Tyler Hubbard's 'Strong' Night in Nashville

Photo taken by Liz Markay

The Ryman Auditorium “cruised” Friday night as Tyler Hubbard took the stage. 

A proud Belmont alumnus, Hubbard came back to his roots finishing his first solo world tour, “The Strong World Tour.” 

Previously a member of Florida-Georgia Line, Hubbard broke off into a solo career in late 2022, often writing, recording and releasing songs. 

Photo taken by Liz Markay

Alana Springsteen opened strong for Hubbard, performing her debut album “Twenty Something,” commanding the entire stage in her cowgirl boots. 

Springsteen started the vibes high with a very powerful yet intimate connection with the audience.  

During her set, Sony Label Company entered the stage and surprised Springsteen with a Gold Record Award for her Ryman debut. 

Performing about breakups, Springsteen was able to do a sassy and spunky routine right next to an emotional ballad to keep the audience on their toes.  

Her vulnerability about her relationships and life struggles fueled a passionate and soulful performance. 

Continuing the high-energy night, Hubbard then took the stage starting with his popular singles “Park,” “Night Like That,” and No. 1 single "Back Then Right Now,” getting the audience on its feet. 

After an intense buildup of dynamic and upbeat songs, he slowed down the pace to add a tender moment to the show.  

Performing “A Lot With a Little,” Hubbard took a moment to reflect and thank his family and his wife, who the song is dedicated to.  

Continuing the sentimental mood, he explained his love for writing when reminiscing about his hometown, which inspired the next song “Turn.” 

His next song, “BNA,” encapsulated combined the love for both his wife and hometown. 

Picking back up on the instrumental pieces, a fan favorite Hubbard wrote, “You Make it Easy,” had the audience swaying and singing with passion. 

Experimenting with the same four chords, he played a brand-new song “Land,” which the band learned the morning of the show 

“Land” slowed the pace back down, performing a tear-jerking piece with sentiment and true meaning. 

Taking a minute to acknowledge the heroes in the room, Hubbard named his teachers, friends, family members and community members that have inspired and contributed to the greater good.  

Photo taken by Liz Markay

 Despite the slow and powerful vocals, a complete switch occurred when the audience jumped from their seats the second they heard the guitar strum and unmistakable beginning of “Cruise”.  

Continuing the energy surge, he performed one of his biggest songs that blew up in summer of 2022, “5 foot 9”, a song about falling in love with his current wife Hayley Stommel.  

To follow up the beautiful tribute to his wife, he performed another song dedicated to his family as a gratitude anthem, "She Loved Me for Me”, a slow, feel-good song.  

Picking the energy up again in a whiplash fashion, “If It’s Meant to Be” by Bebe Rexha and Hubbard got people jumping up and down. 

Closing with “Baby Gets Her Lovin” and “Dancing in the Country,” the upbeat and liveliness concluded the night with the perfect mix of energy and sentiment. 

Despite the belting power and vocal abilities, Hubbard’s goal was to simply perform the music he writes as an escape rather than showcase vocal range or ability.  

The tour had its proper ending at the historic Ryman Auditorium that night with Hubbard planning to continue to keep writing music.  

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This article was written by Emily Garver