November 12, 2024 – CHI Health Center – Omaha, NE
On Tuesday night, November 24, 2024, the CHI Health Center Arena in downtown Omaha, Nebraska, was the ultimate destination for an unforgettable evening of music. Jelly Roll’s Beautifully Broken Tour took center stage, with electrifying opening acts from Shaboozey and Ernest. Thousands of fans packed the arena and they definitely got their money’s worth!
The show kicked off with Shaboozey, a Nigerian-American recording artist who blends hip-hop, country, and pop influences into his unique musical style. Emerging onto the scene with his hit “Jeff Gordon,” inspired by his love of NASCAR, Shaboozey gained further acclaim with the chart-topping single “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” which features a playful country twist on the 2004 hip-hop anthem “Tipsy.”
His debut album, Lady Wrangler, leaned heavily on hip-hop, but his 2022 follow-up, Cowboys Live Forever, Outlaws Never Die, showcased his growing passion for country music. In 2024, Shaboozey won the New Artist of the Year award at the People’s Choice Country Awards and received multiple nominations, cementing his status as a rising star in the genre. He has also contributed to major soundtracks, including Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.
This was the perfect way to kick off the show. The crowd was already buzzing when he took the stage and his presence was magnetic, with a mix of swagger and genuine connection that made every moment memorable.
Shaboozey’s storytelling shined during his set, pulling the audience into his world of small-town nostalgia and genre-defying creativity. Whether strumming a guitar during a soulful moment or hyping the crowd with energetic beats, he knew how to keep fans hooked from start to finish. The crowd absolutely lost it when he closed his set with “A Bar Song (Tipsy).” Currently, Shaboozey has over 27.2 million monthly listeners on Spotify and his latest single, “Good News” is definitely worth checking out!
Shaboozey Setlist:
- Last of My Kind
- Horses & Hellcats
- Drink Don’t Need No Mix
- East of Massanutten
- Let It Burn
- Highway
- A Bar Song (Tipsy)
Next to the stage was Ernest, a Nashville-born country music singer-songwriter who has made a name for himself with his blend of modern storytelling and traditional country sounds. Starting his career as a songwriter, Ernest penned hits for major artists, including Morgan Wallen, Florida Georgia Line, Chris Lane, and more. Notably, he co-wrote Wallen’s chart-toppers like “More Than My Hometown” and “Wasted on You,” among many othersAs a performer,
Ernest’s career took off with the release of his 2022 album, Flower Shops: The Album, featuring the hit single “Flower Shops,” a duet with Morgan Wallen.
In addition to his success in songwriting and performing, Ernest has been recognized with nominations for prestigious awards, such as the ACM Awards, where he competed for New Male Artist of the Year and Music Event of the Year. Beyond music, he hosts a podcast, Just Being Ernest, where he shares insights into the music industry.
This guy was fantastic. His set felt like a front-porch hangout mixed with a full-blown country music party. From the moment he stepped on stage, his charm and easygoing vibe made the audience feel at home. Performing hits like “Cowgirls” and his heartfelt ballads, Ernest’s smooth vocals and genuine emotion was on full display.
He balanced soulful, introspective moments with lighter, fun tracks that got everyone swaying and singing along. Ernest’s connection to the audience was undeniable, often sharing personal stories that make his performances even more engaging. Whether he was strumming his guitar or bantering with the crowd, Ernest delivered a set that felt intimate and authentic. A highlight for me was when he performed Post Malone’s “I Had Some Help.” The crowd went nuts and everyone was dancing and singing along.
Currently, Ernest has over 10.9 million monthly listeners on Spotify and his latest ballad “Would If I Could” is definitely worth adding to your country playlist!
Ernest Setlist:
- Smokin’ Gun
- Family Tradition (Hank Williams Jr. cover)
- Why Dallas
- I Went to College / I Went to Jail
- Would If I Could
- Did It for the Story
- Cowgirls (Morgan Wallen cover)
- I Had Some Help (Post Malone cover)
- Flower Shops
After a brief intermission, it was time for Jelly Roll!
In case you’re not familiar, Jelly Roll, born Jason Bradley DeFord, is a multi-genre artist hailing from Antioch, Tennessee, a suburb of Nashville. Known for blending hip-hop, country, rock, and soul, his music reflects his turbulent upbringing and experiences with addiction, incarceration, and redemption. He started his music career in rap, gaining early attention with songs like “Pop Another Pill” and his collaboration with Haystak. Over time, he transitioned to a country-soul sound, which resonated deeply with audiences.
In recent years, Jelly Roll has experienced significant success. His single “Dead Man Walking” topped rock radio in 2022, and his country single “Son of a Sinner” hit number one on country radio in 2023. His debut country album, Whitsitt Chapel (2023), showcases his introspective songwriting style. In 2023, he won the CMA Award for Best New Artist, highlighting his rapid rise in the music industry.
Jelly Roll’s life story, marked by transformation and resilience, is the focus of the documentary Jelly Roll: Save Me, which explores his journey from hardship to becoming a celebrated artist.
This guy is truly something special. His presence is magnetic, and you can’t help but get lost in his music. His whole set was a raw, emotional rollercoaster mixed with high-energy entertainment. From the moment he hit the stage, we were swept into a world of powerful storytelling, amplified by massive video screens and bursts of pyro that light up the arena. His performance was heartfelt and engaging, and he didn’t shy away from connecting deeply with his fans.
One unforgettable moment occurred when Jelly Roll spotted a woman in the crowd holding a poster featuring her sister who had tragically committed suicide. He paused the show to acknowledge her, held the poster while he sang, and later signed it for her. It was a powerful testament to his connection with his audience and his willingness to share in their pain and stories.
The mix of poignant moments and explosive production makes a Jelly Roll concert a must-see. He blends heartfelt ballads with foot-stomping anthems, creating an unforgettable night that stays with you for a long time. Jelly Roll currently has over 17.8 million monthly listeners on Spotify, and his latest release, Beautifully Broken (Pickin’ Up The Pieces) is a must have for any music lover.
This show was absolutely fantastic from start to finish!
Jelly Roll Setlist:
- I Am Not Okay
- Halfway to Hell
- Get By
- Burning
- Son of a Sinner
- Should’ve Been a Cowboy (Toby Keith cover) (with Ernest)
- Who’s Your Daddy (Toby Keith cover) (with Ernest)
- Good Riddance (Time of Your Life) (Green Day cover)
- Lonely Road (mgk cover)
- Creature / Same Asshole / Fall in the Fall
- Wild Ones (Jessie Murph cover) (with Allie Colleen)
- She
- Winning Streak
- Liar
- Bottle and Mary Jane
- Need a Favor
- Smoking Section
- Heart of Stone
- Save Me
Shaboozey
Ernest
Jelly Roll