“Give It up for My Boy Morgan Waylon (Wallen)”: Ernest Pokes Fun at CMAs Gaffe, Performs “Flower Shop” and “Cowgirls” at Bridgestone Arena

Since releasing his debut album, Locals Only, in 2019, country-rap singer-songwriter Ernest has penned 11 No. 1 singles for Morgan Wallen, Jelly Roll, and more. Wallen especially is partial to the Nashville native, with the two teaming up on “Flower Shops” and “Cowgirls.” During a recent stop on Jelly Roll’s Beautifully Broken Tour, Ernest welcomed his good friend, “Morgan Waylon,” to the stage.

Ernest Cashes in on Jeff Bridges’ CMA Gaffe

Morgan Wallen recently nabbed the Country Music Association’s biggest award, Entertainer of the Year. The “I Had Some Help” hitmaker did not attend the Nov. 20 ceremony, so actor Jeff Bridges accepted the trophy on his behalf. However, Wallen’s enormous victory was overshadowed when the Crazy Heart star mistakenly referred to him as “Morgan Waylon.”

Many fans were not pleased, with one declaring on X/Twitter, “If Jeff Bridges can’t even pronounce Morgan Wallen correctly, he’s got no business presenting an award.” However, the “Wasted On You” hitmaker’s friends have clearly maintained a sense of humor about the situation.

Ernest had a surprise for the audience during his set at Jelly Roll’s Tuesday (Nov. 26) show at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. “Y’all give it up for my boy, Morgan Waylon!” he shouted as the Entertainer of the Year joined him onstage.

ERNEST brings out Morgan Wallen in Nashville at Bridgestone Arena

“Y’all give it up for my boy, Morgan Way-Lon!” pic.twitter.com/oQnnzsk4Zv

— Country Central (@CountryCentral) November 27, 2024

The two then joined together for a duet of their 2022 hit “Flower Shop,” followed by 2024’s “Cowgirls.”

[RELATED: Country Fans Sound Off: Morgan Wallen Finally Wins Big at the CMA Awards—but Not Without a Viral Mishap]

Why Wasn’t Morgan Wallen at the CMA Awards?

Morgan Wallen’s surprise performance with Ernest was his first public sighting since the CMA named him 2024 Entertainer of the Year. In fact, the record-breaking country artist has made himself scarce since wrapping up his epic One Night at a Time Tour on Oct. 19.

Wallen’s last social media post came Nov. 6, when he wrote simply, “See ya’ll at Sand in My Boots.”

Wallen’s tumultuous history with the Country Music Association is well documented, and it isn’t our place to speculate why he wasn’t present to accept perhaps his biggest award yet.

Featured photo via Instagram