Morgan Wallen: The ACM Entertainer Of The Year Candidate Shines In Nashville

Morgan Wallen proved why his name is slotted on the 2024 ACM Entertainer of the Year ballot at the coming awards show. His Thursday night (May 2) performance at Nissan Stadium in Nashville packed the heat and sustained energy that any fan would hope for. The “Whiskey Glasses” singer held his stamina for a whopping 25 songs, including his encore. Taste of Country had boots on the ground during one of his three shows this weekend, providing an upfront view of the night as a whole.

Wallen literally brought the heat in concert. There were no expenses spared when it came to the visuals of his live show, which is part of his 2024 One Night at a Time Tour. With a massive rectangular screen that wrapped around the stage, he was also privy to a long catwalk that extended into the crowd, engulfed with smoke and cool synchronized lighting. It could have been impressive if his team just had stopped there, but they didn’t. During heftier upbeat songs, flames burst into the air on downbeats, and fireworks danced over Nissan Stadium. Wallen came to serve!

One of the most surprising aspects of Wallen's Nashville show was the vast array of ages present. You could find many young children decked out in Wallen paraphernalia, eager to see the show with their parents. At the same time, adults in their late 60s were also eager to watch the singer perform some of their favorite songs. What was notably missing was the number of mullets present. Wallen was most physically known for his staple mullet, so much so that when he shaved it late last year, it created a viral frenzy.

Highlights from the Nashville Concert

Wallen’s staple Jumbotron walkout moment has become a viral sensation to recreate on social media. On this particular night, he was joined by friends Theo Von and DeAndre Hopkins. Von is best known as a stand-up comedian and podcast host of This Past Weekend, while Hopkins is the wide receiver for the Tennessee Titans. This added a fun twist to the concert atmosphere.

In terms of song selection, Wallen made sure to leave his fans satisfied. He performed new songs like “Lies Lies Lies” alongside popular hits such as “Whiskey Glasses.” Notably, after song nine, he walked through the crowd, high-fiving fans, and made his way to a stripped-down stage on the opposite end, guitar in hand. He explained that with where he is now in his career, he doesn’t get the same intimate experience that comes with small shows, and this was his way of recreating that feeling.

During this intimate segment, he sang bare-boned versions of “Cover Me Up” (a Jason Isbell cover), “Thought You Should Know,” “Lies Lies Lies,” and “Sand in My Boots.” Somehow, Wallen made a sold-out Nissan Stadium feel like we were watching him perform in his living room!

Special Guests and Performance Dynamics

During the concert, Ernest and Bailey Zimmerman made their way to meet Wallen on the catwalk. Zimmerman opened for the singer but made another appearance in a Titans bomber jacket for an energetic rendition of “Up Down.” The crowd leveled up their rowdy roars when Ernest took the stage for their popular duet “Cowgirls.” This high-energy collaboration showcased not only Wallen's talent but also the camaraderie among country artists.

This performance was one of three shows Wallen would be conducting at Nissan Stadium over the weekend. His ability to engage with the audience and keep the energy high throughout the performance was apparent, as fans sang along and celebrated his music together. Wallen's connection with his audience is a significant aspect of his appeal and success.

Set List from May 2, 2024

Here’s a glimpse of the set list from Wallen's impressive performance:

1. Ain’t That Some
2. I Wrote the Book
3. One Thing at a Time
4. Everything I Love
5. You Proof
6. ’98 Braves
7. 7 Summers
8. Sunrise
9. Whiskey Friends
10. Cover Me Up (Jason Isbell cover)
11. Thought You Should Know
12. Lies Lies Lies
13. Sand in My Boots
14. Up Down (With Bailey Zimmerman)
15. Cowgirls (With Ernest)
16. Chasin' You
17. Man Made a Bar
18. Heartless
19. Wasted on You
20. This Bar
21. More Than My Hometown
22. Whiskey Glasses
ENCORE
23. Thinkin’ Bout Me
24. Last Night
25. The Way I Talk