Big Loud singer/songwriter and Nashville native ERNEST impressed this week with two back-to-back sold-out shows at the famed Ryman Auditorium, Nov. 28 and 29.
Showcasing both his headliner status and his solidified place as one of Nashville’s most in-demand and versatile writers, ERNEST performed a stacked set of hits from his growing catalog, including tour namesake “This Fire,” “Miss That Girl,” “Flower Shops,” and newest release “Kiss Of Death.”
“What a year we’ve had everybody,” ERNEST shared from the Ryman stage. “As a Nashville kid, there is no more sacred ground than standing on the Ryman Auditorium stage. I can’t ever thank everyone who has supported us over the past few years enough. This is an unbelievable feeling to play here tonight.”
The tour stop marked a milestone moment in the VarietyHitmakers‘ “decade-long evolution into a country superstar” which has “arrived in a mega-massive manner” (The Tennessean). Surprising the crowd several times over the course of both evenings, ERNEST brought out a few friends to join him for show-stopping collaborations. On night one, he was joined by Keith Urban fora cover of “Slow Dancing In A Burning Room” and HARDY for their co-written Morgan Wallen smash “More Than My Hometown.” Night two saw Morgan Wallen join for performances of the pair’s “Flower Shops” and “Cowgirls,” Jelly Roll pop up for their co-written “Son Of A Sinner,” Charles Kelley join for “Songs We Used To Sing,” and Dean Dillon come out for their collab “What Have I Got To Lose.” He also catered to impromptu fan requests from the audience, breaking into a version of “Comfortable When I’m Crazy” as one of many moments that showcased “how connected he was with his fans” (Music Mayhem).
Adding to the monumental week, ERNEST was surprised twice with plaques in celebration of his latest artist career milestones. On Tuesday (11/28) ERNEST was recognized backstage by Big Loud CEO / Partner Seth England and team for amassing over one billion artist career streams, and on Wednesday (11/29) the Nashville native was surprised on stage by Morgan Wallen, who announced the news that “Flower Shops” is now certified 2X Platinum to a standing ovation.Giving back to the city where he was raised during his hometown shows, ERNEST also presented Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee with a check for $10,000 in partnership with MAPCO as part of Giving Tuesday (11/28).
