Before ERNEST takes the stage Tuesday night time for what’s anticipated to be an energizing efficiency on ABC’s Dick Clark’s New Year’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 all nation music’s prime songwriters, however in 2024 the Nashville native solidified himself as one in all nation music’s fastest-rising singers.
ERNEST was primarily famend for his writing abilities, penning hits for stars reminiscent of Morgan Wallen—together with the lately Grammy-nominated “I Had Some Help” and “Cowgirls.” He’s now closing the 12 months showcasing his singing abilities—this time in entrance of a worldwide viewers. Naturally this career-defining second deserves just a few further moments to mirror on simply how a lot a whirlwind 2024 really was.
“Normally, there are some pictures, some prayers, and then we head out to the stage,” he shares. “But earlier than New Year’s Eve, I believe we’re going so as to add a bit of second simply to absorb the whole lot of the 12 months. It’s been unimaginable, and I’m so grateful for all of the alternatives which have come my means.”
For ERNEST, your entire 12 months crammed with exceptional firsts. As a singer, his first track lastly the airwaves. “Would If I Could,” 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 Help,” carried out by Wallen and Post Malone, helped earn ERNEST his first Grammy Award nomination for Best Country Song.
“When we wrote “I Had Some Help,” we knew we had one thing particular however couldn’t have predicted how massive 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 Year’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 can air stay on ABC starting at 8 PM ET and stream on Hulu on New Year’s Day—ERNEST is amped to carry out his newest hit, “Why Dallas” from his newest album Nashville, Tennessee in entrance a wider viewers.
“Performing on New Year’s Eve this 12 months is an sincere 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 12 months, we’re simply actually pumped to be a part of it and carry out.”
From Pitching to Performing
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.
Before 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 had been teenage pitching prospects. He mentioned 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. “Back then, we had been competing with desires of taking part in in school. To now be sharing the stage, it’s surreal.”
Country 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 appeared again. However, athletics nonetheless stays an enormous a part of ERNEST’s routine—and in the event you’ve seen his Instagram, you’ll be able to see he’s filled with athletic power, whether or not he’s taking pictures hoops or sporting a wardrobe brimming with one in all 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 interior athlete every time he hits the stage, and Tuesday night time received’t be any completely different.
“Performing onstage 100% requires athleticism,” ERNEST asserts. “Running 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.”
Once the curtain comes down on 2025, ERNEST has his sights and health objectives set for 2025. More touring and extra tasks means the necessity for a extra fit-focused strategy to the 12 months.
“I’ve been lucky to tour with superb artists like Morgan Wallen and Jelly Roll whereas additionally headlining my exhibits. We have some thrilling excursions to announce subsequent 12 months, so the coaching is in full swing.”
“Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2025,” will air Tuesday, Dec. 31, stay on ABC starting at 8:00 p.m. EST and stream subsequent day on Hulu. The present will even air stay 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.