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 among nation music’s high 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 expertise, penning hits for stars resembling Morgan Wallen—together with the lately Grammy-nominated “I Had Some Assist” and “Cowgirls.” He’s now closing the 12 months showcasing his singing expertise—this time in entrance of a worldwide viewers. Naturally this career-defining second deserves a couple of additional moments to replicate on simply how a lot a whirlwind 2024 truly 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 of second simply to absorb everything of the 12 months. It’s been unbelievable, and I’m so grateful for all of the alternatives which have come my approach.”
For ERNEST, the complete 12 months crammed with exceptional firsts. As a singer, his first track 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 Finest Nation Music.
“After we wrote “I Had Some Assist,” we knew we had one thing particular however couldn’t have predicted how large it could 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 constructive accolades boosting his repute inside nation music as an all-around artist, tonight’s Rockin’ Eve efficiency—which is able to air reside 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 preserve it going this time. I’m already a giant 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
Along 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 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 a good larger stage than the baseball diamond.
“Morgan and I truly performed towards one another in highschool, which is loopy to consider now,” he reminisces with amusing. “Again then, we have been competing with desires of taking part in 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 a giant a part of ERNEST’s routine—and when you’ve seen his Instagram, you’ll be able to see he’s filled with athletic vitality, whether or not he’s taking pictures hoops or sporting a wardrobe brimming with one among his closet filled 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 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 need to every stage every evening.”
As soon as the curtain comes down on 2025, ERNEST has his sights and health objectives 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 reveals. We’ve 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, reside on ABC starting at 8:00 p.m. EST and stream subsequent day on Hulu. The present will even air reside 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.
