-around great guy. Every time you walk into a Cane’s, you can tell someone put their soul into it. It’s not about money or fancy things, it’s about people.”
Now, Bailey’s back and bolder than ever with his New to Country Tour officially underway. After two sold-out openers in Indianapolis and Sterling Heights this past weekend, the 16-date run continues through September and includes headlining slots at major festivals like Country Thunder, Windy City Smokeout, and Boots & Hearts. And on top of that, he took the stage at Nissan Stadium this past Sunday (June 8) for a massive appearance at CMA Fest 2025 that featured surprise guests and new songs that blew the boots off 60,000 screaming fans.
“I’ve got two guests that I’m gonna bring it up. It’s gonna be sick. We always go big or go home though,” Bailey teased ahead of the show. “Growing up, my dad always said, ‘if you’re gonna do something, don’t half-ass it. If you’re gonna half as it go to the house, ’cause it don’t matter.’ So on Sunday, I’m going 110%.”
The explosive performance featured all of Bailey’s radio hits, and as promised, the 25-year-old brought out BigXthaPlug for “All The Way” and budding country crooner Josh Ross in place of Luke Combs for “Backup Plan.” The 30-minute set showed that the Louisville, IL native is poised for superstardom as he once again was able to command the biggest stage in Music City with his catchy songs and charming personality.
But the real cherry on top? Zimmerman just announced his sophomore album, Different Night Same Rodeo, out August 8 via Warner Music Nashville/Atlantic Records. Produced by longtime collaborator Austin Shawn, the record will feature fan favorites like “Backup Plan” with Luke Combs and “All the Way” with BigXthaPlug, plus new tracks like “Hell or High Water,” “Holding On,” and, of course, “Comin’ In Cold.” Opening up like never before, fans can expect Bailey to deliver his rafter-shaking rock-powered country anthems while also elevating his artistry and sharpening his songcraft on the new body of work.
“I think fans are gonna be shocked by the collabs I’ve got coming,” he said during the Raising Cane’s press session. “There’s one in particular… people will think we don’t go together at all, but it works. Like, it really works.”
From slinging Box Combos to selling out amphitheaters and spilling the sweet tea on collaborations, Bailey Zimmerman is doing it his way—raw, real, and always 100%. And if the energy at Cane’s is any sign, country music’s golden boy is only just heating up.
For more on Bailey’s new track, make sure to watch our interview below and don’t forget to let us know what you think of “Comin’ In Cold” by either leaving a reaction at the bottom of the post or by sliding into our DMs on Instagram at @celebsecretscountry.
