Morgan Wallen joined his close friends HARDY and ERNEST on stage at the 49th annual New York Honors Gala, where they honored Seth England, the Partner and CEO of Big Loud.
The gala serves as the T. J. Martell Foundation’s primary annual fundraiser, aimed at supporting advancements in cancer treatment and research.
The trio, known for their collaborative efforts, showcased a selection of their popular tracks, but one song, in particular, drew significant excitement from fans. Breaking from his usual ball cap, Wallen donned a black cowboy hat and captivated the audience at Cipriani 42nd Street with an acoustic performance of ‘Love Somebody.’
Wallen, who has been hinting at the unreleased song during his recent European shows, confirmed that ‘Love Somebody’ will soon be available on streaming services. He also made it possible for fans to pre-save the track on his website, leading to speculation that it may be released on Friday, coinciding with his upcoming shows at Knoxville’s Neyland Stadium.
This new acoustic version of ‘Love Somebody’ highlights the depth and emotion of the lyrics, which typically contrast with a vibrant, upbeat studio arrangement. Wallen’s rendition expresses a yearning to find a more meaningful connection rather than just a temporary fling.
During the gala, Wallen also performed acoustic versions of other hits such as ‘Last Night,’ ‘I Had Some Help,’ ‘Heartless,’ and his latest single, ‘Lies, Lies, Lies.’ ERNEST joined him for duets on ‘I Had Some Help’ and ‘Heartless,’ both co-written by ERN. HARDY also took the stage, delivering a powerful rendition of Blake Shelton’s ‘God’s Country,’ which holds personal significance as one of his early successes as a songwriter.
As excitement builds ahead of Wallen’s Neyland Stadium performances, fans are speculating about his forthcoming studio album, with some believing that his choice of a cowboy hat at the gala hints at a more traditional country sound.
Wallen’s performance alongside HARDY and ERNEST was part of a heartfelt tribute to Seth England, recognizing his influence on the music industry and ongoing support for the T.J. Martell Foundation, which has been committed to cancer research for nearly five decades.