The Three Country Powerhouses Who Opened For Morgan Wallen In Tampa And Why They Matter Now
The energy in Tampa, Florida, reached a fever pitch for the Morgan Wallen concert, and the sheer star power of the opening acts made the event a legendary night for country music fans. The highly-anticipated "One Night at a Time" World Tour stop at Raymond James Stadium on July 11 and 12, 2024, featured not one, but three of the genre's most compelling artists. This massive lineup, which included the breakout stars Jelly Roll, Nate Smith, and the traditionalist Bryan Martin, ensured that the show was an all-day festival of hits and raw talent. As of December 25, 2025, this Tampa event remains one of the most talked-about stops from the tour, showcasing a perfect blend of established stardom and rising country music forces.
The selection of these specific openers highlights Morgan Wallen's commitment to curating a diverse and dynamic show, giving a platform to artists who represent the past, present, and future of country music. While Wallen has announced his "I'm The Problem Tour" for 2025, which includes a major stop in Miami, the Tampa 2024 lineup is the most recent blueprint for the caliber of talent fans can expect on his stadium runs.
Morgan Wallen: The RIAA's Highest Certified Country Artist
Morgan Cole Wallen, born May 13, 1993, in Sneedville, Tennessee, has become an undeniable force in music, transitioning from a contestant on The Voice in 2014 to the RIAA's highest-certified country artist of all time.
- Full Name: Morgan Cole Wallen
- Born: May 13, 1993 (Age 32 as of 2025)
- Hometown: Sneedville, Tennessee
- Career Start: Competed on Season 6 of The Voice (2014).
- Breakthrough Albums: Dangerous: The Double Album (2021) and One Thing at a Time (2023).
- Recent Career Milestone (2024-2025): Wallen became the RIAA's highest certified country artist of all time, surpassing all previous records. His albums Dangerous and One Thing at a Time are both certified nine-times platinum.
- Recent Hits: "Last Night," which broke numerous streaming records, and the 2025 single "I'm The Problem."
- Current Tour: The "One Night at a Time" World Tour, which extended into 2024, and the new "I'm The Problem Tour" announced for 2025.
The Breakout Star: Jelly Roll’s Redemption Story on Stage
The most high-profile opener for the Tampa show was undoubtedly Jelly Roll, born Jason Bradley DeFord. His inclusion on the stadium tour was a massive draw, bringing his unique blend of country, rock, and hip-hop to the massive crowd at Raymond James Stadium.
Jelly Roll’s career trajectory is one of the most compelling stories in music. Known for his candid lyrics about addiction, mental health, and his past struggles, including time spent in prison, his music deeply resonates with fans. His recent success has been meteoric, turning him into a mainstream phenomenon. He was named the CMA New Artist of the Year in 2023 and received a nomination for Best New Artist at the Grammy Awards, solidifying his status as a major player in Nashville.
Fans in Tampa were treated to hits from his album Whitsitt Chapel, including the chart-topping singles "Need a Favor" and "Son of a Sinner." His powerful, raw stage presence and message of redemption provided the perfect emotional lead-up to Wallen's headlining set. Furthermore, his recent public commitment to health and fitness, including a significant weight loss journey, has kept him in the headlines and further endeared him to his growing fanbase.
The Rising Country-Rock Voice: Nate Smith
Joining the lineup was the powerhouse vocalist Nate Smith, a country singer known for his rich, warm voice and ability to seamlessly blend soulful country with rock influences. Smith's path to stardom is equally inspiring, having survived the devastating 2018 Camp Fire in Paradise, California, which destroyed his home and possessions.
Smith’s career exploded after his song "Wildfire" went viral, leading to a major label deal with Sony Music Nashville. In 2024, his hard work was recognized when he won the prestigious ACM New Male Artist of the Year award. His self-titled debut album is a critical success, featuring multi-week No. 1 hits like "Whiskey On You," which became a staple on country radio and a sing-along favorite in Tampa. His performance at Raymond James Stadium provided the rock-tinged energy that perfectly complemented the stadium atmosphere, proving why he is one of Nashville's most compelling new voices.
The Traditionalist: Bryan Martin and His Authentic Sound
Completing the trio of openers was Bryan Martin, an artist who grounds the lineup in traditional country music. Martin, a native of Logansport, Louisiana, is known for his authentic, working-class storytelling and a sound influenced by the classic country artists he grew up listening to.
Martin's career gained significant traction with his first charted entry, the single "We Ride," in 2023 and 2024. His raw, honest songwriting style, often written "for fun" on the side, sets him apart from many contemporary artists. The Tampa crowd experienced the depth of his songwriting, which often touches on themes of faith, struggle, and small-town life. A major highlight in his recent career was his Grand Ole Opry debut in August, and the release of his powerful new single "Help," followed by the EP *1976* with Struggle Jennings, further cementing his place as a purveyor of true-to-life country music.
The Legacy of the Tampa Lineup
The Morgan Wallen Tampa concert in 2024 was more than just a tour stop; it was a snapshot of the current landscape of country music. The combination of Jelly Roll’s genre-bending anthems, Nate Smith’s powerful country-rock vocals, and Bryan Martin’s traditional storytelling offered a comprehensive musical experience for every type of country fan. The show’s massive success demonstrates the immense drawing power of a carefully curated lineup.
While fans eagerly await the possibility of a Tampa date on the newly announced "I'm The Problem Tour" in 2025, the legacy of the "One Night at a Time" stop—featuring three artists who have all achieved significant milestones and chart success in the last two years—will be remembered as one of the most stacked and exciting concert bills to ever hit Raymond James Stadium.
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