Jordan Davis Shares Excitement And Nerves Ahead Of Toby Keith Tribute Performance [Exclusive]

Although Jordan Davis never got the chance to meet Toby Keith, there’s no doubt that his love for music was heavily influenced by the late superstar’s career and because of that, he was “honored” to be asked to take part in the upcoming NBC special, Toby Keith: American Icon. 

“To be here, I truly was just honored to be asked. I was kind of shocked and I never got a chance to meet Toby, but obviously, he was a major influence. I don’t think you can find somebody here tonight that wasn’t influenced by Toby,” Davis told Country Now.

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This week fans will get to see the “I Ain’t Sayin’” singer deliver his rendition of Keith’s 2003 hit, “I Love This Bar” alongside Clay Walker and songwriter Scotty Emerick on guitar. As Davis explained, this song is a true testament to Keith’s ability as an artist to take a simple idea and turn it into something incredible. 

“If somebody would’ve came into a room and said, ‘Hey man, I want to write a song called I Love This Bar,’ I probably would’ve been like, ‘I think we could find something better than that,’ but the way Toby did it was perfect. I think that just speaks to how amazing of a songwriter he was and I’m honored to do that one.”

Additionally, the Louisiana native is set to join Jelly Roll, HARDY, songwriters Jim and Brett Beavers, and the Warren Brothers in a performance of “Red Solo Cup” led by Tyler Hubbard. 

“I hit the jackpot on Toby Keith Hits,” Davis shared. “It is cool for me to be up there. ‘Red Solo Cup,’ Jim Beavers is a buddy of mine who wrote that song. He’s playing it with us and then ‘I Love This Bar,’ I get to perform with Clay Walker, so that’s fun. It’s going to be a special night.”

Along with all the excitement he’s feeling, Davis also admitted that he has “never been more nervous” to get on stage and deliver some of the most beloved tracks of Keith’s career, knowing that members of the singer’s family will be sitting side stage to watch it all unfold. 

“I’m excited to get up there and sing these songs. That means so much to so many people and get to honor him that way.” 

Filmed in front of a live, sold-out audience at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on July 29, Toby Keith: American Icon will also feature performances by Trace Adkins, Priscilla Block, Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Priscilla Block, Scotty Emerick, Brantley Gilbert, Riley Green, HARDY, Jamey Johnson, Krystal Keith, Ella Langley, Mac McAnally, Ashley McBryde, Parker McCollum, Leanne Morgan, Jelly Roll, Darius Rucker, Carrie Underwood, and Lainey Wilson.

Keith’s compassion and philanthropy will be highlighted throughout the special as the event supported Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt and The Toby Keith Foundation’s OK Kids Korral. Families from both organizations will share their stories of receiving vital care and support during their most challenging times.

The two-hour special, showcasing musical tributes, personal stories, and highlights from Toby Keith’s remarkable career, will air on Wednesday, August 28 at 9 pm ET/PT on NBC, with streaming available the following day on Peacock.

With 32 No.1 singles and 40 million albums sold, Toby Keith is regarded as one of country music’s biggest hitmakers. He wrote a chart-topping hit every year for 20 consecutive years, including “How Do You Like Me Now?!,” “Courtesy of the Red, White, & Blue (The Angry American),” “I Love This Bar,” “Beer For My Horses,” and “As Good As I Once Was.”

He has received the National Medal of Arts, been inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame (following his induction into the all-genre Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2015), and has been honored with the Academy of Country Music’s esteemed Merle Haggard Spirit Award.

Throughout his career, the Oklahoma native received the BMI Icon Award as well as the BMI Country Songwriter of the Year award three times, and his hit single “As Good As I Once Was” was awarded BMI’s Country Song of the Year in 2006.

His music has garnered more than 10 billion streams and 100 million terrestrial radio spins to date.