Country singer Zach Bryan brought a special surprise to his Nashville concert on Saturday night, inviting viral sensation Hailey Welch, known as the “Hawk Tuah” girl, to join him on stage. The performance took place at Nissan Stadium, where Bryan’s “The Quittin Time” tour was in full swing.
Welch, who became an internet celebrity after a street interview in Downtown Nashville, made her first public appearance since her video went viral. In the interview, she humorously described how to drive a man crazy in bed, coining the phrase “hawk tuah” and demonstrating it with a spit. This quirky moment catapulted her to internet fame, and she has since been affectionately dubbed the “Hawk Tuah” girl.
During the encore of Bryan’s concert, Welch joined him on stage to perform his hit song “Revival.” Dressed in a white tank top, jean shorts, white cowboy boots, and a cowboy hat, Welch looked every bit the part of a country music performer. Bryan, sporting a black muscle tee, jeans, and boots, welcomed her with open arms. The crowd erupted in cheers as Welch enthusiastically shouted her signature “hawk tuah” into the microphone, adding a unique touch to the performance.
The audience’s reaction was overwhelmingly positive, with many fans expressing their excitement on social media. Comments ranged from admiration for Welch’s newfound fame to praise for Bryan’s decision to include her in the show. One fan commented, “Hawk Tuah girl is having the best month of her life. She’ll have stories to tell her grandkids,” while another wrote, “Zach Bryan is a legend for this.”
Welch’s appearance at the concert wasn’t the only highlight of the night. Country star Kacey Musgraves also made a surprise appearance, joining Bryan mid-set to perform their duet “I Remember Everything.” The song, which reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in September 2023, was a crowd favorite and added to the night’s memorable moments.
Despite her viral fame, Welch has managed to stay relatively low-key. She doesn’t have any public social media accounts that she promotes, but she has capitalized on her internet stardom by partnering with Fathead Threads to sell “Hawk Tuah” merchandise. As of earlier this week, Welch has sold over $65,000 worth of merchandise, including hats that sell for $32.78 each. Signed versions of the hats, which are now sold out, went for up to $50.
Welch’s brand manager recently spoke to Rolling Stone, expressing frustration that Welch hasn’t profited directly from the viral video itself. “Of course she hasn’t gotten a dime from the first viral video that went out. Nobody was asking permission for her to do nothing, neither. I just wanted her to get some profit off of this deal,” the manager said.
While Welch’s future in the spotlight remains uncertain, her appearance with Bryan has certainly extended her 15 minutes of fame. The performance has garnered attention from mainstream celebrities like Howard Stern, Joe Rogan, and Conor McGregor, who have all referenced the viral star in recent days.
Bryan’s “The Quittin Time” tour has been notable for its diverse range of guest appearances, from rock legends to NFL quarterbacks. Welch’s inclusion adds a unique twist to the lineup, showcasing Bryan’s willingness to embrace internet culture and bring a touch of humor to his performances.
In addition to his tour, Bryan is gearing up for the release of his upcoming studio album, “The Great American Bar Scene,” set to drop on July 4 through Warner Records. The 18-track project will include 17 songs and a poem, with preview releases like “Pink Skies” and “Purple Gas” already generating buzz. A double vinyl version of the album is also slated for release on October 10.
As Bryan continues to tour and prepare for his album release, fans can look forward to more unexpected moments and guest appearances. Welch’s performance in Nashville is just one example of how Bryan is keeping his shows fresh and exciting for his audience.
For those who missed the live performance, videos of Welch’s appearance with Bryan have been circulating online, capturing the energy and excitement of the night. As Welch continues to navigate her newfound fame, it will be interesting to see what opportunities come her way next.
Source: Rolling Stone, Daily Mail, Tim & Dee TV, Fathead Threads
