You may know Tyler Hubbard’s voice, the former half of Florida Georgia Line, from hit songs “Cruise” and “This is How We Roll.” The duo — formidable figures of the early 2000s bro-country genre — parted ways in 2022. Since then, Hubbard has successfully navigated the country scene alone, releasing two albums and charting within the top 10 of Billboard’s Hot Country Songs with “5 Foot 9” and “Dancin’ In The Country.” To celebrate, Hubbard spent the last stop of his “Strong World Tour” in Nashville.
Like Hubbard, the opening act, Alana Springsteen, has a knack for blending varying genres with country. No artist perfectly balances pop and country like Springsteen, and that was solidified with her performance at the Ryman. Fittingly, Springsteen began her set with “you don’t deserve a country song.” Further embracing her pop influences, Springsteen remixed her song “look i like” with Taylor Swift’s “Style.” Maintaining the pop spirit, Springsteen dedicated a portion of her set to Katy Perry’s “Teenage Dream” and segwayed to Kenny Chesney’s “When the Sun Goes Down” for an old-fashioned country moment. Springsteen also had the audience echoing her latest release “Hold My Beer” and encouraged everyone to take a shot for “cowboys and tequila.” To conclude the set, Springsteen sang “goodbye looks good on you,” her first certified-gold track featuring country singer Mitchell Tenpenny.
The night was special for Springsteen not only because it was her first time performing at the historic Ryman but also because her debut album “TWENTY SOMETHING” was awarded on-stage for going RIAA gold — setting the tone for a night of celebration.
The party continued with Hubbard singing “Park” and “A Lot With A Little,” supported by energetic backup dancers. As the 95th and final show of the “Strong World Tour,” Hubbard assured audiences of an unforgettable country-filled night.
“It feels so good to be home. [Nashville] is where I call my home,” Hubbard said.
Despite his success with FGL and as a solo act, performing at the Ryman still felt surreal for Hubbard, who maintains humble small-town values. Like many in the southeast who feel “different” and “live slower,” as Hubbard explained, the “small-town” experience is universal and isn’t bound to geography or appearance.
“I’ve been all over the country and there’s a whole lot of people that do life just like we do,” Hubbard said.
Songs like “Small Town Me,” as Hubbard explained, allow people from all walks of life to connect. Hubbard also took time to honor “those who put others before themselves” with the song “Hero” by recognizing his family and team, alongside local community leaders, teachers, law enforcement and parents. While the night was about Hubbard and his music, the singer acknowledged those who helped him succeed and those who make Nashville the great city that it is.
In between album tracks, Hubbard sprinkled in songs from the past. Even before going solo, Hubbard had established himself within country music by writing songs for and with other artists. For songs he co-wrote, Hubbard put on a stellar acoustic performance of Jason Aldean’s “You Make It Easy” and HARDY’s “PSYCHO.” With his wife in attendance, Hubbard also played the unreleased song “Land” and the Bebe Rexha-FGL duet “Meant to Be,” to which he credits his wife for its success. Of course, the Ryman couldn’t go without an iconic FGL moment. “Cruise,” which featured a rap interlude, had the audience screaming back “would look a hell of a lot better with you up in it.”
From country to pop and a little bit of rap, Hubbard celebrated musical variety. Hence, it came as no surprise when Hubbard briefly transformed the Ryman into a chapel with his song “Way Home.” Accompanying Hubbard was gospel and soul artist Blessing Offor, whose vocals stunned the audience and Hubbard alike. Like a church service, hands were raised and voices sang harmoniously, making a Thursday night feel like a Sunday morning.
There was no better way to close the night out than with a dance party. Springsteen was brought back on stage to sing “Tough,” and Hubbard encouraged the audience “to get rowdy” to “Wish You Would.” To much anticipation, Hubbard sang “Dancin’ In The Country,” propelling the audience to crowd the aisles and jump around. Before leaving, Hubbard made Nashville a promise.
“I’ll see you at Bridgestone next year,” Hubbard said.
Until that day, I’ll continue partying and “get them Lucchesses stompin’ like the thunder.”
