Stephen Wilson Jr. emerged as a breakout force in 2025, steadily adding new milestones to an already illustrious career resume.
Following the release of his 2023 debut album søn of dad, the Indiana-born singer-songwriter released a deluxe version of that critically-acclaimed album, and also issued the EP Blankets, which featured cover versions of rock songs from The Smashing Pumpkins, Nirvana and more.
He had not one, but two, performance slots at the 2025 CMA Awards. Wilson Jr. not only gave a top-tier acoustic rendition of Ben E. King’s classic “Stand By Me,” but also teamed with Shaboozey for a collaboration on “Took a Walk.” Both Wilson Jr. and Shaboozey were nominated for new artist of the year at the CMAs.
Wilson Jr. commanded several high-profile performances this year, performing the national anthem during 2025’s NFL Draft, and making his headlining debut at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium in November, spearheading two shows at the iconic venue. In addition to embarking on his søn of dad headlining tour, he joined HARDY’s Jim Bob World Tour, opened for Eric Church at Red Rocks and made his Newport Folk Festival debut. Wilson Jr. also released collaborations with Noah Cyrus and Dierks Bentley this year.
Wilson Jr. gave fans a deep look into his whirlwind 2025 by posting a recent video on social media, highlighting moments both on and offstage.
Among the many impactful moments in the clip is one that takes place backstage at one of Wilson Jr.’s Ryman Auditorium shows, when HARDY surprised him backstage with a painting of famed boxer Joe Louis, painted by Mellencamp.
“Happy end of tour gift,” HARDY is seen telling Wilson Jr. in the video.
Wilson Jr. captioned the video, “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.” He continued, “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.”
In 2026, he’ll headline the Gary the Torch Tour, which launches March 6 in Columbus, Ohio.
See the video below:
This story originally appeared on Billboard
