The CMA Awards are known for delivering magical moments — those unexpected collaborations that make fans sit up, smile, and remember why they love country music. And in 2006, one performance stood out above the rest: Bon Jovi teaming up with Jennifer Nettles for an unforgettable rendition of “Who Says You Can’t Go Home.”
It was the perfect blend of rock energy and country soul. Nettles’ warm, powerhouse vocals matched flawlessly with Jon Bon Jovi’s signature rasp, creating a performance that felt both fresh and timeless. Together, they turned the stage into a celebration of two worlds colliding — where country’s heartfelt storytelling met rock’s raw spirit.
Originally part of Bon Jovi’s Have a Nice Day album, the duet version with Nettles brought a new emotional depth to the song. Fans from both genres embraced it wholeheartedly, and soon it climbed to #1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, making history as Bon Jovi’s first country chart-topper. The collaboration even earned them a Grammy Award for Best Country Collaboration with Vocals, sealing its place as one of the most memorable crossovers in music history.
That night at the CMA Awards, Bon Jovi didn’t just perform — they proved that great music knows no boundaries. It was a bold step, a genuine moment of connection, and a reminder that when artists take risks together, magic truly happens.