As the clock struck midnight in Nashville on December 31, 2025, the city’s legendary music scene was alive with energy—and at its heart stood Stephen Wilson Jr., delivering a stirring rendition of “Stand By Me” during the five-hour CBS special, New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash. The performance at Bicentennial Park wasn’t just another gig; it was the exclamation point on a year that saw Wilson Jr. transform from a promising up-and-comer into one of country music’s most talked-about new stars. The crowd, swept up in the soulful power of his voice, sang along, making it clear: this was a moment to remember.
According to American Songwriter, Wilson Jr. was far from alone in ringing in the new year. The event boasted an all-star lineup, with Jason Aldean, Lainey Wilson, Bailey Zimmerman, CeCe Winans, and the Fisk Jubilee Singers headlining Bicentennial Park. Meanwhile, other Nashville venues pulsed with performances from Dierks Bentley, Brooks & Dunn, Rascal Flatts, Riley Green, Megan Moroney, Zach Top, Keith Urban, and Gretchen Wilson. At Category 10—the official watch party—Dwight Yoakam and Marcus King took the stage, while hosts Bert Kreischer and Hardy kept the five-hour broadcast lively, joined by comedian Dusty Slay, Entertainment Tonight’s Cassie DiLaura, Sirius XM’s Buzz Brainard, and UFC champion Kayla Harrison.
For Stephen Wilson Jr., this high-profile performance capped a year packed with milestones. As Billboard reports, 2025 was nothing short of a breakout year for the Indiana-born singer-songwriter. After releasing his debut album søn of dad in 2023, Wilson Jr. followed up with a deluxe edition and, in August 2025, the EP Blankets. That project saw him putting his own lush, emotionally rich spin on songs by Nirvana, Temple of the Dog, The Postal Service, and The Smashing Pumpkins. In his own words, “These songs are songs I grew up listening to. Warm blankets that I can always rely on to take me back. Blankets make people warmer than they were. That is the goal. These productions are intentionally lush and denser than the originals. Four covers to perhaps sort through in the hall closet to help get us through the night. Pull the string on the light.”
But Wilson Jr. wasn’t content to rest on covers. Throughout 2025, he released collaborations that showcased his versatility and knack for connection. He teamed up with Shaboozey for “Took a Walk (from The Long Walk)”—a track that would later see them both nominated for New Artist of the Year at the CMA Awards—and with Noah Cyrus for “If There’s a Heaven.” He also released a collaboration with Dierks Bentley, further expanding his musical reach. His ability to move fluidly between genres and partners has become a defining feature of his artistry.
Wilson Jr.’s live performances in 2025 were equally impressive. He performed twice at the 2025 CMA Awards: first, a commanding solo acoustic rendition of Ben E. King’s classic “Stand By Me,” and then a collaboration with Shaboozey on “Took a Walk.” The CMA nods and performances were just the tip of the iceberg. He sang the national anthem at the 2025 NFL Draft, marking a high-profile moment that brought his voice to a massive audience well beyond the country music faithful. November saw him making his headlining debut at Nashville’s iconic Ryman Auditorium—two sold-out shows that, as Billboard noted, signaled his arrival as a star in his own right.
Touring became a central theme of Wilson Jr.’s whirlwind year. He not only headlined his own søn of dad tour but joined HARDY’s Jim Bob World Tour and opened for Eric Church at the legendary Red Rocks Amphitheatre. He also made his debut at the Newport Folk Festival, a testament to his cross-genre appeal and growing reputation as a live performer who can hold any stage. As Music Row observed, Wilson Jr.’s acceptance among both country and rock audiences is a rare feat, rooted in an authenticity that’s hard to fake and easy to love.
One of the most heartfelt moments of the year came during his Ryman Auditorium run. On the first night, Wilson Jr. brought out his friend and mentor HARDY for a rendition of “Father’s Son.” After the show, HARDY presented Wilson Jr. with a painting of boxing legend Joe Louis, created by John Mellencamp—who, like Wilson Jr., hails from Seymour, Indiana. The gift, given as an end-of-tour present, left Wilson Jr. visibly moved. “He gave me the coolest after-tour gift that I’ve ever seen given on planet Earth,” Wilson Jr. said, adding, “It’ll go up as the centerpiece of my house. It’ll be what everyone sees when they walk in my house… there’s not enough gratitude for a present that good.” The painting, now immortalized in a year-end video Wilson Jr. posted on social media, stands as a symbol of both his roots and the deep connections he’s forged in the industry.
Reflecting on the whirlwind of 2025, Wilson Jr. shared a candid message with fans: “a lot can happen in a year…one very much on the run like a feral dog from a salt-shot gun, more than our legs are used to perhaps but ready they are. besides a set of days what is a year anyway? a collection of time or memories combined. whatever it is it was a hell of one. thank you to all of you that were there. it’s not always easy to be somewhere. it takes more than showing up and damn did you all show up. humans unfurled. now it’s time to slow it down going under frozen ground, but not for long for Spring is near. see you soon in the newest year. love y’all like no other world.”
With 2025 now in the rearview mirror, Wilson Jr. is gearing up for what promises to be another banner year. The Gary the Torch Tour kicks off March 6, 2026, in Columbus, Ohio, and will wind through major cities including Toronto, Boston, Brooklyn, Philadelphia, Denver, and ultimately wrap up on April 25 in Chicago, Illinois. The 17-date tour is already generating buzz, with tickets available on major platforms. Wilson Jr. is also slated to open for Eric Church on select dates and is booked for several festivals throughout 2026, including appearances at the Mile 0 Festival in Key West, Railbird Music Festival in Lexington, and Under the Big Sky Festival in Whitefish, Montana.
Industry watchers are keen to see if Wilson Jr. can sustain his momentum. Given the breadth of his achievements in 2025—critically acclaimed releases, high-profile collaborations, major festival slots, and emotional live moments—it’s hard to bet against him. As his star continues to rise, one thing is clear: Stephen Wilson Jr. isn’t just passing through Music City—he’s helping to redefine it.
With a new year and a new tour on the horizon, fans and industry insiders alike are watching closely. If 2025 was any indication, Stephen Wilson Jr. is just getting started.
