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 considered one of nation music’s high songwriters, however in 2024 the Nashville native solidified himself as considered one of nation music’s fastest-rising singers.
ERNEST was primarily famend for his writing expertise, penning hits for stars corresponding to Morgan Wallen—together with the lately Grammy-nominated “I Had Some Assist” and “Cowgirls.” He’s now closing the yr showcasing his singing expertise—this time in entrance of a worldwide viewers. Naturally this career-defining second deserves just a few additional moments to mirror on simply how a lot a whirlwind 2024 really was.
“Usually, there are some pictures, 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 a bit second simply to absorb the whole lot of the yr. It’s been unbelievable, and I’m so grateful for all of the alternatives which have come my manner.”
For ERNEST, your entire yr full of outstanding 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 turning 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 Track.
“Once we wrote “I Had Some Assist,” we knew we had one thing particular however couldn’t have predicted how huge it will grow to be,” 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 optimistic accolades boosting his repute 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 may hold it going this time. I’m already an enormous 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 towards Wallen when the 2 had been teenage pitching prospects. He mentioned it’s nonetheless onerous to fathom typically how the 2 have come full circle—now performing collectively on a fair larger stage than the baseball diamond.
“Morgan and I really performed towards one another in highschool, which is loopy to consider now,” he reminisces with amusing. “Again then, we had been competing with desires of enjoying in school. 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 seemed again. Nonetheless, athletics nonetheless stays an enormous a part of ERNEST’s routine—and when you’ve seen his Instagram, you’ll be able to see he’s filled with athletic power, whether or not he’s capturing hoops or sporting a wardrobe brimming with considered one of his closet filled with customized jerseys, together with sports activities legends like Peyton Manning and DeAndre Hopkins, (“I’ve too many jerseys to depend,” he says).
He says he nonetheless channels his internal athlete every time he hits the stage, and Tuesday night time gained’t be any completely different.
“Performing onstage one hundred pc requires athleticism,” ERNEST asserts. “Working round, having enjoyable onstage, and singing all demand endurance. You need to have the ability to vocally give all it’s important to every stage every night time.”
As soon as the curtain comes down on 2025, ERNEST has his sights and health objectives set for 2025. Extra touring and extra tasks means the necessity for a extra fit-focused strategy to the yr.
“I’ve been lucky to tour with superb artists like Morgan Wallen and Jelly Roll whereas additionally headlining my reveals. We now have 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 can 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.