Three weeks may have passed since the 36th edition of Country Night Gstaad, but the echoes of fiddles, banjos and ballads still linger. Once again, the festival proved why it holds cult status in Switzerland and enjoys recognition far beyond the Saanenland. Check out the movie

Old Crow Medicine Show steals the night
The undisputed highlight came from Old Crow Medicine Show, whose fiery mix of fiddle, banjo and foot-stomping rhythms transformed the festival tent into an energetic dance hall. Their performance blurred the lines between revival and reinvention, showing that traditional country is anything but dusty. A surprise came when Swiss yodeller Miss Helvetia joined the band on stage for a lively version of “Vogellisi,” sending the crowd into a frenzy. The band’s energy was raw and chaotic yet perfectly controlled—leaving the audience with the feeling of stepping straight into a barn dance somewhere in the American Midwest.

Scotty McCreery – timeless authenticity
On Friday evening, Scotty McCreery demonstrated why his rich baritone has earned him a loyal following since winning "American Idol." His set balanced heartfelt ballads with lively numbers, delivered with warmth and sincerity. McCreery’s charm was evident in the stories he shared from his North Carolina roots, creating an intimacy that closely connected him with the crowd. While his performance stayed within the comfort zone of tradition, there was no doubt about his command of the stage.

Hailey Whitters – Swiss debut
For Hailey Whitters, the Gstaad stage marked her first performance in Switzerland. Known for blending Nashville polish with small-town storytelling, she struck an intimate chord with the audience. Her clear, ringing voice and personal anecdotes between songs created the feeling of sitting at her kitchen table, listening to stories wrapped in melody. Backed by a subtle yet dynamic band, Whitters delivered one of the weekend’s most personal and memorable sets.

Florian Fox – the rising Swiss voice
Local newcomer Florian Fox more than held his own alongside the international stars. With a deep, velvety baritone and a stage presence he jokingly described as that of a “crazy guy,” Fox offered a mix of powerful ballads, playful up-tempo tracks, and storytelling originals. His performance underlined his potential to step onto the international stage, while firmly grounding him as one of Switzerland’s most promising country voices.

More than music – a tradition of community
Since its inception in 1989, Country Night Gstaad has always been about more than just music. “It feels like the first edition was just yesterday,” said long-time guest Jürg Hofer. In his address, organiser Marcel Bach spoke of the importance of traditions: they connect people, offer continuity, and provide guidance in a changing world. That spirit was evident throughout the weekend, whether among veteran festivalgoers or first-timers like young Nico and Gian-Luca, two students from Lausanne who attended on a friend’s recommendation and discovered the event’s unique atmosphere for themselves.

A festival that continues to grow
Country Night Gstaad once again blended heritage with fresh energy, demonstrating how tradition can stay alive and evolve. With artists ranging from Americana veterans to Swiss newcomers, the festival highlighted its reach far beyond the valley.

At the heart of it all is Marcel Bach, who has shaped the Country Night since its early days. What started as a passion project over three decades ago has grown into one of Switzerland’s most distinctive festivals, and this year’s edition demonstrated that his baby is still thriving. Preparations for the 2026 programme are already in progress, promising yet another memorable chapter in the story of Country Night Gstaad.

Based on AvS | Thomas Raflaub | Edited by Jeanette Wichmann