Ernest and Nate Smith to Headline NASCAR’s Busch Light Summer Music Series
Country singer-songwriter Ernest is stepping further into the spotlight after years of penning hits for other artists, including the Post Malone-Morgan Wallen smash “I Had Some Help.” The Nashville native, 33, released his debut radio single last fall and told American Songwriter in late 2024 that he felt it was time to perform his own songs. Now, he’ll have the opportunity to showcase his work as part of the inaugural Busch Light Summer Music Series.
Last month, NASCAR and Anheuser-Busch announced the new annual event, combining race fans’ love for country music and beer. The series will feature five pre-race performances throughout the season. Ernest will launch the series on May 4 at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth.
Joining him in the lineup is Nate Smith, who will perform on June 8 at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn. Smith, 39, was named 2024 ACM New Male Artist of the Year, an award for which Ernest was also nominated. Since releasing his self-titled debut album in 2023, Smith has earned multiple gold and platinum-certified hits, including “Wreckage,” “Bulletproof,” “Whiskey On You,” and “World on Fire.”
Meanwhile, Ernest has written 13 No. 1 hits and scored several chart-toppers of his own, including “Flower Shops” with Morgan Wallen in 2021.
Snoop Dogg and Ernest Team Up for Country Collaboration
Hip-hop legend Snoop Dogg is continuing his foray into country music. After working with Jelly Roll on “Last Dance With Mary Jane” from his latest album Missionary, Snoop is now teaming up with Ernest. Earlier this year, Ernest teased their new track “Gettin’ Gone,” and the two were recently spotted filming a music video on Nashville’s Broadway Strip.
During a recent appearance on Bussin’ With The Boys, Ernest shared how he first met Snoop. He managed to get backstage at a pop-up show in Nashville, where the rap icon was performing with Jelly Roll. After Snoop rolled a blunt, Ernest played him a song he had written that week.
“He’s like, ‘I need your number, Ern, send me that shit… I need that record,’” Ernest recalled.
