ERNEST has likely played his fair share of stressful shows throughout his career, but none quite like this. Over the weekend, the “Flower Shops” singer had the honor of performing the first dance song at Jamey Johnson’s wedding—a moment that is going to be hard to top.
The country star covered Chris LeDoux’s tender love song of 1988, “Look At You Girl” for the Grammy-nominated artist and his bride, Brittney Eakins, during their first dance as husband and wife. The setting was as intimate as the song as it was just ERNEST and his guitar.
“I have played some nerve racking moments,” ERNEST wrote on Instagram, sharing a short snippet of the performance. “But singing the first dance song for @jameyjohnsonofficial takes the (wedding) cake.”
The Official Request
Also in the post was a few screenshots of their text conversation leading up to the big night. Johnson can be seen asking ERNEST to take on the special task. “Will you sing our first dance?” he asked, adding that he wanted “Look At You Girl” to be the memorable track.
ERNEST, while surely honored by the ask, told Johnson that he wanted to try out the song on his own first before giving a solid answer.
He humbly responded, “I’m going to my hotel room with the Guitar now to see how comfortable I can get with it. Would it just be me and acoustic? I’ll give you a solid answer by the end of day, I do not wanna f**k up your first dance song LMAO”.
ERNEST Was Johnson’s Top Choice
The “In Color” singer has written hits and collaborated with countless superstars throughout his career, but he assured ERNEST that he was the number one choice for the job.
“It’s a tradition with me,” Johnson said. “I’ve sang that song at so many weddings. You’re the only one I know that would appreciate the tradition and do it the justice it deserves.”
He then jokingly added, “I’d sing it to her myself but I gotta do all the manual labor on this job myself.”
Fill Video Unveiled
Needless to say, ERNEST pulled it off with ease. Fans were so touched by the brief clip of the performance, that they requested the release of the full version. The Tennessee native happily compiled and dropped the entire video in a second Instagram post.
This time, he wrote, “Here’s the whole thing… “Look At You Girl” by Chris LeDoux LIVE at @jameyjohnsonofficial’s wedding… For his first dance… Per request… an honor.”
The footage that was captured from above the dance floor shows the happy newlyweds swaying together, with ERNEST’s acoustic version setting the perfect mood on the stage. Right before the final line of the chorus, Jamey Johnson dips his new wife, and the crowd erupts in cheers.
The heartfelt tune first appeared on LeDoux’s album, Chris LeDoux and the Saddle Boogie Band, but was later re-released on his 1992 record Whatcha Gonna Do With A Cowboy.
The soft, sentimental lyrics speaks to the kind of powerful love that makes a man feel like he can take on any challenges that come his way as long as his woman is by his side, making it the perfect first dance song.
“You mean everything to me/ And I’d do anything to have you stay forever/ I’m an ordinary man/ But I feel like I could do anything in the world/ When I look at you, girl,” ERNEST proudly sang in the stripped-down performance.
The Alabama native exchanged vows with his bride, Brittney Eakins, in Tennessee. While Johnson typically keeps his personal life out of public eye, ERNEST gave fans a rare look into the private celebration.
It’s unclear when the couple began dating, however her Facebook page dates their first photos together back to 2020. Then in 2023, she posted a picture of a stunning ring, marking their engagement.
The post ERNEST Delivers Heartfelt First Dance Performance For Jamey Johnson’s Wedding appeared first on Country Now.