PHOTOS: ERNEST Brings The Heat At Back To Back Sold Out Ryman Shows

"As a Nashville kid, this is quite a full circle moment for me," ERNEST shared.

Photo Credit: Corey Miller

Nashville hometown hero 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.”

Photo Credit: Corey Miller

The bucket list moment for the tunesmith did not come without surprises and standout moments. 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." Friend and collaborator HARDY also took the stage at the Mother Church to perform their Morgan Wallen hit "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”

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.

Perhaps the most touching part of the two night run was that ERNEST a proud dad got to have his two year old son Ryman during the sold out shows.

Photo Credit: Corey Miller

"I still can’t fully process how special these shows at @theryman were for me… and my family… it’s way more than just a venue… it’s a vortex… hard to explain , but If you know - you know…. Nashville.. you’re HOME and the last two nights were the perfect homecoming."