Earlier than ERNEST takes the stage Tuesday night time for what’s anticipated to be an energizing efficiency on ABC’s Dick Clark’s New Yr’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2025, the nation artist is anticipating so as to add an prolonged layer of year-end introspection to his pre-show routine. For years, the musician already established himself as one among nation music’s prime songwriters, however in 2024 the Nashville native solidified himself as one among nation music’s fastest-rising singers.
ERNEST was primarily famend for his writing abilities, penning hits for stars equivalent to Morgan Wallen—together with the lately Grammy-nominated “I Had Some Assist” and “Cowgirls.” He’s now closing the yr showcasing his singing abilities—this time in entrance of a world viewers. Naturally this career-defining second deserves just a few additional moments to replicate on simply how a lot a whirlwind 2024 really was.
“Usually, there are some photographs, some prayers, after which we head out to the stage,” he shares. “However earlier than New Yr’s Eve, I believe we’re going so as to add slightly second simply to absorb everything of the yr. It’s been unbelievable, and I’m so grateful for all of the alternatives which have come my approach.”
For ERNEST, your entire yr stuffed with exceptional firsts. As a singer, his first tune lastly the airwaves. “Would If I May,” a duet with Lainey Wilson, is now quickly climbing the nation charts and is changing into a crossover hit. And as a songwriter, “I Had Some Assist,” carried out by Wallen and Publish Malone, helped earn ERNEST his first Grammy Award nomination for Finest Nation Tune.
“After we wrote “I Had Some Assist,” we knew we had one thing particular however couldn’t have predicted how large it could turn into,” he says. “I needed to be reminded the opposite day simply because being a Grammy nominee doesn’t really feel actual but.”
How will the thrill translate to his New Yr’s Eve efficiency? With all of the constructive accolades boosting his fame inside nation music as an all-around artist, tonight’s Rockin’ Eve efficiency—which is able to air dwell on ABC starting at 8 PM ET and stream on Hulu on New Yr’s Day—ERNEST is amped to carry out his newest hit, “Why Dallas” from his newest album Nashville, Tennessee in entrance a wider viewers.
“Acting on New Yr’s Eve this yr is an trustworthy dream,” ERNEST says. “I believe it’s the adrenaline that can preserve it going this time. I’m already a giant night time owl from getting used to touring and spending late nights within the studio, however this yr, we’re simply actually pumped to be a part of it and carry out.”
From Pitching to Performing
Together with his success on the nation music circuit, adrenaline isn’t solely derived from the thrill of performing—ERNEST’s athleticism has performed a job in his onstage performances.
Earlier than diving into the music scene, ERNEST was a star highschool pitcher in Nashville. Surprisingly sufficient, he as soon as pitched in opposition to Wallen when the 2 have been teenage pitching prospects. He stated it’s nonetheless onerous to fathom generally how the 2 have come full circle—now performing collectively on an excellent larger stage than the baseball diamond.
“Morgan and I really performed in opposition to one another in highschool, which is loopy to consider now,” he reminisces with fun. “Again then, we have been competing with goals of taking part in in faculty. To now be sharing the stage, it’s surreal.”
Nation Music over Curveballs for ERNEST
For a brief interval, baseball was ERNEST’s precedence, however a well being scare at 19 shortly shifted his focus to music—and he’s by no means appeared again. Nevertheless, athletics nonetheless stays a giant a part of ERNEST’s routine—and when you’ve seen his Instagram, you possibly can see he’s stuffed with athletic power, whether or not he’s capturing hoops or sporting a wardrobe brimming with one among his closet stuffed with customized jerseys, together with sports activities legends like Peyton Manning and DeAndre Hopkins, (“I’ve too many jerseys to rely,” he says).
He says he nonetheless channels his internal athlete every time he hits the stage, and Tuesday night time gained’t be any totally different.
“Performing onstage one hundred pc requires athleticism,” ERNEST asserts. “Operating round, having enjoyable onstage, and singing all demand endurance. You need to have the ability to vocally give all you need to every stage every night time.”
As soon as the curtain comes down on 2025, ERNEST has his sights and health targets set for 2025. Extra touring and extra tasks means the necessity for a extra fit-focused method to the yr.
“I’ve been lucky to tour with superb artists like Morgan Wallen and Jelly Roll whereas additionally headlining my exhibits. We’ve some thrilling excursions to announce subsequent yr, so the coaching is in full swing.”
“Dick Clark’s New Yr’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2025,” will air Tuesday, Dec. 31, dwell on ABC starting at 8:00 p.m. EST and stream subsequent day on Hulu. The present will even air dwell throughout 150 iHeartRadio stations nationwide together with Z100 New York, KIIS-FM Los Angeles, KISS FM Chicago, Q102 Philly, THE NEW MIX 102.9 Dallas.