Earlier than ERNEST takes the stage Tuesday evening 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 in every of nation music’s prime songwriters, however in 2024 the Nashville native solidified himself as one in every of nation music’s fastest-rising singers.
ERNEST was primarily famend for his writing abilities, penning hits for stars comparable to Morgan Wallen—together with the not too long ago Grammy-nominated “I Had Some Assist” and “Cowgirls.” He’s now closing the 12 months showcasing his singing abilities—this time in entrance of a world viewers. Naturally this career-defining second deserves a couple of additional moments to mirror 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 just a little second simply to soak up everything of the 12 months. It’s been unimaginable, and I’m so grateful for all of the alternatives which have come my manner.”
For ERNEST, the complete 12 months stuffed with outstanding firsts. As a singer, his first music lastly the airwaves. “Would If I Might,” 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 Greatest Nation Tune.
“Once we wrote “I Had Some Assist,” we knew we had one thing particular however couldn’t have predicted how huge it might 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 optimistic accolades boosting his popularity inside nation music as an all-around artist, tonight’s Rockin’ Eve efficiency—which can 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 12 months is an sincere dream,” ERNEST says. “I believe it’s the adrenaline that can maintain it going this time. I’m already an enormous evening owl from getting used to touring and spending late nights within the studio, however this 12 months, 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 task 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 exhausting 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 in opposition to one another in highschool, which is loopy to consider now,” he reminisces with amusing. “Again then, we have been competing with goals of enjoying 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 rapidly shifted his focus to music—and he’s by no means regarded again. Nonetheless, athletics nonetheless stays an enormous a part of ERNEST’s routine—and in case you’ve seen his Instagram, you possibly can see he’s stuffed with athletic vitality, whether or not he’s capturing hoops or sporting a wardrobe brimming with one in every of his closet stuffed 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 inside athlete every time he hits the stage, and Tuesday evening 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 must every stage every evening.”
As soon as the curtain comes down on 2025, ERNEST has his sights and health targets set for 2025. Extra touring and extra initiatives means the necessity for a extra fit-focused method to the 12 months.
“I’ve been lucky to tour with wonderful artists like Morgan Wallen and Jelly Roll whereas additionally headlining my exhibits. We have now some thrilling excursions to announce subsequent 12 months, 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.
