Lauren Alaina Joins Martina McBride for Surprise Duet of ‘Anyway’ During CMA Music Fest

Fans who flocked to LP Field on Saturday evening, June 11, during the 2011 CMA Music Festival in Nashville had an extra bonus on their hands: 'American Idol' runner-up Lauren Alaina surprised the packed stadium during Martina McBride's set for a duet of her hit 'Anyway.' Alaina's fans are already quite familiar with her version of the powerful ballad, as she performed the tune during her run on 'Idol.'

"I wasn't able to watch it that night because I was working," McBride told the fans at LP Field as she spoke about the much-talked about 'Idol' performance. "But I immediately looked it up on YouTube, and I was blown away. She did such a great job. I thought to myself, 'I wish I could get her here to sing with me in Nashville.'"

McBride then introduced the young star, who made her CMA Fest debut in front of 60,000 of country music's most loyal fans. The two powerhouse vocalists tore the house down with their rendition of the smash hit.

Alaina's performance during the LP Field nightly concert was only one of several CMA Music Fest appearances she made last week. Alaina and 'Idol' winner Scotty McCreery were on hand during the CMT Music Awards as they brought on Sugarland for their highly-anticipated performance, then participated in the annual City of Hope Celebrity Softball Challenge over the weekend.

Alaina's debut country single, 'Like My Mother Does,' is at radio now.

Watch Lauren Alaina and Martina McBride Perform 'Anyway' at the 2011 CMA Music Fest