Before ERNEST takes the stage Tuesday evening 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 every of nation music’s high 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 expertise, 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 expertise—this time in entrance of a world viewers. Naturally this career-defining second deserves a couple of further moments to replicate on simply how a lot a whirlwind 2024 truly was.
“Normally, there are some shots, some prayers, and then we head out to the stage,” he shares. “But before New Year’s Eve, I think we’re going to add a little moment just to take in the entirety of the year. It’s been incredible, and I’m so grateful for all the opportunities that have come my way.”
For ERNEST, all the 12 months crammed with outstanding firsts. As a singer, his first tune lastly the airwaves. “Would If I Could,” 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 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 might grow to be,” he says. “I had to be reminded the other day just because being a Grammy nominee doesn’t feel real yet.”
How will the thrill translate to his New Year’s Eve efficiency? With all of the optimistic accolades boosting his status 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 year is an honest dream,” ERNEST says. “I think it’s the adrenaline that will keep it going this time. I’m already a big night owl from being used to touring and spending late nights in the studio, but this year, we’re just really pumped to be part of it and perform.”
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 task 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 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 fair larger stage than the baseball diamond.
“Morgan and I actually played against each other in high school, which is crazy to think about now,” he reminisces with fun. “Back then, we were competing with dreams of playing in college. 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 shortly shifted his focus to music—and he’s by no means regarded again. However, athletics nonetheless stays a giant a part of ERNEST’s routine—and should you’ve seen his Instagram, you may see he’s stuffed with athletic vitality, whether or not he’s taking pictures 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 have too many jerseys to count,” he says).
He says he nonetheless channels his inside athlete every time he hits the stage, and Tuesday evening gained’t be any completely different.
“Performing onstage 100 percent requires athleticism,” ERNEST asserts. “Running around, having fun onstage, and singing all demand endurance. You want to be able to vocally give all you have to each stage each night.”
Once the curtain comes down on 2025, ERNEST has his sights and health targets set for 2025. More touring and extra tasks means the necessity for a extra fit-focused strategy to the 12 months.
“I’ve been fortunate to tour with amazing artists like Morgan Wallen and Jelly Roll while also headlining my shows. We have some exciting tours to announce next year, so the training 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 may also 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.